What could be harder than moving? How about moving in a Kansas City winter?

Kansas City Moving Truck

By Thomas R Machnitzki

This time of year presents obvious challenges for anyone. If you must move in Kansas City at this time of year, here are some great ideas to make it a little easier:

1. Make sure to have all walkways and driveways completely cleared off and salted on both your old and your new home, to ensure the safety of all who are moving things in and out of both locations. If your new home is too far away to check on this, ask your real estate agent for help.

Place large pieces of old carpet, cardboard or taped down plastic inside your front doors and in major traffic areas to reduce the amount of salt going in and out of your homes.

2. Because there are fewer hours of daylight in winter, be aware that the moving time may spill over to the next day, as inclement weather and lack of light may make it more difficult to maneuver large objects up and down ramps and inside of trucks.

3. Check to make sure that all roads to and from your new home are plowed in order to ensure that trucks will not get stuck, or have to take a different route. Also, let your neighbors know that a large moving truck will be arriving and ask them to allow space near your home.

4. If you haven’t set up the heat and lights in your new home, make sure this is done prior to the move.

5. Have some hot drinks and plenty of drinking water available for any movers, sure to be appreciated by all. Moving is strenuous exercise. Save the Boulevard Beer for after your move is done!

6. Check the weather well in advance of moving day, then follow it closely right up until the movers arrive. If there’s a possibility of inclement weather, keep the radio on during the move to ensure you’re receiving the latest updates.

7. Know your travel route and make sure you contact the local authorities to determine if highways are open and safe to travel on. Each state or province has a phone number and website to check with regular updates provided. You should also know the location of overnight accommodation in case you need to stop.

8. Have all the necessary phone numbers with you, including roadside assistance, highway patrol and a number for reports on highway conditions. You should also ensure that someone who isn’t moving with you has a copy of your travel plans. Make a call-in schedule with that person so they’ll know where you are and when you should be arriving.

9. You’ll need some plastic sheeting for household items that need protection from wet snow. Items such as electronics (if not being packed in a box), fragile or unfinished wood furniture or plants may need extra protection from the elements. Clear garbage bags (leaf bags) work well for smaller items.

10. If you’d rather not have the front door wide open, have a friend or family member standing at the door playing door man for the moving crew during the entire move. It will help the moving technician carrying your $1200.00 flat screen TV out to the truck without doing damage to your wall, door, or television.

11. Boarding your pets during your move is a good idea for a few reasons. Pets can get under the feet of people carrying boxes and heavy furniture which is a hazard for everyone. With doors open and people moving in and out, there’s a chance your pets might get out. Adjusting to a new home isn’t always easy for your pets. Move them last so they will be greeted by familiar scents in your new apartment.