10 Moving Tips for Rainy Days
The forecast is calling for rain all day – great news if you’re a fan of staying indoors, not so great if you have to move. After all, who wants to move their belongings in the rain and risk damaging them?
Fortunately, with a little bit of preparation and some creative thinking, you can make moving during bad weather a lot easier. Here are tips for moving house on a rainy day.
What To Do When You Are Moving House With Rainy Weather
Below, you will find several tried-and-tested moving tips for when the weather forecast is calling for rain:
Gather Necessary Supplies
Moving on a rainy day proves to be much more stressful than moving on a sunny day. Therefore, you must gather the necessary supplies for moving, as well as some additional items once weather reports predict heavy or light rain. Some supplies you will want to have on-hand are:
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic bags and containers
- Cardboard boxes and sheets
- Tarps or other waterproof materials
- Rain boots and a raincoat
- Rope, twine, string, or bungee cords to secure plastic wrap around belongings
- Rags, towels, or paper towels to wipe up any excess water
Cover Your Cardboard Boxes With Plastic Wrap or Plastic Bags
Once the supplies are gathered, you must find ways to protect your belongings from the rain. After all, protecting them from the rain also means protecting them from potential damage or deterioration due to the weather. One way to do this is by covering your cardboard boxes with plastic wrap or plastic bags.
This will keep the rain from getting into and saturating the cardboard, which could cause it to become heavy and more likely to fall apart during transport. Doing this will also help protect your boxes and belongings from the dirt they may encounter while moving through muddy patches.
However, it is essential to note that this method will not work if you are using packing tape; therefore, if possible, try to get ahold of some string or bungee cords to keep the wrap from flying away.
Also, use plastic bags to cover any furniture or appliances you are moving. This will be especially useful for the items that need to be transported outside of your house, such as big and bulky pieces like refrigerators and washing machines.
Repack Your Belongings If Necessary
Because rain is not something you would have foreseen when you started packing, you may need to repack your belongings to better protect them from the rain.
If your original cardboard boxes have become wet or damaged because of the rain, it is good to place those items inside plastic bags and containers instead. Plastic protects against water damage much better than cardboard would, so this will help keep your belongings safe.
Need some packing or repacking tips? Check out our collection of Packing Guides!
Store Your Electronic Devices In Waterproof Containers Or Zipper Bags
The next thing you must do is protect your electronic devices from the rain. You can do this by storing them in waterproof containers or zipper bags.
This is a great way to protect items like laptops, tablets, and smartphones from any water damage that may occur during transport. And even if it doesn’t rain on moving day, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Another way to protect your belongings from the rain is by keeping valuable items in waterproof or plastic boxes. This will ensure that your most precious and prized possessions stay dry and safe throughout the move.
Coordinate With Moving Experts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of moving in the rain, it may be helpful to coordinate with professional movers.
This way, you can relax and not worry about a thing – the experts will take care of everything for you. Plus, they have plenty of experience dealing with bad weather and know how to protect your belongings best. However, since it is impossible to know what the weather will be like, far away from the moving date, you would most likely be better off coordinating with a man with a van.
Hiring A Man and Van
A man and van is often much more flexible with their schedule, which means they can work with you even on short notice. You also won’t have to worry about your belongings as, just like a professional removals company, these service providers are experienced and fully equipped to handle the transportation of your belongings, despite inclement weather.
Read more about Hiring A Man And Van here.
How About A Removals Company?
Meanwhile, if you want to take the more traditional route, then a removals company is your best bet. These companies are experienced in dealing with all sorts of weather conditions and will know how to protect your belongings accordingly.
However, because they are usually booked solid months in advance, it may be difficult to coordinate with them if you’re only moving a few days from now. But if you’re able to plan ahead, then a removals company is a great option for those looking for a hassle-free move.
Protect Your Floors
It is crucial that you take measures to protect your floors from dirt and moisture. One way to do this is by placing a tarp or other waterproof material over them before moving anything in or out of the house.
If it rains during the move, you will be glad that you did this as it helps keep mud and water off your floors and carpets. It is also a good idea to bring along some rags, towels, or paper towels so you can wipe up any excess water that may be left behind after the move.
This will help prevent mould growth on furniture and other items in the house and make sure there isn’t a slippery mess on your floor, which could potentially cause someone to fall.
If you have carpets, it is crucial that they don’t get wet during the move, as this may result in permanent stains or even damage to the material itself. Make sure there are no open windows while moving and cover them with plastic wrap before starting any work inside the house.
Label Your Boxes And Bags
It is always a good idea to label your boxes and bags, especially if you are moving in the rain. This way, you will know where everything goes when you get to your new home.
In addition, it is helpful to include information on what is inside each box or bag. This can include the room it is destined for in your new home, as well as which items are fragile and need to be handled with care.
Having this information written down will make unpacking a lot easier – especially if you’re tired and stressed after a long day of moving.
Wear Protective Gear
If you’re moving in the rain, it is essential to protect yourself from any weather conditions that may occur.
Make sure you have dressed appropriately for wet and cold temperatures by wearing waterproof boots or rubber-soled shoes with thick socks underneath, so your feet stay warm throughout the day.
You should also wear a hat, scarf, and gloves to keep your head, neck, and hands warm.
In addition, it is a good idea to pack an emergency kit for yourself, which should include items like a raincoat, umbrella, snacks, water bottle, and first-aid supplies. This way, you will be prepared for any situation that may arise during the move.
Take Your Time
A house move during the bad weather is already very stressful. To make sure things go as smoothly as possible, do not rush through the process and instead focus on being efficient, given the circumstances. This also gives you a chance to take breaks between each step of the move, so you don’t get too tired or stressed out.
Try to make sure there is at least one person helping with each task so everyone can finish their part in a timely manner without feeling overwhelmed by all of the work that needs to be done.
Don’t Let The Idea Of A Rainy Day Move Get You Down
Lastly, if it rains during your move, try not to let it get you down! Instead, take a break from packing boxes and enjoy some hot coffee or tea while watching the rain fall outside your window.
Final Thoughts
It is important to remember that moving is a challenging process, regardless of the weather conditions. With a positive attitude and these helpful tips, you can make your move go as smoothly as possible – even on a rainy day!