So, you've finally organised everything for your upcoming moving day. You've cleaned, packed, and confirmed your move with your movers and now all you have to do is wait for them to arrive. But what if it's forecast to rain and there’s no way for you to reschedule anymore?
While rain is out of your control, there are a few things you can do to ensure your move goes to plan with little disruption to your items. Here's how to keep your belongings safe and dry during your move.
When it rains, you need more supplies to keep your furniture and possessions protected. Not just that, you also need to keep your boxes dry as rain can seep through cardboard and cause your possessions to get wet. So, aside from your usual moving supplies, make sure to have the things that will come in handy when moving with a downpour. Make sure to have plenty of rubbish bags and shrink wrap, as these will be your best friends come moving day. Put aside some extra towels, umbrellas, rain boots, raincoats and a change of clothes. This will give you easy access to your protective gear and mean you won't have to go opening boxes looking for it before your move.
Moving blankets are generally used to protect items from damage when being moved. However, moving blankets are not waterproof and won’t protect your items from getting wet. Your best choice is to wrap your items in plastic. This is easier than you think. Using cling wrap and rubbish bags is an easy way to keep your items protected. These items are also easy to find, affordable, and will do a better job than using larger, less flexible pieces of plastic (such as tarpaulins or plastic sheets.) Pick some rubbish bags, and cling wrap up at the supermarket the week before your move. This way you'll have it on hand whether it rains or not. Use cling wrap on large pieces of furniture like your couch and wood shelves. Don’t forget your mattresses as well.
Wrap your smaller items in rubbish bags to protect them from getting wet. You can also place your paper items and books in a rubbish bag before you pack them in a plastic container to add a layer of protection.
Setting up a canopy tent between your front door and the moving truck will help eliminate or shorten the distance of your belongings being carried out in the pouring rain. This will effectively protect your items and your movers from getting all soaked up. This is a particularly good idea if the rain is heavy or very consistent. As canopy tents are often flimsy, we recommend using them on a calm day. If it is windy your tent may blow away or become more of a hindrance than a help to your move.
The best thing about a canopy tent is it can easily be disassembled once you are done. Simply take it down and throw it in the back of your moving van.
Moving on a rainy day means your moving team may trek water and dirt through your home. With a little foresight, this can be avoidable. To minimise the need for movers to walk around every move, gather your items in one place close to the entry of your home.
Gather your heaviest items together in your hallway or entranceway. Your moving team will move these boxes into your moving truck first so that they don't crush your other items.
Another way to avoid tracking mud inside your home when it rains is to move your items via an assembly line. Designate one member of your moving team for the task of bringing items to the door. This person will stay inside and hand off boxes and other items to a person standing outside. This person outside can hand off the items to a person at the moving truck. An assembly line prevents anyone wearing soiled footwear from walking through your house. You can use this same strategy when you arrive at your new home. This is easier and faster than getting people to take their shoes off before they enter inside.
Use the towels you kept out earlier to wipe down boxes and furniture as soon as they get loaded into the moving truck. Place a few towels on the floor of the truck bed where the items will be stacked first and then wipe them dry. Then you can move the dry objects into the back of the truck. This will avoid making puddles in the truck and prevent your items from soaking up rainwater.
Sometimes, having wet boxes or items can’t be avoided. In this case, make sure that once your movers have delivered your items to your new home, they unpack your wet boxes and items first. It’s unwise to keep your items in wet boxes. This can result in moulds and mildew, or worst water damage to your items and documents.
Moving home can be a stressful process especially when bad weather is scheduled. Following the tips above will help you move on a rainy day and keep your items protected. If you're worried about your furniture and possessions getting wet during the move, why not let the professionals handle it?
Wise Move will help you find a suitable moving company for your relocation, in any type of weather.
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