If you are planning to move during the cold weather, keep in mind that taking extra steps will help prevent damage to your goods and can save you money.  Appliances and electronics are especially sensitive to cold weather and extra care preparing for transport and taking delivery will help you ensure that they remain in working order.

These adapted tips from ReloRoundtable (http://reloroundtable.com/blog) will help you educate yourself on the impacts of cold weather on your appliances and electronics.

Washing Machines
Water and moisture can freeze in your machine in cold climates.  Therefore, you want to make sure that your washer is drained prior to transport.  Once you take delivery, let your washing machine return to operating temperature, which is approximately 60 degrees before use to prevent damage.

Gas/Electric Dryers
Freezing temperatures can affect the igniters and heating elements on your dryer.  Therefore, once you take delivery of your dryer let it return to operating temperature, which is approximately 60 degrees before use to prevent damage.

Refrigerator/Freezer/Ice-maker
If you have an ice-maker, you will have to take some extra steps to ensure that it remains in working order.  It is important to disconnect the ice-maker, drain and blow-out the remaining water from the tubing. Even with this special care, hair-line cracks can develop in the tubing during transport.  Therefore, it is advised that you wait approximately 12 to 24 hours before reconnecting it to your water supply and then do a thorough check to make sure it is functioning properly. 

Electronics
Cold weather can cause condensation to form on sensitive components in your electronics.  Therefore, it is important to be patient and let your electronics acclimate to room temperature before use.  This extra patience could save you heartache and money.

Grandfather Clocks
Oil in the components of your clock can gel in freezing temperatures and can affect its operation or worse can cause damage.  Take extra time to let your clock get to room temperature before setting the mechanism.

Waterbed Mattress
Even though you may have thoroughly drained your mattress, residual moisture will remain within the mattress housing.  Therefore, extra care must be given to transport it.  It is suggested that the mattress remain in its box for 12 to 24 hours before it is handled and re-filled.   

It is important to note that these extra services may be offered by your moving company or through a third-party contractor.  Often times it will come with extra handling fees.  Therefore, assess the cost of the item and its replacement value with the extra handling fees.  It may well be worth the extra cost to ensure your items remain in working order for years to come.

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