Moving in Bad Weather: Tips to Safeguard Your Belongings

Preparing for moving day can be challenging when faced with unpredictable weather conditions such as rain, wind, sleet, or snow. That’s why it’s crucial to plan for the worst-case scenario proactively.

Taking precautions becomes even more essential if you’re relocating during the colder months, particularly in areas prone to winter storms and icy roads. Similarly, considering the elements in advance is crucial for those moving in the scorching summer heat.

Here are a few pieces of advice to tackle the challenges of moving in various weather conditions such as heat, rain, snow, and more. Good luck, and may you stay dry!

Preparing for the move

Your primary responsibility is to prepare for any weather conditions, be it sudden summer rain showers or unexpected winter storms, as predicting the local forecast can be limited.

When moving during the summer, consider the heat and humidity and plan accordingly. If your move is scheduled for the late fall or winter, prepare for a cold and windy day. It’s advisable to discuss with the moving company the conditions in which they can or cannot move your belongings and have a backup date if the weather makes moving impossible.

Also, remember to contact your utility provider to schedule the electricity, heating, and air conditioning set up in your new home. If you can have the heating and air conditioning working a day or two before the move-in date, you’ll save yourself from future inconveniences, such as cold feet and hands.

Here are a few other items you’ll need to prepare for the move properly:

• Moving on a summer day? Make sure to lather yourself with plenty of sunscreen. Also, wear a hat to protect your head and face from the sun.
• Bottled water for hot days; coffee for cold days
• Rain jacket and ponchos for yourself and the movers
• Extra umbrellas on-hand
• Winter hats and gloves
• Rain boots, extra socks, and sneakers
• Hand warmers
• Extra towels on-hand
• Durable, waterproof trash bags
• Plastic bins
• Plastic wrap
• Waterproof tarps
• Shovels for snow
• Salt for sidewalks, driveways, and doorstep

Protecting your belongings

One of your top priorities when packing should be to protect your belongings from water damage. It’s crucial because having your electronics ruined upon arrival at your new house can spoil your day. To safeguard your items, we recommend the following steps:

• Placing small electronics, cords, and cables in sealed, waterproof plastic bags before packing them in boxes.
• Having your moving company professionally wrap and pack your larger electronics, such as toaster ovens, TVs, and more.
• Packing as much as possible (especially paper items) in plastic, waterproof bins. Water can easily seep through cardboard boxes, ruining whatever books, photos, or pillows are inside.
• Wrapping wooden furniture, appliances, artwork, and mirrors in heavy plastic wrap, plump towels, or blankets.
• Shrink wrapping your items, such as clothing, before packing them. Waterproofing your belongings protects them from water damage and helps save space.

Remember that hiring a qualified moving company provides the advantage of having skilled movers with the necessary tools to ensure the dryness and safety of your precious belongings during the move.

Transporting your belongings

For those moving during the winter months, it is particularly crucial to plan for transportation. Ensure your car is in excellent condition and adequately prepared for the upcoming journey. If you are driving a large moving truck, consider determining the optimal route in worsening road conditions. Here are a few pieces of advice for embarking on the road on a moving day:

• Ensure you service your car in advance to prevent it from overheating or breaking down in unfavorable weather conditions. Take proactive measures by checking the car’s tires for excellent shape and readiness to handle snowy conditions if there is a possibility of driving on icy roads that day.
• Make sure to plan two routes: one for optimal weather conditions and another for the worst-case scenario. While choosing back roads might seem like a time-saving strategy on a regular moving day, they will only impede your progress during hazardous driving conditions. Tip: Opt for main roads and highways, as they are usually cleared of snow and ice first.
• Remember to bring a snow shovel, snowblower, and salt for sidewalks if you move in winter.

Protecting your new house

Lastly, once you have packed and prepared your belongings for the move, it is essential to consider ways to protect your new house. Regardless of rain, snow, ice, or sleet, it would help if you tried to prevent water damage in your new home. As the movers will be entering and exiting through the front door, there is a possibility of mud or snowy slush being tracked inside. Here are a few tips to keep your new residence clean and tidy, even on a day with inclement weather.

• Prioritize the protection of your entryway floors. The key is to prevent the hassle of cleaning up snow, salt, or mud tracked throughout your home on a moving day. We suggest placing towels and large blankets in the doorways and on the doorsteps, entryway, and hallway. Ensure you and the movers have a designated area to wipe off shoes and boots before entering the house.
• Individuals with wood floors should exercise extra caution to safeguard them against water damage, as it can result in warping, swelling, and cracking. We advise bringing a waterproof tarp to cover the hardwood floors in the entry space of your home.
• If your new house becomes filled with soaking-wet cardboard boxes, it is crucial to unpack them promptly to prevent water damage. Please recycle all cardboard boxes immediately after the move since they are no longer salvageable.
• Ensuring safety is paramount on a moving day, and the last thing you want is for either you or your movers to slip and fall at the new house. If it is snowing, icing, or raining, take the necessary steps to clear and make the driveway, sidewalks, and front doorsteps safe and accessible for walking.

Additional tips for moving in bad weather

• Consider waiting for a break in the weather. Inclement weather, like rain or snow, might subside within a few hours. If you and your moving company can manage it, wait until the weather improves.
• Inspect your moving vehicle for leaks. Before packing your moving truck or car, thoroughly check for any signs of leaks. For small leaks, you can use duct tape as a temporary fix. Create a DIY temporary patch for more significant leaks by combining duct tape and plastic wrap to cover the affected area.
• Ensure that everyone assisting with the move wears appropriate footwear. Verify that all individuals involved are wearing boots or all-weather sneakers. The slippery ground can pose a danger while carrying boxes and furniture, so it’s essential to prioritize suitable footwear for safety.
• Establish an assembly line system. If individuals are assisting with the move, organize an inside-outside assembly line. Designate one person to stand inside and hand boxes to others positioned outside, who will pack them into the car or moving truck. The same approach can be implemented at your new house. This method has the potential to save time and protect the floors.

Frequently asked questions about moving in bad weather.

When is the best time to move to avoid bad weather?

• The best time to move depends on various factors, including your moving needs, preferences, budget, location, work flexibility, and family circumstances. Depending on the specific location, spring, and summer typically offer more favorable weather conditions. However, considering your budget, the period from late September to April is considered off-season, resulting in lower demand for movers and potentially more affordable rates. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that you may encounter challenges such as cold temperatures, rain, and snow during this time.

Will the movers move me in the rain?

• The impact of rain on your move depends on its severity. In the case of light rain, it is generally not considered a significant obstacle, and the movers can still perform their tasks. However, if you encounter a heavy rainstorm characterized by damaging winds and severe flooding, it may necessitate rescheduling the move.

Is it a good idea to move in the winter?

• Each season, including winter, has its advantages and disadvantages when moving. The weather conditions in winter, such as frigid temperatures, ice, snow, and rain, can pose challenges for many individuals. However, you can leverage this season’s lower moving rates and scheduling flexibility. Follow our advice and take additional precautions during moving, such as waterproofing your belongings.

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