The leaves have turned and are falling, there is a chill in the air, and before we know it the leaves will be replaced in the trees by ice and snow. Wintertime is upon us in the Kansas City area. Moving day can be stressful and overwhelming and relocating in the winter can put some people over the top.

Here are a few helpful moving tips to remember when moving in winter and when hiring a professional moving company to assist you with moving your appliances:

Snow/Ice – It is important to remember that you hired a moving company on moving day not a snow removal company. Your driveway, walkways, sidewalks, back decks, and basement walkouts should be clear of all snow and ice before the moving company arrives onsite to begin your move.  It is not the mover’s responsibility to shovel your driveway and clear walkways.

Doors – If you are 100% against having the front door left open, then as the customer it is your responsibility to have a friend or family member standing at the door playing door man for the moving crew during the entire move.  It is not realistic or rational to believe the moving technician carrying your $1200.00 flat screen TV out to the truck will be able to open that door and close it without doing damage to your wall, door, or television.

Protecting Floors – In most cases, the company can lay a moving blanket at the entryway to keep mud or sludge from being be tracked into the home during the relocation. Typically for an additional fee, the moving company will lay plastic carpet protector along the main walkways of the home before the moving begins. There are logistical, liability, and safety concerns associated with movers wearing any type of disposable shoe covers and many companies will not allow their moving crews to wear them.

Electronics – Extreme temperature changes can cause condensation build up on the high tech circuitry of your consumer electronic items such as computers, laptops, DVD players, TVs, stereos, etc. It is best for your electronics to acclimate to room temperature for at least 24 hours before plugging everything in and setting it up. Read more about moving televisions in the cold weather.

Washers – Even though your washer should be drained before moving it, the washer will always maintain a little water in some of the different components like the mixer valve, pump housing and internal hose areas. Using your washer while water is frozen in these components can result in damage to belts, hoses and other internal parts of the washer. Your washer should only be operated at a temperature of above 60°F.

Dryers – Like most things when subject to freezing temperatures, igniters and heating elements in the dryer can become brittle. Operating the dryer will cause a sudden temperature change and may damage internal parts. Your dryer should only be operated at a temperature of above 60°F.

Refrigerators – A refrigerator may be plugged in for use the day of the move, but the ice maker should not be connected to the water supply for at least 24 hours after being moved to your new home.  Moisture in the solenoid valve, supply lines and cold-water reservoir may be frozen and will hinder the normal operation of the icemaker. If the cold water reservoir was not drained before the move started, it could be frozen solid causing hairline cracks in the water reservoir.  It is very important to let all components of the ice maker system reach operating temperature so a thorough check can be completed after hooking up the water supply.

If you have more questions about moving in the winter in Kansas City, give us a call or submit your information by requesting a moving estimate.