Okay, so it's moving day, and like Murphy's Law, it's a rainy day. There are some ways to make a move in the rain easier, so let's discuss how to prepare the house and your belongings to keep them dry and unscathed, as well as keep you safe.
Pre-Move Preparation
It's always smart to get out in front of the weather, so if the weather leading up to your move has been spotty, start getting ready to give yourself options to continue with the move or to delay the move.
Check The Weather Report
Check the extended forecast days before your move to prepare for bad weather situations - this is the most important thing you can do to ensure a smooth move. Keep checking daily, and if the weather looks too dicey, most moving companies will not charge you for rescheduling to a different day as long as you give them enough notice.
Contact Your Movers
Once you've checked the weather report, and if you're using a moving company, contact your movers as early as possible to confirm that they're still going to be able to move you and how they will protect your belongings for a move in the rain.
If the weather is terrible, you can ask if they can delay the start time or even consider rescheduling. The more notice, the better.
Supplies Guide for Rainy Moving Days
Gather supplies like plastic wrap, plastic garbage bags, and moving pads to protect your belongings from rain and water damage. It's also advisable to take a look at your moving wardrobe and ensure that you have your rain gear accessible or locate the box it's packed in. Below is a list of other moving supplies that will be handy on a rainy moving day.
|
Material |
Purpose |
Examples/Usage |
|
Shrink Wrap |
Protects belongings from dust and light rain |
Used on furniture, electronics, and other moisture-sensitive items. |
|
Waterproof Covers |
Shields items from heavy rain |
Ideal for mattresses, large furniture, and delicate items. |
|
Bubble Wrap |
Provides cushioning and moisture resistance |
Perfect for fragile goods like glassware and electronics. |
|
Plastic Sheets |
Covers cardboard boxes to prevent sogginess |
Useful for sealing key boxes or large groups of items. |
|
Garbage Bags |
Acts as a quick waterproof solution |
Wrap smaller boxes or items for easy water protection. |
|
Tarpaulin |
Creates a rainproof barrier for loading areas |
Can be set up over walkways or truck loading zones. |
|
Floor Mats |
Keeps floors clean and dry in rainy conditions |
Placed in entryways and high-traffic areas to avoid mud and water. |
Protecting Your Belongings on a Rainy Day
The two most important things are keeping things dry and yourself safe. Here are some tips to keep your belongings dry and damage-free:
-
Use plastic garbage bags to cover clothes, books, and cardboard boxes to keep them dry during the move. Wet cardboard boxes are more likely to tear and collapse.
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Wrap furniture and boxes in plastic sheeting to prevent water damage and keep your belongings protected.
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Protect mattresses by buying mattress bags from retailers like Home Depot or your truck rental company. Most moving companies typically wrap mattresses in shrink wrap to protect them from dirt and tears, which also works well in various weather conditions.
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You'll be using moving pads and blankets to protect your furniture and other items anyway, so to keep those moving pads dry, wrap them in plastic sheeting or shrink wrap to further protect your stuff from rain and moisture.
Safety Precautions for Bad Weather
Prevent Slipping
Wear rubber-soled, treaded shoes to prevent slipping on wet ground and reduce the risk of falling. Do not wear flip-flops or sandals during a rainy move (dropping boxes or furniture on open toes hurts bad, too) to stay safe and prevent accidents.
If you're moving yourself, use towels and blankets to prevent slipping on floors and create a safe path for your helpers. If you're using professional movers, they will provide floor runners to protect against damage and slipping.
Manage Your Pace
Be careful when carrying boxes and furniture to avoid accidents and injuries on a rainy moving day.
Rental truck ramps can be particularly dangerous, so slow your pace while walking up and down the ramp while loading.
Floor Protection
If you're moving yourself, lay cardboard sheets in entryways and paths to prevent slipping and protect your floors from mud and water. You can also place old rugs, towels, or sturdy cardboard at high-risk spots for extra grip and to prevent slipping.
Your moving company will typically use neoprene floor runners and masonite boards to protect against dirt, water, mud, and damages during the move, so they will have the proper equipment to handle inclement weather.
Keep your floors clean and dry by using a mop and extra towels to clean up any spills or messes.
Packing and Loading
Shorten the Distance to the Truck
Keep your belongings dry and protected from rain by positioning the moving truck close to the house and covering the back to prevent leaks inside. Stage your belongings in close proximity to the nearest entry to the truck box.
Create an Assembly Line
Use assembly line techniques to load your moving truck quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of water damage. Consider having an "inside crew" and "outside crew" to help you out. The inside crew can be inside the house, staging boxes close to the front door or garage door, while the outdoor crew (hopefully dressed for the weather) are doing the wet work.
An Added Tip For Longer Distance Moves
If it's been raining and you're transporting your stuff for an extended distance, consider buying a couple of DampRid buckets and place them in the box of the truck. Doing so will help pull moisture out of the air and prevent mold and mildew.
Staying Organized
Creating a moving plan and checklist to stay organized and on track during the move is crucial, especially on rainy days. Assign tasks and roles to each person involved in the move to stay safe and efficient.
Keep your phone and other important items close by in case of emergencies or last-minute changes. Stay flexible and prepared for any unexpected challenges or changes on moving day.
Managing the Move
Use a "first in, first out" approach when loading and unloading your moving truck to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. If your move is DIY, consider draping your items in towels, blankets, or garbage bags that you can use and reuse with each trip to the truck.
Stay calm and patient during the move, and ensure you communicate any concerns or needs for assistance to your helpers or the moving company.
Unpacking and Cleaning
Unpack your boxes and furniture carefully to prevent damage and keep them dry. As you unload, use towels and blankets to clean up any spills or messes. Clean and dry your floors and surfaces regularly to prevent the formation of mold and mildew.
Take your time and stay organized when unpacking to make the process less stressful and more efficient.
Final Check
If you're moving yourself in the rain, don't forget to double-check your moving truck and/or storage units to make sure everything is secure and protected from the rain.
Your moving company will do a walk-through and check out at both your old and new house. Still, it doesn't hurt to review your moving plan and checklist and take a final walk-through of both your old and new homes to ensure everything is clean and in order.