Moving in the Winter in Canada: How to Prepare
Everyone jokes about the winter in Canada: the bitter cold, the mountains of snow, and the layers of ice that all serve to make going anywhere or doing anything difficult (except for ice hockey or skating). Who would want to move in weather like that? Sometimes, you have no choice. The experience doesn’t have to be stressful or unpleasant, though. Here are some tips from experienced movers in Toronto for preparing for a winter move in Canada.
Heat Things Up
Be careful about setting the date to cancel your utilities. You want your heating to remain on until the very last minute. Not only will you stay warm, but anything that needs a warm environment (such as plants or pets) will survive as well.
Clear a Path
The annual average snowfall for most major Canadian cities is at least 40 centimeters. That means there’s a good chance that you’ll see snow outside your window on the day you move. You can’t control the weather, much as you would like to. However, you can be prepared. Stay tuned to your local weather forecast. If there is wet, white stuff on the ground, get your shovel out and clear a path for the movers from their truck to your door. Don’t like shoveling? Pay one of the neighborhood kids to do it for you. Put down salt, gravel or kitty litter to prevent slips and falls.
Protect Your Floors…
You and the movers will be going in and out of the house during the course of the move. Keep your flooring in good condition and avoid slips. The movers will protect your floors.
…And Your Belongings
While you might enjoy the winter, electronics, artwork and furniture don’t. How do you protect them from the elements? Many electronic devices come with manufacturer’s instructions, which include information about packing them. If you don’t have the manufacturer’s instructions, look them up online. If you’ve got the space, try to save the packaging for electronics, which will protect them best. However, if you don’t, don’t worry about it. Wrap them and pack them carefully, then cover the boxes so they do not get wet.
Like electronics, artwork also needs to be protected. Pictures and sculptures should be packed in padded crates, and then covered so they don’t get wet. If you’re moving far away, consider shipping them by air to ensure they arrive at their destination safely.
Furniture should also be protected with a rainproof covering. If you’ve got outdoor furniture, make sure it’s dry before it travels to your new home.
No matter what category of belongings you’ve got, the best way to protect them is to ensure that they get onto the truck and do not sit outside in the snow or cold.
Don’t Pack Everything
Even if you’re pretty sure it’s not going to snow the day of your move, don’t pack your shovels, warm clothes, hats, gloves, etc. Weather can be highly unpredictable, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Choose an Experienced Mover
Whether you’re moving across the country or across the city, pick a moving company that has experience, especially moving clients in winter. Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd., based in Toronto, is that company. We’ve got experience in international shipping, long distance moving and shorter moves. Our employees are courteous, professional and experienced.
When you choose Orbit, you’re picking a moving company that’s a proud member of the International Association of Movers and the International Movers Network. That means that we have to uphold the highest standards of customer service to be a part of these two organizations. And that’s why our movers always arrive on time, with the right trucks, the right equipment, the right packing materials, and the right team.
Call us today to receive a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll show you why we’ve got so many repeat customers.
