It’s moving day. You’ve been looking forward to it for months and now it’s finally arrived. While the boxes are packed and the best moving company in town has been booked, the weather gods seem to be against you. Moving house in the rain or snow can be very difficult, with bad weather throwing up more than its fair share of challenges. It’s nothing you can’t overcome, however, as long as you’re organised and have the right packing materials by your side. Let’s take a look at the things you need to consider when moving in bad weather.
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1. Get organised
Organisation is the key to every successful move. Don’t just plan for the perfect situation, consider what you’ll do if things go wrong. A robust moving plan should always consider bad weather, with some people even changing the date of their move according to seasonal conditions or weather forecasts.
Above all else, it’s important to use the services of a professional and caring moving company. Discuss the company’s policy on moving in bad weather, and make sure you’re doing everything you can to make it as easy as possible. Whether it’s a raincoat, a new pair of gumboots, or a snow shovel, it’s important that you’re prepared and ready to go.
2. Protect your belongings
Bad weather can ruin your precious belongings like nothing else. While cardboard packing boxes are more durable than you might think, it’s important that you seal everything with packing tape to protect against rain and moisture. Artwork and fragile items often require additional plastic wrapping, with heavy blankets or waterproof canvas coverings needed to protect furniture and other bulky items.
Specialised waterproof containers are the most robust solution for many items, including things like books and electronics that can be easily damaged by moisture. While you can do a lot of this yourself before the movers come, bad weather is the perfect excuse to use the services of a professional packing company.
3. Use professional packers and materials
Most moving companies also offer packing services, with small independent companies more than happy to help you with every aspect of your move. Even if you were thinking about doing the packing yourself, bad weather should make you reconsider your options.
Professional packers have the knowledge and experience needed to prepare your goods for all weather conditions, and they have the correct packing materials on hand at all times. From waterproof tarpaulins and plastic coverings through to blankets and plastic containers, having the right equipment is crucial.
4. Prepare your moving space
It’s especially important to prepare your moving space when moving in the rain. Wet weather can easily damage your goods and make a mess of your house and lawn. Having to deal with dirty carpets or muddy grass is the last thing you’ll want to do during the latter stages of a move, so do everything you can to get prepared first.
Line the hallway and front porch of your house with plastic floor lining and towels. This will catch mud and water from your feet and stop damage to your property. It’s also important to think about the outside environment in bad weather, with old carpets and plastic lining a good way to avoid ripping up your lawn and damaging your driveway.
5. Set up an assembly line
Setting up an assembly line is a great way to minimise damage to your belongings and the property itself. While an assembly line may seem inefficient, designating one person to stand inside your home and another person to remain outside is a great way to keep the floors clean and dry.
Instead of muddy boots walking all over your house, you can maintain control over sensitive interior areas, driveways, and lawns. This is also the safest option in most situations, with slippery ground making it especially dangerous when people are carrying cumbersome boxes and furniture.
Prepare your new home
Preparing your new home is just as important as getting your moving space ready. Do you want muddy footprints all over your fresh new living room carpet? What about water from moving boxes dripping down onto your new carpet? While moving in the rain throws up lots of challenges, there’s nothing that can’t be overcome.
Don’t forget to lay down rugs or towels on both sides of the front door to keep water from getting in. If it’s cold outside, make sure the utilities are on so you can turn the heating up as soon as you arrive. It’s also important to think about vehicle and personal access, including parking, locks, and height restrictions. These are just some of the reasons why you should use the services of a professional and caring moving company, especially when the weather gods are not on your side.