Moving is challenging, stressful and filled with unexpected difficulties that can throw a wrench into your process, no matter how well you have prepared. Especially if you are using a moving company or have rented a truck, like most of us need to when we move, you are locked into the day that you have chosen to move weeks before your actual moving day. One unexpected challenge that can derail your big day is bad weather. Take a look at our top tips to make sure rain doesn’t wash away your moving day!
- Follow The Forecast: Even though weather forecasts are not always an exact science for what the conditions will be over your home the day of your move, make sure that you take the time to check the forecast for your area a few days out. If you know that there is a good chance of rain, then do yourself a favor and start preparing as if it will rain. Also, using the forecast will help you to not over-prepare. No reason to spend time, energy, and money on a rainy-day plan until you know that it could affect you.
- When In Doubt, Wait It Out: Sounds simple, but make sure you examine your forecast and see what the window of rain is supposed to be. Especially if you live in Florida or California, rain can often come and go within 30 minutes. Don’t adjust your entire plan because of a small cell on the radar. Also, be cognizant of time, if its afternoon storms, consider waking up early so that you can maximize your time moving before the conditions deteriorate.
- Get Sturdy Supplies: Regardless of the conditions of your move, you should always make sure that you have the right supplies for the job. However, when the conditions are set to be less than ideal, it is that much more important that you have the right stuff. Make sure to move in sturdy boxes. Most cardboard moving boxes are built to withstand some rain, but if this is their second or even third move, they may not be suitable for a rainy day move. Additionally, plastic covers are your friends! Buy enough to protect your valuable furniture and electronics from the elements.
- Protect Your Home: In addition to your belongings, protecting your home is equally as important. Especially if you are renting, water damage to the home you are leaving could put your security deposit at risk. Use plastic sheets and possibly even painter’s tape to protect things like molding and hardwood floors that can easily be affected by water damage. Taking these extra precautions could save you some big bucks during your move.
- Use Your Home To Your Advantage: Make sure you use the space you are leaving to your advantage during a rainy day move. If your house has a garage, get your truck as close as you can to use the coverage provided. Many garages have small entryways and are not always the easiest to get furniture in and out of, so if you know that rain could be a factor, consider doing some pre-moving in the sunny days leading up to your move to get as much of your furniture out of our main doors and into the garage as possible before the elements make it difficult.
- Protect Yourself: When thinking of ways to protect your valuables, it is easy to neglect yourself. In the rain, truck ramps often get very slick and can become a hazard for slipping and falling or even just make it more difficult to get the leverage you need to use moving aides such as dollies. Consider investing in some no-slip shoes like the ones that kitchen employees typically wear. Products like these could save you from a costly and painful fall!