Moving in Bad Weather – How to Handle a Storm
You’re all set to move… and the storm is moving in! It’s hard to change your moving day once it’s set, and there’s always a chance that the weather won’t be accommodating. Here’s how you can make the best of a soggy or chilly situation.
Hire a Moving Company
While it’s tempting (and often less expensive) to round up the troops and depend on volunteers to help you move, lining up a professional moving company to handle the transition can be preferable. Trained movers handle boxes, furniture, and breakables in all kinds of weather, and have the experience you need to get through a soggy or frigid move. Also, if the weather is awful, there’s a good chance your well-intentioned unpaid workforce may cancel on you, leaving you short-handed when you need help the most. A paid moving crew is guaranteed to be there, ready to work, no matter how ugly it is outside. Many companies also offer weather-resistant packing materials to protect your furniture and valuables.
Protect Your Belongings
Don’t worry too much about most items packed in sealed boxes—cardboard is sturdier than you think. If boxes are simply being moved between your old home, the truck, and your new home, they’ll protect your belongings just fine. For extra protection on smaller boxes containing books, slip them into large trash bags. Transfer important papers into plastic bins, just in case.
Wrap furniture in blankets to protect finishes and fabrics; the fabric will also absorb moisture. If rain is heavy, add a layer of plastic wrap over the blankets. Bag electronics, clothing, linens, and pillows in kitchen or lawn-and-leaf bags to keep them dry. Wrap artwork in plastic wrap or inexpensive shower curtains secured with packing tape.
Once indoors, remove coverings right away so moisture doesn’t pool or seep through. If boxes get wet, unpack them as soon as possible and recycle the boxes immediately to prevent musty odors or mold.
Towels and Tarps Are Your Friends
Towels wash easily and can be placed strategically to prevent water and mud from being tracked inside. Put them at entry points and in high-traffic areas. Towels can also be used under damp furniture coverings to catch moisture before it hits flooring. For larger furniture pieces, use tarps, old sheets, or shower curtains. If you have hardwood floors near the entry, place waterproof tarps along the entire walkway to prevent damage.
Proper Attire Is a Must
Professional movers wear boots or sturdy sneakers—make sure everyone else does too. Opt for non-slip, closed-toe shoes to prevent accidents. Skip the umbrellas and use rain jackets or slickers instead; you’ll stay drier and keep both hands free.
Turn Up the Heat
If you’re moving on a cold day, make sure your utilities are turned on ahead of time so you can warm the house before the moving crew arrives. You may lose a little heat through open doors, but warm air keeps hands flexible, improving grip and reducing the chance of drops or accidents.
Mother Nature has her own agenda, and you have to play by her rules. But with these helpful tips, your foul-weather move doesn’t have to rain on your parade! For more homeowner tips and resources, visit our Ernest Homes Blog.
