Imagine you are carrying boxes through a snowstorm in Brooklyn. You have to walk because a lot of people are walking on the sidewalk. Then you slip on some ice on the stairs of a building. This is what it is like to move to a place in New York City during the winter.
This guide will show you what to do one step at a time so you can make your winter move to New York City easier keep your things safe, from the cold. Finish your move without any problems.
Planning & Timing
Winter can be really tough on your schedule. You have to deal with the holiday chaos and weather alerts that can shut down streets overnight. It is an idea to start planning early so you can find dates that work around these problems. If you time things well your move will go smoothly. Winter is a time when you need to be prepared for things like this so planning ahead is key to a move, during the winter season.
Selecting the Optimal Moving Day and Time
To avoid snow days you should check the National Weather Service app every day. This is because the storms in New York City often come without giving us time to prepare.
If you can try to go out on Tuesday or Wednesday. These days are usually better because there are people on the sidewalks and the traffic is not so bad.
You should try to avoid the week of Christmas and New Years Eve because the streets are full of people partying and there is a lot of trash everywhere. If you can it is an idea to start in the morning. The daylight does not last long in the winter and you will be finished before it gets dark.
Budgeting for Weather Contingencies
When the weather is cold it makes everything more expensive. So you should add some money to your budget, like twenty to thirty percent right from the start. The ice makes it really hard for them to load things. It takes a lot more time and that costs a lot of money over one hundred dollars per hour. And then there are things you need to buy, like special bags of salt to make the ice melt so people do not slip and fall. These bags of salt are around ten dollars each.
If you are smart about how you budget you can turn big surprises into small problems. Smart budgeting is the key, to making sure things do not go wrong.
Protecting Your Belongings from the Elements
New York City streets become really messy during the winter season. There is salt and snow and grit over the place. This is very bad, for your boxes and furniture because they can get damaged from the dampness and cold. You should use wraps to keep your things dry and warm inside the boxes and furniture.
Advanced Packing Techniques for Moisture and Cold
Cardboard gets wet fast when it is cold outside. I think it is better to use plastic boxes to store clothes and books. These plastic boxes keep the slush out when you have to leave them on a step.
Tape boxes tight with heavy-duty stuff. You should label wet-sensitive items like photos in bold marker so they are easy to see.
Winterizing Specialized Items (Electronics, Art, Antiques)
When it gets really cold all of a sudden it can be bad for things, like laptops or TVs. So you should wrap these things in foam sleeves first. Then you can put moving blankets around them to keep them warm.
Art and antiques really do not like it when the moisture in the air changes a lot. You should use paper that does not have any acid in it between the frames. Then you can use bubble wrap. You should put the art and antiques in the middle of the truck to keep them safe.
Logistics and Hiring the Right NYC Winter Movers
The city is always loud and crowded. Add snow to that. It becomes really crazy. You should choose people who are used to the winters in New York City because they know what to do when it’s cold.
Vetting Movers for Cold Weather Experience
When you are talking to these companies ask them directly: “How do you handle blizzards or ice?” You want to find a company that has four-wheel-drive trucks and chains for their tires.
Liability is important too. You should get protection plans that cover everything like when you slip on snow or when there is damage from frost.
Navigating NYC Traffic and Street Obstacles in Winter
Snow plows push the snow into banks that make the streets really narrow, in some places. Big trucks can barely fit through these streets. You should plan your route carefully to avoid these problems.
To avoid getting stuck you should load things from the curb fast. If you get stuck you can call 311 to find out when the plows are coming.
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