Organised your move to a T but can’t organise the weather? Yep, it’s going to rain on your big moving day. And not just a light drizzle, but torrential downpours, wind, and a whole lot of mud. Moving house in the rain isn’t exactly anyone’s dream scenario, but with the right approach, you can still get through it without soaking your spirits or your belongings.
Here are some tips to make moving house in the rain a little less arduous —and a lot more dry.
1. Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best
First thing’s first: Don’t panic! It might feel like the universe is conspiring against you, but with some careful planning, you’ll be able to weather the storm. Before moving day arrives, keep an eye on the forecast. If you know it’s going to rain, you can prepare accordingly and even make changes if needed. If you haven’t already, consider booking a later time for the move to avoid getting caught in the worst of the rain. Also, consider renting a van or a truck that has a covered load area, which will keep your belongings dry while in transit.
2. Invest in Waterproof Packing Materials
Water damage is one of the biggest threats when moving in the rain. Even if you’ve packed your stuff meticulously, a little bit of wetness can turn your books into mush or your electronics into paperweights. To prevent this, think waterproof!
Garbage Bags: For soft goods like clothes, bedding, and towels, don’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned garbage bag. Not only do they keep everything dry, but they can also be tied tightly to prevent any water from sneaking in.
Plastic Bins: Switch out your usual cardboard boxes for plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Not only do these offer extra protection, but they’re also sturdy enough to withstand heavy rain.
Plastic Wrap and Bags: Wrap your furniture and fragile items in plastic wrap or large plastic bags to protect them from any stray raindrops. You can pick up rolls of stretch wrap at most moving supply stores.
3. Lay Down Mats or Old Towels
When you’re moving through puddles and wet grass, your shoes will quickly become muddy. Rather than tracking mud through your new home, lay down mats or old towels near the entrance. This will not only help keep the wetness contained but will also make sure you don’t leave a muddy mess in your new place. You can’t expect your movers to wipe their feet every time they go in and out, so help them out with a little bit of prep work.
4. Protect Your Floors with a Tarp
Even if you’ve got the wet shoes covered, your floors are still at risk. Whether you’re moving into hardwood, carpet, or laminate flooring, it’s a good idea to lay down a tarp or old sheets to protect your floors from water and dirt. You don’t want to be cleaning up after the move, and besides, a slippery floor can lead to accidents. So, take some time to prep your new home by covering high-traffic areas and doorways where the rain might sneak in.
5. Use a Large Umbrella or Canopy
An umbrella is probably not going to cover your whole moving crew, but if you’re planning on doing the heavy lifting yourself (or if your moving company doesn’t provide one), get a large, sturdy umbrella or even a canopy. Setting up a canopy at your old place and your new place gives you a sheltered area for loading and unloading boxes. It might not be the most glamorous setup, but it’s definitely effective at keeping you dry while moving your things in and out. If you’re moving into a house, you can even set up a small “rain station” near the door, so everyone has a place to take off wet shoes and coats.
6. Get Help from a Professional Moving Company
If the rainstorm is particularly heavy, or you’re simply not interested in getting drenched while lugging boxes, hiring a professional moving company can be a game-changer. Many moving companies are used to dealing with all kinds of weather conditions, and they come with the proper equipment to keep your belongings safe. Plus, they usually offer protective materials like moving blankets, plastic covers, and tarps to keep everything in top condition.
7. Have Extra Towels and Rags on Hand
Even with all the preparation in the world, you’re likely going to encounter some moisture along the way. Having a stash of clean towels, rags, or old t-shirts on hand is essential. You can use them to dry off surfaces, mop up any water on the floor, or wipe down any wet boxes. It’s always a good idea to have more than enough cleaning supplies, especially when you’re moving in the rain!
8. Move Quickly (But Safely)
When rain is falling in buckets, there’s no time to waste. While you want to make sure everything is packed properly and carefully, you should also try to move efficiently to minimize the time your belongings are exposed to the weather. Quick trips from the truck to the house (or vice versa) can reduce the amount of rain your things encounter. If you’re working with a team, make sure everyone knows their roles and stays focused on the task at hand. It might even be a good idea to increase the number of removalists on the job from say 2 to 4 to help get your belongings in that much quicker.
9. Watch Out for Slick Surfaces
Rain isn’t just an inconvenience—it can also create dangerous conditions. Wet driveways and sidewalks can be slippery, so be sure to tread carefully while moving boxes. You don’t want to slip and end up with a bruised ego (or worse). If your current home or new house has a steep incline, make sure the paths are clear of debris and have sand or salt on hand to prevent slipping.
10. Embrace the Rainy Day Vibe
Let’s face it—moving house in the rain is not the most glamorous task, but you can either let it be a massive downer you can think positive and get through it. Instead of focusing on the wetness, try to embrace the cozy, rainy-day vibe. Think about the future: once everything is moved into your new place, you’ll be dry and comfy, probably with a cup of hot tea or coffee in hand, feeling a sense of accomplishment. After all, if you can handle moving in the rain, you can handle pretty much anything!
Finally: Keep Calm and Move On
Moving house in the rain might not be the picture-perfect moving day you had in mind, but there’s only so much Happly can do. With the right preparation, you can keep your belongings safe, your spirits up, and most importantly—stay dry! So, book in your removalists, cleaners, packers and everything else you need for your move with Happly. Then, grab your umbrella, put on your rain boots, and get stuck in. You’ll make it through to the other side and be enjoying your new home before you know it.
