It is always difficult to plan a move at the perfect time. Really, the majority of moves are planned in relation to the availability of other properties and a domino effect of houses becoming free at certain points. As such, arranging the ideal date can be difficult as many people see the move as a necessary outcome, rather than the plan itself. This means that moves are conducted throughout the year, at all times, regardless of the season or the prevailing weather. For those who are moving home in winter, there are some considerations which the movers should take into account in order to assure that they get the best possible results. One of the most obvious comments to be made on moving home in winter is that it might well be cold. This means that you could well find yourself standing around waiting while shivering. To combat this, it is best to dress in a series of thin layers. Rather than one huge and very warm coat, layers allow you to gradually remove them as you warm up and cool down. With all the lifting that might well be involved during the day, you could find your body temperature rising quite quickly thanks to all the effort and will need to remove layers in order to adjust accordingly. Similarly, thanks to Britain’s unique metrological climate, it is quite likely that it will rain. Rain can quickly soak through clothes and make you damp and miserable. With all of your clothing packed away in a lorry, there is not a chance of changing out of them. Keep a thin waterproof jacket on hand to guard against downfalls. As well as getting wet yourself, rain can also damage the integrity of cardboard boxes which you might be using to move home. Be careful when leaving things outside, as a rain storm might occur at any moment and turn off of your possessions sodden. The weather can also cause problems thanks to wind and ice. In terms of the wind, transporting heavy boxes from home to van can be difficult in a gale, with the transition from house to outside hitting like a slap. Be aware of the strength of the wind and adjust your movement accordingly. Ice can be an issue, particularly in the morning. With dangerous patches of dry ice not averse to lurking on drive ways, one slip can not only break whatever you might have been carrying, but can seriously injure and ankle or knee. Always watch out for ice, and do your best to remove it before starting. The cold can also have a big effect on your pipes. When moving in and out, be aware of the dangers of a frozen pipe. While you may believe that the water has been turned off in a new property, it might be just that the water has frozen inside the piping. Likewise, if your old property was prone to this issue, leaving a note to the new occupants can be a great help. When you arrive at the new home and have only half unpacked, it can be surprising just how cold a half empty home can be. It might be that you haven’t mastered the heating system yet or that you don’t know how to work the gas fireplace, but be sure to prepare for what could be a cold first night. Setting aside a special box with bedding and extra blankets can make sure that you are not scrambling around in the cold looking for a way to warm up. A change of clothing can also be useful, as can a kettle to boil for a warm cup of hot chocolate in the new home.