With the right strategies and mindset, mobility programs that have employees relocating and shipping their household goods in the cooler temperatures can navigate the snow and ice with ease. Here are 7 tips from Cornerstone to ensure your winter move goes smoothly:

1. Open Lines of Communication

One of the most crucial aspects of a winter move is communication with your moving company. Keep in touch with your movers to stay updated on any weather-related delays or changes to the move schedule. Clear, frequent, two-way communication can help mitigate potential issues and ensure a smoother moving process at a time when weather can change frequently and impact service delivery.

2. Safety First

When nasty weather strikes, prioritize safety. The best moving companies adhere to strict safety standards, especially when it comes to transporting goods in winter conditions. Drivers are responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of their crew, truck, and its contents. They have experience navigating icy roads and are equipped to handle any unexpected challenges that may arise. Trust them! When it comes to the delivery of your belongings, the driver reserves the right to pull over and pause a route due to weather or other dangerous conditions. It’s good for relocating employees to be aware that nature may have other plans for packing or delivery schedules.

3. Prepare for Inclement Weather

Stay one step ahead of Mother Nature by preparing for inclement weather well in advance. This guidance applies to both the departure and destination locations. Stock up on essential supplies like salt, shovels, or even a snow blower to help make your move safer and more manageable for yourself and your moving team. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to clear paths when it snows or possibly adjust your plans accordingly.

4. Stay Aware of Local Regulations

Different regions have different regulations when it comes to winter weather, with a range of weather ordinances ranging from route closures in rural or mountain areas to snow plowing schedules, to restrictions on street or general parking during snowstorms. Familiarize yourself with local ordinances and guidelines and discuss a final route with your driver. Drivers tend to know the safest route. Open communication will help set realistic timing expectations and ensure safety.

5. Be Strategic

If you plan to drive to your new location, prioritize essential items such as warm clothing, blankets, and hot beverages, keeping them easily accessible during transit. Having these items with you during your drive helps you be prepared in case weather disrupts your household goods shipment from arriving on time.  Be sure to keep these items separate during pack and load, so the crew does not accidentally place them in your shipment.

6. Protect Your Home

If the weather is tricky on the big moving day, take steps to protect your home from the elements as well as the traffic and movement that comes with packing or delivering household goods. The moving crew will apply floor protection inside your home before they begin, however, they will rely on you to clear stairways and pathways of snow and ice and provide them with easily accessible areas to remove or deliver items to ensure a safe and smooth transition.

7. Plan for Delays

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it's essential to build flexibility into your moving schedule. Allow extra time for travel and be prepared for potential delays due to road conditions or inclement weather. Having a contingency plan in place can help alleviate stress and ensure that your move stays on track.

Our Thoughts on Winter Moves

Moves that occur during the winter, or cold weather months, have unique considerations and sometimes challenges, due to the unpredictability of the weather. However, there are benefits related to relocating outside of peak moving season in the summer months.
 
At Cornerstone, we help navigate and weather-proof winter-month moves with careful planning, open communication, and a focus on safety. By following the tips shared in this blog, navigating the challenges of a winter move can be a bit easier. With comprehensive support from your relocation management team, relocating during the cold months can be a [cool] breeze that leaves you embracing everything the winter season has to offer.