Moving House During NZ Winter
Moving house during New Zealand winter. It can be a lot of people’s worst nightmare… apart from the packing and organising needed. Actually moving house in winter time is a thought many people would dread. Wind, rain, limited daylight and cold weather conditions make the moving process more difficult, and sometimes dangerous. But by following certain strategies, problems can be averted.
Book a professional removals company
Employing professional movers will not only take some of the work off your already busy plate, but will also help reduce the impact of bad weather. The Smooth Mover staff are trained to handle bad weather situations and will come well prepared for your move. They are trained to lift and carry things properly in slippery or wet conditions. They will take practical steps to ensure your belongings are protected from the elements as best as able. They will (where appropriate and safe to do so) put floor protectors down to minimise mess at both properties. They will pack and load the moving truck quickly and professionally, saving you the discomfort and work of yourself traipsing to and fro in the cold.
Book Early
The Smooth Mover is busy, so it pays to book early to avoid disappointment. Fridays and Saturdays tend to fill particularly early (Fridays being the most common day for settlement transactions). Extra demand on these days means that we can get booked up very early. But regardless of day of the week, we advise booking your carrier as early as able. Providing as much information as possible about your move requirements (quantity, access and timings) ensures correct scheduling and estimates of time needed to complete your move safely.
Be ready for the weather
Bad weather has the potential to delay your move, through extra traffic on the roads (and the inevitable accidents that slow Auckland to a grind). Moves scheduled prior to your own taking longer than they otherwise would in dry conditions. If the weather does delay your move, communication is key – The Smooth Mover will keep you fully informed. You can in turn do the same with the other parties involved. Do make sure you have correct contact details of important people at hand, such as your solicitor and estate agent. Check your weather for today with the Metservice
Get extra help
If you’re really pushed for time and want to get settled as quickly as possible then you might want to consider using the extra services on offer – getting help with both packing & unpacking will ease your work and stress levels (see www.movingnz.co.nz). Also ask friends and family to assist if able to get you settled quickly.
Boxes and labelling
It is especially important in winter to use quality boxes which will withstand a few spots of rain, without collapsing, or damaging the contents. And don’t forget to label your boxes carefully before the move, especially mark those essential items that you will need first. Make sure the ‘room of destination’ (eg. Kitchen or Master Bedroom) is clearly labelled on each box. Speak to your carrier about supplying quality boxes. The Smooth Mover sells both new and used boxes, with a buy-back system in place.
Talk to your vendors about heating
Consider speaking to the previous occupants of your new home about the heating and how to operate it. This will let you quickly get your new home warm for comfort and safety. Surely nothing is worse than spending the first night in your new home freezing cold!
More information below
Pack an Essentials Box
Always pack an essentials box with the weather in mind… in winter, a kettle, tea, coffee, soup and mugs are top of the list. Don’t forget some snacks to keep your energy up too. And make sure you keep warm clothes accessible. If you can’t get someone to watch the children for the day, then remember to pack toys and books in your essentials box to keep them entertained. Keep a bag packed ready in your car with a fresh, warm change of clothes, some towels and toiletries.
Think about your floors
Moving furniture and boxes out and back in at your new property in winter brings a risk of dirtying your flooring. Winter weather means wet and dirtied shoes coming repeatedly into your home. Make sure you inform your carrier on the type of floors you have at your new home. This will enable us to create an appropriate plan, including floor protection where practical. Wet laminate, tiled or polished floors can be a real health and safety risk. Extreme caution needs to be taken to avoid slips and falls that could hurt people or damage your furniture.
Driveway access
The Smooth Mover will always endeavour to supply the most appropriate sized truck(s) for your move requirements. Contemplating both the quantity to be moved, but also ability to get into driveways and park in close proximity to entrance points. It is sometimes inevitable for the moving men to walk up wet, slippery paths, and sometimes across wet grass. If your driveway is mossy and slippery, consider having it water-blasted prior to moving. This will make it safer for everyone to get in and out, but also enhance the look of your home prior to selling and/or moving out.