Preparing for possible emergencies before you get started is the best way to keep them from ruining your move. Think of it this way: if you don’t prepare for emergencies, they’ll change your plans anyway–so you might as well account for them now! These are the most common moving emergencies and how to start preparing for them before they’re a problem:
Not having something you need because it’s packed
This is one of the smaller emergencies on the list, but an emergency nonetheless. Sometimes you need something either during or immediately after your move. Unfortunately, you’re not sure where it is amongst all your boxes and other items.
There are two ways to prevent this emergency from happening. First, be thorough when labeling your boxes. Color code boxes by room, and make a list of each box’s contents. Secondly, you can pack what is called an “essentials” or “open first” box. Keep this separate from your other boxes and know where it is at all times. Store anything you’ll need right away in your open first box. You could also pack emergency supplies such as medications, EpiPens and first aid supplies in this box.
Illness or injury emergencies
We hate to break it to you, but… if your plan was to move all by yourself, you shouldn’t. Your health and wellness should always be your first priority. A move can always be rescheduled. There’s never any benefit in pushing your limits to a point you can’t recover from if you’re not feeling well.
That said, you can handle a move when feeling ill if you’re not doing any packing or moving yourself. That’s where professional moving companies come in. You don’t have to worry about your limitations when your only job is to direct and drive to your new home.
Bad weather emergencies
Unfortunately, no meteorologist is infallible. Sometimes the weather ends up way different than what you or anyone else expected. Excessive snow, ice, fog or rain can come out of nowhere, even (and especially) on moving day. Sometimes weather will be severe enough to force you to reschedule your whole move. Other times, you’ll just have to account for it as you keep moving. When you have to deal with unexpected weather during your move, here are a few things you should do:
Snow and Ice
- Moving during especially snowy or icy weather requires you to slow things down. You need to take frequent breaks to maintain a healthy internal temperature, move with caution and drive slowly.
- Have and wear extra layers. You can take them off if you get too warm, but they’re important to have. Just because you feel warm during the physical labor of moving doesn’t mean the cold can’t still do damage.
- Use salt. The last thing you want is for you or someone helping you move to slip and fall while carrying a box to the truck. Clear pathways, and, if you’re moving during winter, always have ice salt on hand for emergencies.
Fog
- If you wake up in the morning and notice fog covering the landscape, wait. If you’re lucky, the early morning fog will dissipate as the sun rises higher in the sky. Then you can continue as planned. If the fog is unavoidable, take the same precaution we recommend for ice and snow: move slowly. Take your time, be cautious and employ as much patience with the slower-than-expected process as you can.
- Use additional lighting to cut through the fog. Use fog lights or low beams while driving and exterior lighting wherever it’s available.
Rain and Thunderstorms
- Most storms aren’t going to last all day. If you’re able to wait, do so. Rain makes walking hazardous and could damage the items you’re moving.
- If you have no other choice, circumvent your biggest problems by wearing shoes with good grip. Protect carpets and items by covering them with tarps or plastic bags. Put down towels on the floors in your home where you’ll be treading with your wet shoes. Have things on hand to help dry and protect as much as you’re able.
Damaged Items
Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, moving accidents happen. Sometimes, those accidents are significant–and expensive. What if you drop your entire tv set or one of your major appliances breaks on the way? In worst-case scenarios, accidents could become so expensive that they’ll force you to reevaluate your whole moving or financial plan.
Moving is expensive enough as it is. The last thing you want is to have to pay to replace your broken stuff. You could avoid damaging accidents in a few different ways. The best way to avoid accidents is to hire professionals. The right professional movers will have a plan for safe transport that can reliably prevent any accidents. Companies like Wheaton actually offer mover’s valuation protection to cover your stuff during transportation. Even if the worst does occur, you’ll be covered.
Don’t let moving emergencies stop your life (or move) from being successful. Doing your best to prepare and plan for the worst will help make your move successful.
For the rest, you can call on the team at Wheaton. We have years of experience and expertise to make your next move as problem-free as possible.
