Moving in the Rain: How to Stay Dry and Protect Your Belongings

Moving can be stressful, but it gets way harder if the weather does not cooperate. Rainy-weather moving adds some stress to your move by complicating things: you need to keep yourself dry and at the same time protect your goods from getting wet. However, you can still navigate the move in the rain without too much hassle if properly prepared with some strategies. The article is going to take you through essential tips and tricks for moving in the rain to ensure you stay dry and protect your possessions.

1. Wet Weather Preparing

Knowing the rain is in the forecast, plan days ahead. Take the time and be sure to check on the weather regularly during the days leading up to your move. If it’s going to rain, then plan accordingly. You can make plans for covering furniture and boxes with plastic wrap or tarps while they are still indoors. It is a precautionary step to ensure that your stuff inside is kept safe, even if it starts raining out of program. 

Pro Tip:

Stock up with extra tarps, plastic sheeting, and waterproof covers well in advance of the moving day. These will come in handy, so you do not have to rush if the weather changes suddenly.

2. Use Plastic Bins for Sensitive Items

Although the standard for moving is cardboard boxes, these do not fare very well in wet conditions. If moving in the rain, it’s best to make use of plastic bins when wanting to protect anything that could easily be damaged by moisture. This would include all electronics and important documents—anything water could ruin. Plastic containers with lids seal your items hermetically and protect them in rain.

Pro Tip: 

Label these bins, so that you know what’s inside. Thus, you will be more careful with moving them to and from the truck.

3. Protect Your Floors

Not only is rain a threat to your stuff, but it’s also a threat to your floors. Individuals walking in and out of the house can track rain, mud, and dirt inside and result in damage to your flooring. Lay down some old towels, rugs, or even plastic sheeting to protect that in entryways and high-traffic areas. It will soak up moisture and keep your floors nice and clean and dry on moving day.

Pro Tip:

Install slip-resistant mats, if possible, to prevent accidents. Wet floors can be hazardous, and their slipping surface is all the more dangerous when carrying heavy items around, so everyone needs to maintain stable footing.

4. Wear Appropriate Rain Gear

Keeping yourself dry during a rainy move is very important for comfort and health. Wear waterproof gear: raincoat, boots, and a hat. Spending your money on a pair of good-quality, rainproof gloves will also make a huge difference since this will give you a good grip on the slippery items.

Pro Tip:

Always carry a change of clothes with you. If you get soaked in the process of relocation, dry attire can keep you warm and prevent you from catching cold.

5. Keep Moving Boxes Dry

Keeping your moving boxes dry while moving in the rain is very important. As soon as your boxes are packed and sealed, wrap them in plastic wrap or big trash bags. This will help to keep additional moisture off the boxes. Loading the truck—get the boxes inside ASAP—and avoid keeping them outside for too long.

Pro Tip:

Have someone hold an umbrella over boxes during the transition from the house to the truck. This may help in keeping your boxes dry, though it is a very minor step.

6. Load and Unload Strategically

Some strategizing is involved when it comes to loading and unloading in the rain. First, in your home, arrange things so that the most water-sensitive boxes and furniture go first to minimize the exposure to rain. Likewise, get these items inside fast when unloading and set them up in areas that are dry.

Pro Tip:

Provided the opportunity to do so, try to park the moving truck as near your home entrance as possible. The less the distance you will have to go in the rain, the better.

7. Set Up a Drying Station

Even with precautions, some things may get wet. Set up a drying station with towels, rags, and fans inside the house. That way, when you bring things in, you can dry them off to prevent water damage, especially on wood furniture, electronics, or anything that is subject to moisture.

Pro Tip:

Place wet items on towels or old blankets to drain excess water. Wipe down really well.

8. Move Smart with Moving Blankets

Moving blankets can be very useful in protecting items from scratches or dings, but they can also be used to provide additional coverage from rain. Wrap moving blankets around the furniture and then wrap them in plastic to seal out the weather. Just be sure to dry any wet blankets off before bringing them inside to prevent transfer of moisture onto your items.

Pro Tip:

Use extra blankets or sheets for double protection. Layering blankets can give peace of mind if the rain is going to be especially hard.

9. Keep an Eye on the Weather While Moving in the Rain

The weather can turn at any moment, so it is incumbent upon you to keep yourself updated throughout the move. Be watching the rain via an app for breaks in the weather. If you notice that there is going to be a window of time where the rain is letting up or ceasing altogether, take advantage and move some of your most important things during that time. Timing is everything when trying to move in the rain.

Pro Tip:

If the rain is really that heavy, try to give it a few hours if you have the ability. Of course, this is not always possible, but doing so will prevent some damages and move more smoothly.

10. Consider Professional Help

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of moving in the rain? Let professional movers do the job. They have experience and equipment to help them handle challenging situations such as rain. Professional movers know how to take care of your goods and often complete the job in much less time than you might be able to do on your own.

Pro Tip:

If you’re hiring professional movers, inquire about their rain experience and what precautions they take. You may feel a little better knowing your home goods are being taken care of.

Conclusion

Moving in the rain doesn’t have to be a disaster. With the right preparation and strategies, you can keep yourself dry and protect your belongings from the elements. From using plastic bins for sensitive items to setting up a drying station in your new home, these tips will help to ensure a smooth move, even when the weather is less than ideal. Remember: To beat the pitfalls of moving in the rain, keep yourself organized and proactive. You will be able to bring all your valuables into your new home and be inside settling, rain or shine, if you take precautions.

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