"Fall" Into A New Apartment Before Winter Freezes Your Plans

Moving apartments is never an easy task, but the timing of when you choose to move can make a huge difference. If you’re considering a move, planning it before winter arrives can save you stress, money, and even some frozen fingers. At Professional Management, we’ve helped countless residents' transition smoothly from their current property, to one of ours, and we know that preparation is key. Here are our top tips and tricks for making a move before the cold weather sets in.

1. Take Advantage of Mild Weather

Carrying boxes in freezing temperatures or snow isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, not to mention once you have everything brought in, your brand-new floor is well.. More than dirty.

 Fall provides cooler, but still manageable, weather for heavy lifting. You’ll avoid icy sidewalks, slippery stairs, and unpredictable snowstorms that can make moving day dangerous.

2. Book Movers and Trucks Early

Summer tends to be the busiest season for movers. Fall often means better rates and more flexibility, but it’s still wise to book early to lock in your preferred date and truck size.

Moving Truck Tips:

• Choose the right size: Too small and you’ll make multiple trips; too large and your belongings may shift dangerously in transit.
• Load heavy items first: Place appliances, furniture, and boxes with books or heavier items at the bottom.
• Use vertical space: Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier ones and take advantage of tall ceilings in the truck.
• Secure with straps: Keep items from sliding around by using bungee cords, straps, or even rope to tie sections together.
• Protect furniture: Use moving blankets, old rugs, or sheets to keep surfaces scratch-free.

3. Declutter Before Packing

Winter is a season where storage space matters. Don’t haul unnecessary items into your new apartment, donate, sell, or recycle things you no longer need. You’ll lighten your load and make unpacking more efficient.

4. Moving with Your Car? Make Every Inch Count

Not everyone hires a truck—sometimes your car does most of the heavy lifting. A little strategy can make it surprisingly effective.

Car Moving Tips:

• Fold down seats: Maximize trunk and backseat space by flattening everything you can.
• Pack soft items first: Bags of clothes, bedding, or towels can mold into odd spaces around harder items.
• Use suitcases wisely: Rolling luggage is great for heavier items like books.
• Fill every gap: Shoes inside pots, socks inside mugs, or small electronics inside larger storage bins.
• Keep essentials up front: Chargers, water, snacks, and important documents should ride in the glove box or passenger seat for easy access.
• Don’t block visibility: Pack high but leave your rear-view mirror usable for safe driving.

5. Protect Against the Elements

Even if you move before snow arrives, rain and chilly air are still possible. Use plastic bins or heavy-duty trash bags for items that can’t get wet. Keep blankets or tarps handy to protect furniture during transport. Wear appropriate clothing to keep warm, and make sure your shoes have a good grip to prevent falling.

6. Set Up Utilities Early

Make sure heat, electricity, and internet are ready at least a week before your move-in date. Few things are worse than unpacking in a cold apartment. You will also want to have your wifi/cable connected so you can unwind after all of that work!

7. Do a Winter-Ready Apartment Check

Before you settle in, look for drafty windows, check heating efficiency, and make sure entryways are ready for snow removal. Addressing these details early will save you headaches once winter is in full swing.

8. Pack a “First Night” Winter Kit

After a long day of moving, you don’t want to dig through boxes. Have a bag with pajamas, toiletries, chargers, snacks, and extra blankets ready to go.

Final Thoughts

Moving before winter may take some extra planning, but the payoff is huge. You’ll avoid harsh weather complications, enjoy better mover availability and apartment availability, lower costs and start the season in a new space that feels like home. 

At Professional Management, we’re here to make every step of your move stress-free. Looking for more moving tips? Give us a call at 605-256-6904