By / OVM TEAM

Moving in the Winter: Five New Home Tips for Winter Moves

New home tips to prepare yourself and your new home for the winter

Some people love the winter, and some hate it. Regardless of your personal opinions on this cold and dark – yet beautiful and comforting weather, moving into a new home at this time requires a bit of preparation. We see the worst of the worst when it comes to snowstorms here in good old Ottawa, Ontario. Preparing your new home for the incoming and inevitable winter storms and weather is essential. Following these five new home tips for a winter move will reduce stress and make your new home comfortable and warm.

Set up your utilities ahead of time 

Perhaps one of the most common new home tips, regardless of the season – is to set up your utilities ahead of time. We may sound like a broken record, but this is especially important in the winter. It’s an important step, yet many new homeowners still forget. They end up spending their first nights in their new home without heat or hot water – what a nightmare. Before moving into your new home, call your utility company to ensure everything will be on and working efficiently before your move-in date.

Bonus new home tip for moving in the winter: keep your heat turned off on your moving day. There’s no use in heating the outdoors while you and your movers are in and out all day moving your belongings.

Double-check all detection and protection devices

This new home tip can save your home and your life. We’re more likely to use things like space heaters and fireplaces to add extra warmth to our homes during the winter. Make sure devices like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and fully functioning before you move in.

Consider insulating your windows, doors, and other forms of winter-proofing

If you have a relatively new home, you may not have to worry too much about draughty windows and doors. However, if you’re moving into an older home, insulating your windows and doors can help keep the cold draughts outside and the warmth inside – where it belongs. Suppose your windows and doors are in excellent, energy-efficient condition. In that case, there are many other ways you can winter-proof your home.

Check your plumbing 

Freezing temperatures can do severe damage to pipes and spouts if they’re not appropriately prepared. Take time to look for any leaks you may need to fix and wrap pipes to prevent new leaks from occurring. It’s also wise to do regular maintenance on your water heater; no one wants to take a cold shower in the winter – at least not unexpectedly.

Read up on more new home tips

Whether you’re moving in the winter or the middle of summer, it’s always important to do your research. We have plenty of resources on our page from mistakes to avoid, safety tips for moving during the pandemic, and everything you need to know about moving in the winter. The more knowledgeable and informed you are before your move, the easier and less stressful it’ll be.