Tips for Moving in Bad Weather

Just like the U.S. Postal Service, a move must go on in rain, shine, sleet or snow. Mother Nature can throw even the best-planned move into turmoil. The weather is often unpredictable, but there are some things you can do to be prepared for any inclement weather on your moving day.

The first thing to do is to follow the weather reports in the weeks and days prior to your move. While this is not foolproof, it is the best way to know what to be prepared for.  Dressing for your move is very important. You should plan your moving wardrobe for the season in which you are moving and be ready to dress for bad weather situations.

Rain

Moving during a light rain does not usually cause any problems. However, moving during heavy rain can cause some challenges. If it is raining heavily, it might be best to postpone the move until the following day, if you have the luxury of doing that. But if you have a hard deadline, that will not be an option.

The most important thing is to keep your belongings dry. Therefore, it is best for the moving truck to be as close to your house as possible and to cover the furniture with moving pads and then plastic wrap, which keeps the moving pads dry. Make sure there are no leaks inside the moving truck and that rain cannot come in the back of the truck when it is being loaded.

Towels, blankets, or moving pads should be laid down in the house so the movers do not damage carpet or wood floors. One option is to have some movers inside the house and some outside so they can pass the boxes to one another without having to walk in the house with wet or muddy shoes. Have extra towels around for people to dry off with in case they get too wet.

Shine

Most people think moving when the sun is shining is the best weather to move in. However, this can cause some challenges also, such as sunburns and dehydration. It is important to have enough sunblock for everyone to use and to have enough drinks for anyone, especially those doing the heavy lifting.

Sleet and Snow

Winter weather, such as sleet, snow, and ice, can wreak the most havoc of any weather during a move. There are special considerations to be made if you are moving during the winter months.

It is your responsibility to make sure the driveway and sidewalks are clear of snow and ice and that the movers have a clear, safe path from the house to the truck. This should be done before the movers show up. Put down salt or sand to prevent ice from forming, and keep your shovels handy in case you need to clear the path again. You are also responsible for this at your destination, so make sure the shovels are easily accessible for when your belongings arrive.

Make sure the moving truck is as close to the house as possible and cover your furniture with moving pads. If it is snowing while you are moving, cover the moving pads with plastic wrap, which keeps the moving pads dry. Lay down towels, blankets or moving pads in your house so movers going in and out with wet, slushy shoes don't damage the carpet or wood floors. Just like when it is raining, one option is to have some movers inside the house and some outside so they can pass the boxes to one another.

Keep hot beverages, as well as water, available for those who are doing the move. If you have a portable heater, keep that plugged in somewhere so people can warm up if they need to.

If the weather is too bad, many movers will cancel a move. Often if it is too difficult for you to move out of your house, it is probably too difficult for those moving in to your house to be able to move. Also, if the roads are impassable, most moving companies will not send their trucks out. Therefore, make sure you have a supply of things you would need in an emergency.

Moving in any kind of inclement weather might take longer than anticipated, so keep calm and stay cool.