Despite even the best moving planning and advice :), unexpected rainfall or unpleasant weather condition may seem like a setback when moving into your new home. With months of planning, taking a few days off work plus the cost of renting a truck, there are many logistics that are affected by foul weather. However, rain doesn’t need to halt your plans, instead try these tips and tricks to keep you and your belongings safe and dry.
1. Plan Your Move Strategically
Some seasons are notorious for unfavourable weather. If possible, try to plan your move during drier months like the summer or fall. If this isn’t possible, check the weather report prior to moving day to help you prepare. To prevent sickness and wetness, wear a water-resistant coat and use proper footwear to prevent slipping.
As you pick your footwear, opt for non-slip shoes with rubber soles to decrease the chances of accidents and injuries, particularly when carrying a heavy load while the rain crashes down.
2. Wrap items in plastic, and garbage bags
Professional movers use shrink wrap to protect furniture and other household objects. While shrink wrap is available for consumer purchase, there are some more accessible alternatives that work just as well. For example, you can use plastic wrap or garbage bags as a substitute.
Certain items like paper documents, books, and electronics are especially susceptible to water damage. Tucking away your garments, documents, and electronics in plastic helps repel water and keep your possessions dry.
Bonus tip: After wrapping your personal items in plastic, pack them into a bin for extra protection from the rain.
To see more details on how to use plastic to make your moving day easier, see our tips on using plastic to make your move easier.
3. Shorten the distance
As the downpour rages on aim to cut down on exposure to the outside. See if you can bring the moving truck closer to fill the distance. You can also place the boxes into a single room to cut back on travel.
When it comes to loading up the boxes, place the valuables onto the truck first. This way, if the rain stopped, you’d have more time to bring them in. Also, try to hold off on moving electronics until the rain lets up or it is well protected by blankets and mats.
4. Create an assembly line
Streamline the moving process by setting up an assembly line with a team of volunteers. The best way to load a moving truck is by creating a system. First, delegate two people to stay inside the truck and organize the packing. Have some of your helpers in the home to move boxes, and others place boxes into the truck. By creating an assembly line that covers every stage, you minimize the back-and-forth and cut back on the amount of mud and dirt left in your home.
Unload boxes to one, designated area first. Then a volunteer with dry shoes can move boxes into the appropriate rooms (labeling the boxes is key).
Although this step isn’t for everyone, you can set up a pop-up tent as a drying station at the end of your moving truck.
In any weather, there are times when the conditions aren’t as bad. In those moments, such as the lulls of a rainy day, move your electronic items and mattress.
5. Prepare Your House
During the move, there’s no time to switch between indoor and outdoor shoes; mud, dirt, and other elements get tracked into the home. To prevent your floor from being soiled follow these short tips:
- Throw a welcome mat or rug on the floor near the entrance. Have your guests wipe their dirty feet before entering the home to limit the number of muddy footprints
- Turn up the heat to remove moisture from the air and some of the items
- Bring towels to wipe off the outside of your possessions along with hands and faces
- Wet shoes and slippery floors do not mix. Lay down cardboard to go in and out with wet shoes without changing
Moving during the rainy season isn’t optimal, but it doesn’t need to be a challenge either. If you are not moving by yourself, we suggest prepping your home for the movers, so they can spend as little time in the rain as possible.
We hope these tips and tricks help you survive a rainy moving day. If you need professional help to ease the load of moving, do not hesitate to reach out.