As the clocks go back and the days get shorter, many site managers start thinking about where their cabins will spend the winter. Offices, canteens, drying rooms and welfare units all need to be in the right place before the cold and wet weather sets in. Moving them in autumn, while daylight is longer and ground conditions are more predictable, makes life easier for everyone.
Why autumn is the time to plan
Winter brings shorter working days, frost, rain and wind. A cabin move that is easy in October can take more planning in January. Booking your move early also gives you more choice of dates, which matters when several trades all want the site set up before Christmas.
If your project is changing phase, or a compound needs to shift to make room for the next stage of work, autumn is a sensible window. Your team gets settled facilities for the darker months, and nobody is waiting on a welfare unit when the weather turns.
Getting the base ready
A cabin needs a firm, level base to sit on. That might be concrete pads, sleepers or a prepared hardstanding. Have it ready before the HIAB lorry arrives, and let us know what it is made of when you email. If cabins are being stacked, the lower unit needs to be in position and checked first.
It is also worth thinking about services. Disconnecting power, water and drainage before the move, and having someone ready to reconnect afterwards, means the cabin is back in use quickly. Clear out loose items inside, close and secure windows and doors, and remove anything fixed to the outside that could catch on the chains.
Access and the lift itself
Our drivers need a firm, level spot to park the lorry and set the stabiliser legs, close enough to the base for a smooth lift. Tell us about gates, overhead cables, trees and any tight turns, and send photos if you can. Every lift is planned before the vehicle is booked, so this information goes into choosing the right lorry.
For larger moves, or where several cabins are going to one compound, we may suggest a wagon and drag or an artic HIAB. You can see the range of vehicles on our range of HIAB lorries and trailers, and more about how we handle cabins on our portable cabin transport service.
Plan it now, settle in for winter
A well planned cabin move takes only part of a day on site, and it sets your team up for the months ahead. Whether it is a single office or a stacked block of welfare units, the earlier we hear about it, the easier it is to fit it in around your programme.
If you have cabins to move before winter, email us with the sizes, the addresses and a few photos, or fill in our quote form, and we will plan the move with you.
