The weather, like many things in life, can be unpredictable. Imagine making all your moving plans on time and having everything including all places and ready to go. Then…boom! Rain pours on the day of your move. How frantic? Well, no matter the weather, it is still possible to have a safe and smooth relocation. There are a few tips for moving on a rainy day that will make everything less stressful.

The most important thing is planning so you are prepared for any inconveniences. Always have a plan and plan B for bad weather. 

There are numerous things you can do to ensure your items are protected. Have the truck as close to the door as possible if you can to avoid everything (including yourself) getting wet.

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Put safety first

Beyond and before everything, always put your safety first. Moving on a rainy day is a bit tricky and requires one to be careful while moving, thus you should have the appropriate gear for this type of weather.

Shoes

Wear non-slip shoes and take extra caution when lifting and moving furniture. Things will be a little slippery, and that can be dangerous. Ensure to wear good-fitting shoes and clothes too. Do not wear baggy clothes. You can find appropriate shoes at a home or gardening store.

Gloves

Since things get slippery when it rains, wear non-slip gloves for a good grip. Purchase your regular fitting size. We cannot stress enough how crucial gloves are in this type of weather. They will help grip items better and protect your hands from potential cuts.

Blankets

Get blankets to protect furniture from rain damage. You could do “double protection” by wrapping your furniture with garbage bags and then throwing a blanket on top for extra protection.

Also, observe the weather forecast. This is to see if the rain isn’t heavy that day and to move when it is a bit calm. Short-distance moves are not so much of a setback when it comes to a rainy day compared to long-distance, though you may still get wet.

Check the weather

As we said before, the weather is out of anyone's control, and that’s sometimes unfortunate. If you can avoid moving when the weather is bad, then do that.

Be prepared

Prepare for the worst. It is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Buy all the supplies you will need for the move. If you aren’t sure what moving or packing supplies you’ll need. Research and ask for help. Especially if you are moving yourself. If you have hired a moving company, they’ll bring the appropriate supplies for your items. 

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If you aren’t sure whether the moving company supplies these. Call and ask before moving day so you know what to expect.

When you decide to rent a moving truck, ensure it is inspected. Truck companies are usually good at maintaining their trucks, though some don't think about bad weather. Check for leaks in the truck and see if you can get water-repellent blankets for extra protection of your items. 

Do not rent a truck if it has leaks. This will cost you your furniture and a whole lot of money. Check for this when you rent a truck to ensure you are safe and covered in case the truck has holes. Not to end up getting charged a fee and blamed for causing those damages.

Insurance is also crucial in this instance. Rain can start in the middle of your move or if the truck isn’t in good condition. Having insurance will help tremendously.

Have more people help you

You will need help when moving anyway, but moving on a rainy day demands more hands. And this is because things don't go as fast when it rains versus when the weather is nice and clear. Ask family and friends for help to save yourself time and move your furniture out and into the truck as quickly as possible.

When hiring a moving company, you can request extra hands or inform them promptly so they have enough time to make a plan when moving time comes.

Towels 

Towels, towels, towels. Take them out. They provide great protection for your furniture. Towels are also useful if you don't have moving blankets. They are easy to wash and aren’t as heavy as blankets. 

Use old towels you were maybe going to throw away. Remember that the point is to keep your items and furniture as dry as possible.

Use mats 

Place door mats around the main doors of the house to minimize slippage and the spread of water all over the home. This is a great safety measure and should be one of the first things you do when it rains. If you don't have mats, use towels instead or anything that’ll absorb water. They are as good as a mat.

Blankets in the truck

The last thing you should do before you load the truck is to cover the whole base with blankets for extra protection. Once you’ve loaded all the furniture, cover everything with blankets too. The main here is to cover, cover, cover!! 

In summary

Rainy days are very tricky and should be treated with extra caution. Safety should be a priority on this day. Plan, research, and ask questions to your moving company or truck hire company. Have family and friends help come in and help, and wear appropriate gear to help minimize injuries.

Look at it this way, rain or shine. Your move will happen. You need to have a plan in place and make the most of the day because it all be over before you know it.

Remember that moving shouldn't be a headache. Let us handle all the mess of the day while you relax. Contact us at (718) 619 4881 for a FREE quote, and visit our website for more information on all our services.