The Best Way to Move in the Rain

Lucky for you, MoveChamp has loads of super experienced, professional teams that have expertise moving in all seasons!

Well, it’s no surprise really. We’re in autumn now and on our way to a wild and wet winter. Unfortunately, we don’t always get the luxury of choosing to move in the dry summer months. Moving during wet weather can be challenging, but with the right planning, preparation and tools, it can be done successfully. Here are a few quick tips for moving in the rain, especially when you’re backed up against the wall and really have no choice.

Check the Weather Forecast

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your move around the best weather window for that time of the year. Revisit weather patterns of previous years in your area to find a nice historical gap in the weather if general unpredictability is determined. Plan to move when there’s the most natural light available. Remember, wet wintery days are shorter and don’t give one as much daylight.

Prepare Your Belongings

Pack your belongings in waterproof containers or plastic bags to protect them from rain. In this case, regular cardboard boxes are likely not ideal if you can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to move everything in an enclosed vehicle. Furniture can be a little more tricky. Be sure to cover all your furniture items with plastic or furniture pads as well. Use plenty of tape to get as waterproof as possible. Be mindful though not to cause any damage with the tape. Wood is extremely sensitive to the rain and you won’t be able to guarantee that the days following the move will be hot and dry enough to reverse any temporary water damage. Figure out a way to move your electronics separately, completely out of the wet weather. Now’s not the time to take a gamble on your excellent waterproofing skills.

Use Tarps or Plastic Sheeting

It’s not just the physical items you’re moving that need to be protected. Remember, you or the team of movers will be walking in and out of your house or apartment quite a number of times, and some of those trips may bring along with them mud, grime and foliage. Cover your floors, walkways, and doorways with tarps or plastic sheeting to protect them from rain and mud. Ensure you have a reliable door mat to catch the heavier grunge. Otherwise, be prepared for a bit of a clean up shortly after your move.

Have the Right Tools for the Job

Now that everything’s been dropped off, there’s bound to be a bit of water here and there once you remove those plastic tarps. This will naturally fall, well, everywhere… Make sure you have tools such as brooms, mops, and towels to clean up any water that might come in during the move. Don’t leave water standing for too long as this may make some unfamiliar surfaces quite slippery, or ultimately damage your flooring.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Like your belongings wrapped in plastic, you need to prepare yourself too. Make sure to wear waterproof clothing, boots, and gloves to protect yourself from the rain. Ensure there’s some place in your new space to switch out of these wet clothes when you’re all done. Get warm afterwards so as to not catch a cold.

Hire a Moving Company

Moving in general is tough. Doing it all yourself while in terrible weather really ramps up the stress and chances for mishaps. Consider hiring a professional moving company with experience in moving during rainy days. They will take care of all the logistics and have the necessary tools and equipment to ensure your belongings are safe and secure. I mean, when are you going to need all those plastic tarps again in the near future? Lucky for you, MoveChamp has loads of super experienced, professional teams that have expertise moving in all seasons!

Have a Backup Plan

Have a backup plan in case the rain is too heavy to move. This could include postponing the move or renting a storage unit to keep your belongings until the weather improves.

It's important to be safe when moving in the rain, especially if you have to move heavy items. When in doubt, get in touch with MoveChamp support for more suggestions on what to do if you feel the weather is jeopardizing your move. Ready to find your rainy day mover? Let’s do some searching!