We understand that moving in the winter can bring with it additional worries. Concerns about bad weather, dark evenings and Christmas closures can all add to the stress. Not that the weather in the UK is all that predictable even in the summer!
We’ve pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked regarding moving in the winter season. But if you have additional questions or are after house removal quotes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly team.
What will happen if there’s bad weather?
In reality, the weather is rarely so bad in Yorkshire that we can’t physically complete a move. We have over 50 years of removals expertise and have plenty of experience handling a variety of weather! If the forecast is looking bad a few days before your move, speak to us to discuss if there’s anything we need to do to prepare.
If it’s looking like there will be heavy rain, is there anything I should do in advance of the move?
Preparation is key. Good quality moving boxes will help – anything cheap will go soggy and potentially disintegrate if they get wet. Make sure things are well wrapped inside boxes. We’ll have covers for furniture which we’ll use. You may also want to consider how best to protect flooring. You don’t want new carpets being ruined! People won’t be able to keep taking their shoes on and off so you might want to get some floor protectors. Cardboard boxes or towels can also be used but please make sure there’s no trip hazards.
What if it’s icy outside, or there’s snow?
Try and clear a safe path from wherever the removal van will be parked to your door. It’s a good idea to have a bag of salt ready for this, just in case, and keep a shovel or snow plough handy.
Should I leave the heating on?
Doors will likely be open a lot of the day, so it’s probably not worth having your heating on. Some people create a designated warm room with a heater so if people need to defrost a bit they can go in there! Layers are a good idea as it can get warm running around even in cold weather. Make sure there’s a kettle handy for warm drinks too.
Will it be ok for my children and pets to be around on move day?
It’s entirely up to you if you want children and pets to be there on the day. We just ask that they’re kept safely away from the removal team so there’s no escapes or tumbles! Most people find it easier to ask someone else to look after them for the day – particularly if there’s dogs or another animal which could make a run for it through an open door, or which might get upset with so many people in the house. They’d likely be more comfortable somewhere warm and quiet!
I assume removal companies are less busy in the winter so I don’t need to book as far in advance?
Over recent years we’ve found ourselves busy all year round so we definitely wouldn’t recommend leaving it until the last minute to secure a removal company. It’s well worth finding the one you want early on in the house buying process and getting removal prices so you can then proceed quickly once you know your moving date.
Are there any essential items I should remember?
As with the above questions, having some grit and a shovel makes sense if it’s icy/snowy, and having a kettle to hand is always a good idea! We also recommend (whatever time of year) that people have an essentials box they keep with them in their own vehicle. This should include things like light bulbs (some people take them with them when they leave!), torches, candles, any medicines or special foods you might need, toilet roll, handwash, a screwdriver, gloves and hats and so on. It’s also a good idea to make sure bedding and nightwear is somewhere handy/easy to access just in case it’s a late one and you want to get sorted and get to bed or there’s an issue with the heating and you need to warm up!
If you’re looking for house removals in York, Leeds, Harrogate, Wakefield or beyond, get in touch to find out how we could make your move as hassle free as possible.
Don’t forget we’re also here for storage units in Leeds, York, Huddersfield, Wakefield and Harrogate and if you’re thinking of Googling ‘shredding services near me’ – look no further!