Moving in the winter in Maine is hard but it can be done with a good plan. You need to keep the snow away and make sure everyone stays warm during the long day. Gordon’s Moving has been helping people in Lewiston for many years so we know about the cold weather. The best way to have a good move is to start early and be ready for the ice. We will show you how to protect your boxes and your new home from the freezing wind. If you follow these twelve tips, your big day will go very smooth and you will stay happy. Our team is here to help you every step of the way even when it is snowing outside.
1. Watch the Weather Report Every Day
You must look at the news to see if a big storm is coming to Maine. Winter Moving means you might have to change your plans if there is too much snow. We want you to stay safe on the roads when you are driving the truck. If the wind is too strong, it is better to wait for a clear sky the next morning. You should check the weather on your phone at least three times a day. This helps you know if you need to buy extra salt or shovels for the ice. It is also good to tell your movers if you see a storm starting to form. Planning ahead makes the whole process much less scary for your family.
2. Clear All the Snow and Ice Early
You need to make sure the paths to your front door are very clear. Moving in Maine requires a lot of shoveling before the big moving truck even arrives.
- Shovel the driveway so the truck can park close to the house.
- Put down plenty of salt so nobody slips while carrying heavy boxes.
- Clear a wide path on the sidewalk for the large furniture pieces.
- Check the back door and the garage for any hidden patches of ice.
- Make sure the stairs are dry so everyone stays on their feet.
- Clear a spot for the movers to stand while they load the ramp. Keeping the ground dry is the best way to avoid a bad fall. Our team at Gordon’s Moving wants everyone to finish the day without any boo-boos or hurt backs.
3. Protect Your Floors from Mud and Salt
Snow and salt can make a big mess on your nice clean carpets. You should put down old blankets or plastic sheets to catch the dirt. This keeps the water from soaking into the wood floors in your new home. You can also use large pieces of cardboard to create a safe walking path. We suggest having a special spot near the door for people to wipe their boots. If you don’t protect the floors, you will have a lot of cleaning to do later. It is much easier to throw away dirty plastic than to scrub a whole rug. Your new house will stay beautiful and dry if you take this extra step.
4. Keep the Utilities Turned On
It is very important to have the heat running in both of your houses. You do not want to be freezing while you are trying to unpack your kitchen. Make sure the lights work so you can see where you are walking in the dark. In Maine, the sun goes down very early during the cold winter months. Having a warm house makes everyone feel much better when they take a break. You should also check that the water is working so you can wash your hands. If the pipes get too cold, they could pop and cause a very big mess. Keeping the heat on low will save you from a lot of trouble and cold toes.
5. Pack Your Fragile Items with Extra Care
Cold air can make some things like glass and plastic break very easily. You should wrap your plates and cups in thick bubble wrap or warm towels. When you are Winter Moving, the items in the truck can get very chilly. Electronics like computers and TVs do not like the freezing Maine air at all. It is smart to keep your most expensive items in your warm car instead of the truck. This way they stay at the same temperature and do not get any cracks. We always tell our customers to use strong boxes that won’t get soft if they get wet. Taking a little more time to pack will keep your treasures safe for a long time.
6. Dress in Plenty of Warm Layers
You should wear many clothes so you can stay warm while working outside. Moving in Maine is hard work and you will get hot and then cold again.
- Wear a thick coat that is easy to move your arms in.
- Put on a hat to keep the heat from leaving your head.
- Use gloves that have a good grip for holding onto heavy boxes.
- Wear thick socks so your toes do not get numb in the snow.
- Choose boots that are waterproof so your feet stay dry all day.
- Bring an extra sweater in case you get a little bit chilly later. If you get too hot, you can just take one layer off and feel better. Being comfortable helps you work faster and stay in a much better mood.
7. Start Your Move as Early as Possible
The winter days in Maine are very short and get dark by four in the afternoon. You should start loading the truck as soon as the sun comes up. This gives you more time to drive slowly and safely on the icy roads. Gordon’s Moving likes to get a head start so we can finish before it gets hard to see. If you start late, you might be carrying heavy couches in the dark. That is when people tend to trip or lose their way on the path. Getting an early start also means you can be eating dinner in your new home sooner. You will feel much more relaxed if you are not rushing against the sunset.
8. Prepare Your Car for the Cold Trip
Your own car needs to be ready for the drive to the new house too. Make sure you have plenty of gas so the heater can stay running. Check your tires to see if they are good for driving on the Maine snow. You should keep an ice scraper and a small shovel in the trunk just in case. It is also smart to have a first aid kit and some extra blankets. If you get stuck, you want to be able to stay warm until help arrives. We want your whole family to get to the new place without any car trouble. A well-prepared car is a safe car for a winter journey across the state.
9. Have Warm Drinks and Snacks Ready
Everyone will be very happy if there is hot cocoa or coffee to drink. Winter Moving takes a lot of energy and your body needs food to stay warm. You can keep a big thermos of soup or tea near the door for everyone.
- Small snacks like granola bars are great for a quick boost of energy.
- Hot cider is a sweet treat that makes the house smell like a home.
- Bottled water is still important even though it is cold outside.
- Make sure there are enough cups for the movers and your family.
- Keep the snacks in a spot that is easy for everyone to reach.
- A warm belly makes the heavy lifting feel much easier for everyone. Taking a five-minute break for a warm drink can help everyone work much harder. It shows that you care about the people helping you on your big day.
10. Use Large Plastic Bins for Important Stuff
Cardboard boxes can get soggy if they sit in the snow for too long. You should use plastic bins for things that must stay dry like clothes. These bins are very strong and they stack well in the back of the truck. Moving in Maine means dealing with slush that can soak through paper very fast. You can find these bins at many stores in Lewiston for a low price. They also have handles which makes them much easier to carry up the stairs. Once you are done moving, you can use the bins for storage in your basement. It is a smart way to keep your things safe from the winter dampness.
11. Be Flexible with Your Moving Schedule
Sometimes the Maine winter is just too mean to allow a safe move. You should have a backup day chosen just in case a blizzard hits. Gordon’s Moving understands that safety always comes first for our customers and staff. If the roads are closed, it is okay to wait for the plow trucks to finish. Being flexible means you won’t get stressed out if things change a little bit. We will work with you to find the next best time to get you moved. It is better to arrive a day late than to have an accident on the ice. Staying calm will help your whole family feel better about the big change.
12. Hire Professional Movers Who Know Maine
The best tip we can give is to let the experts at Gordon’s Moving help you. We have the right tools and big trucks to handle the Winter Moving season. Our team knows exactly how to drive on the slippery hills of Lewiston. We bring extra equipment to make sure your furniture stays dry and very safe. You won’t have to worry about hurting your back or getting too cold. We take the hard work off your shoulders so you can enjoy your new home. Hiring pros is the fastest way to make sure everything stays right on schedule. We love helping our neighbors move even when the snow is falling down hard.
Conclusion
Moving in the winter can be a big adventure if you are ready for it. By following these twelve tips, you can keep your family safe and your things dry. Remember to keep the paths clear and stay warm with lots of layers. Gordon’s Moving is always ready to help you with your next big move in Maine. We have the experience to make sure everything goes perfectly from start to finish. You can call us today to talk about your plans and get a free quote. We hope your new home is warm and full of happy memories this winter season. Stay safe out there and give us a call if you need a helping hand!
