Published in the February 1, 2018 edition
By GERI FARRELLY
Broker/Owner,
Farrelly Realty Group
NORTH READING — With the lack of inventory and the pent-up need of buyers, the home selling season has started earlier and earlier, the new spring market begins in February if not sooner. Also, moving can be out of your control due to a job change or personal matters, so selling in the winter months is more common than people realize.
Our very first real estate transaction in our firm occurred during a blizzard in 2015, we had clients who were selling and buying so there were a lot of moving parts, and with the amount of snow that year we were concerned about people coming out. But we held two very well-attended open houses and had multiple offers. Moving day was another story. A blizzard was predicted. Instead of canceling until after the storm, we coordinated with the movers to pack the clients up, and with cooperation from all the parties we were able to have the sellers moved in and their buyers close the day before the blizzard. Living in New England, we have become accustomed to dealing with adverse weather and we continue to go about our business. Selling and/or buying a home should not be dependent on the weather.
So you found that perfect new home, your offer was accepted, the paperwork is complete, and it’s time to pack all your belongings and start moving. This an exciting time, but it’s January in New England, a time of year when even going outside can feel daunting.
We’ve put together the ultimate checklist to help reduce some of the stress of moving in the winter and make your move go as smoothly as it would on a warm summer day.
Safety First
1. Ice melt: The last thing you want to do is slip on a patch of ice while moving a box of your most valuable possessions. Be sure to have plenty of ice melt on hand to reduce the chances of slipping on outdoor stairs and walkways.
2. Extra towels: Snow melts quickly when tracked inside. Have some extra towels on hand to mop up messy puddles and avoid wet, slippery floors inside.
3. Visit the new house: Before packing the truck for the move to your new home, visit to make sure all the walkways are clear, and the lights are working inside and out. Dusk comes early in the winter.
Stay Warm
4. Protect your hands: Insulate your fingers from the cold and ensure you have a good grip on boxes and furniture by investing in a pair of warm gloves with good grippers.
5. From the inside out: Brew some coffee and tea or make a quick run to the local coffee shop. You and your team of movers will appreciate a warm beverage on a cold winter day.
6. Preheat the moving truck: Before you load the last few boxes, start the truck and let it preheat.
7. Pump up the thermostat: Your new home should feel warm and cozy. When you make that quick visit before the big move make sure the heat is on.
Be Smart
8. Protect your floors: Mud and dirt can accumulate quickly, and scratches are bound to happen when furniture is being moved. Preserve the floors in both your old and new homes with temporary floor protection paper.
9. Avoid a costly error: Before you park your moving truck on the sidewalk or street in front of your new home, learn the winter parking regulations in your new neighborhood. Ask your new neighbors if there are any parking restrictions or visit your local city or town website.
10. Feet first: Moving in flip flops is never a good idea … especially in the winter. A pair of sturdy boots with good treads is a much safer choice. Boots will keep your feet warm, help avoid slips and falls, and make it easier to walk in the snow or mud. Boots will also protect your precious toes if something does drop on them.
Last but Not Least
11. Medications: Some medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) must be stored at a certain temperature. When packing medications, label them appropriately and make them one of the last items in the truck to ensure they do not get too cold.
12. Shovels: Tis’ the season for snow. Don’t pack your shovels. They should be readily accessible in case an unexpected snowstorm comes along or some last minute shoveling is needed to clear out a pathway for moving furniture and boxes.
13. Technology: Your flat screen television and computer don’t like the cold temperatures. Avoid freezing your technology by wrapping these items in blankets and loading them into the truck last.
Don’t forget the lights: In the madness of celebrating the holidays, getting ready to move, and shoveling snow, it can be easy to forget to take down those holiday lights outside. When you do your final sweep, check outside for any lingering holiday lights on the house or bushes.
While the winter may not be an ideal time to move in New England, the key to any big move is preparation. If the cold, ice and snow gets under your skin, just focus on celebrating spring in your new home. Please feel free to call us at 978-664-3700 with any questions, we are always available to you.
