Preparing for a move can be a stressful process. There are so many moving parts to keep track of, and even if you do everything right (book your moving company, pack, and communicate your relocation months in advance), there’s always the possibility of bad weather.
Unfortunately, inclement weather can happen anytime—especially in the Western US. While there’s nothing you can do to avoid the elements completely, there are some strategies you can employ to protect your belongings and make moving in bad weather a little easier.
In this article, you’ll find seven tips for moving in the rain and other bad weather conditions.
1. Stay Up-To-Date on the Weather Report
It’s impossible to predict the weather as far in advance as you’ve been able to prepare for other aspects of your move. Still, you should be able to get a relatively accurate idea of what to expect within a week or so of your move day.
Knowing a few days ahead of time there’s a chance of rain will allow you to prepare for soggy conditions.
2. Dress for Success
Moving in any type of bad weather isn’t a fun experience. To make it a little less unpleasant and prevent any potential mishaps, make sure you have appropriate gear lined up for yourself and anyone else who will be helping. If you’re planning on moving to Colorado, Utah, Idaho, or Montana, these tips are especially relevant. Bad weather can strike at any time in these locations, so it’s best to be dressed accordingly.
For rain, we recommend rain boots and rain jackets. You’ll want clothing that repels water and keeps you as dry as possible. The nice thing about rainy weather is that it often isn’t frigid, which means as long as you keep the water out, you should stay warm. Rain gear is also helpful against the wind, which can be incredibly beneficial.
For snowy weather, make sure you are adequately bundled and have footwear that provides good traction. Wearing warm gloves and hats can help increase your stamina on your moving day. Gloves can also help improve your grip as your carrying belongings from the truck to the house (and vise versa).
If you’re unlucky enough to have sleet on your moving day, wear repellent outer layers and lots of cozy inner layers. Think sweaters, scarves, thermals, and more. Salt Lake City, Utah, for example, can go from rain to snow quickly. Be sure to pack layers and stay warm.
3. Cover and Store Belongings Properly
If you’re expecting rain on your moving day (or any other type of bad weather), invest in some durable packing materials. These can make or break the entire experience. If you’re packing yourself, purchase (or borrow) tarps and heavy blankets to protect bulky items from water damage. Use plastic waterproof bins for transporting sensitive items like paper goods and electronics.
As a last resort, garbage bags can be helpful in protecting your belongings. So make sure you have a good amount on hand.
4. Organize to Shorten the Distance
Getting your belongings from your old house to the moving truck—and from the truck to your new house—is a crucial part of the process. It can be stressful in bad weather, but organizing properly helps negate that.
To minimize foot traffic, place your packed items closest to the door so you can easily move them from there to the moving truck. Clearing out steps, sidewalks, driveways, hallways, and other foot traffic areas will also make things more efficient.
5. Prevent Slips and Falls
If you’re wondering what to expect on moving day, you can count on a few accidents. No matter how much you prepare, a few things are bound to go wrong. Preventing any physical accidents, like slipping or falling, can minimize the long-term damage of this inevitability. For those moving to somewhere like Boise, Idaho, where it can get icy quickly, you’ll want to pay extra attention to this detail.
To prevent slips and falls, ensure any outdoor surfaces in and around both properties remain free of debris, snow, and ice. Place rug runners and carpet masks on the walkways and stairways. This will help keep your new space clean.
6. Wait for a Break
If at all possible, try to wait until there’s a break in the weather to carry out the move. For instance, if the forecast calls for torrential downpours in the morning but only light rain in the afternoon hours, delaying the schedule a bit will benefit everyone. Stay in regular contact with your move coordinator to see if the timing is flexible.
7. Remove Wrappings
While keeping your items wrapped, covered, and safely packed in boxes is important for protecting them when you are moving, it’s important to unwrap and unpack your items in a timely manner. This is especially true when moving on a very rainy day.
When things get damp and are allowed to sit, they become a haven for mold and mildew—which is not a great way to kick things off in your new place.
Let Mesa Moving & Storage’s Team of Professionals Help
If you feel daunted by the task of moving your entire living space in the rain, you’re not alone. Bad weather can complicate an already stressful process. Hiring a moving company can help solve this concern, and ensure the entire day goes smoothly.
An experienced moving company will also ensure all of your furniture items are safely transported. They’ll make sure your furniture is properly wrapped and that there is protection on your flooring as well before moving the items in. Even in the rain, these precautions are taken (and then some).
As seasoned residential movers in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Montana, the Mesa Moving & Storage team knows all about unpredictable and challenging weather conditions. Our movers receive extensive training in all facets of packing, loading, residence protection, and safe handling techniques.
We can get you and your belongings safely settled into your new place, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
