Tips for Moving in Bad Weather
The day has finally arrived to start your exciting journey to a new location. While you may wake up hoping for sunshine and clear skies, you may be met by dark clouds and rainfall instead. However, that doesn’t mean the undesirable conditions outside have to put a damper on your moving plans.
You’ve picked out and purchased your next residence, packed all of your belongings neatly into the moving truck and are ready to set forth on your new journey. Don’t let lousy weather keep you from finishing off the moving process. With a few tips in mind, you’ll be ready to move in any condition — rain or shine.
Moving During Bad Weather — Storms, Snow and Rain
Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t always cooperate when we most need it to. Whether it’s on your wedding day or during a day you anticipate traveling across the country to your new house, the first few trickles of rain or flurries may cause moans of disappointment and despair. But life must go on.
It is important to note that anything wet — including rain and snow — poses harm to your possessions. While you may not be anticipating bad weather, it’s always best to prepare for the unexpected.
Safeguard Your Belongings
While your first thought upon looking out the window at the dreary weather may be “I don’t want to get wet,” you should also add your belongings to the list of things that should stay dry. To make sure your possessions arrive at your new destination safe and dry, we recommend keeping the following tips in mind:
- Don’t skimp on packing materials: Even if you’re able to forgo packing some of your possessions, you may want to consider wrapping up and placing all of your belongings into containers during especially bad weather. As you load and unload, water will inevitably touch whatever items are unprotected. Extra care guarantees your belongings stay safe and dry.
- Use waterproof bins and containers: While cardboard boxes are sturdy and typically withstand usage well, don’t take the risk of water seeping into your belongings during bad snow or rain storms. Invest in waterproof bins or containers to ensure the contents within stay dry — even when water pours nonstop outside.
- Shrink wrap and seal when necessary: If you’re moving, you want to save space. When you’re moving and it’s raining or snowing, your requirement to make fewer trips to your moving truck sky-rockets. Using shrink wrap helps store more clothing and bedding in one container. Not only does this equate to fewer bins to haul, but the added sealing protects against potential water damage.
- Seal shut and tight: When closing up boxes, don’t just fold the corners under one another and call it a day. Invest in heavy-duty duct tape to seal up your boxes to ensure outside elements don’t seep inside.
Set up a System
If it’s raining or snowing, the last thing you want to do is spend countless hours outside loading up your van or car. You don’t want your belongings to get wet, and you also don’t want to get drenched in the process, either.
If possible, round up a crew of family and friends who are willing to help you move — even in unideal conditions. Put a system in place where everyone is responsible for packing certain items. Not only will your packing process go smoothly, but you and your possessions will be loaded up and ready to go in no time.
What to Keep in Mind When Moving in Snow: Tips and Strategies
While the rain may seem unbearable, snow poses a whole other set of issues. When moving in the snow, it’s important to implement a few cautionary measures while keeping a few other tips in mind:
- Dress for the weather: Wear weather-resistant boots to avoid slipping while loading up your moving truck. Bundle up to stay warm and consider wearing a rain jacket so any snowflakes or raindrops bead right off.
- Keep your vehicle close: Park your vehicle — whether it’s a moving van or your personal car — as close to your home as possible. You don’t want to have to travel several hundred feet through the snow just to load one box.
- Drive cautiously: When you’re all packed and ready to head out, remember to drive with caution. Your vehicle is full of possessions that can easily move around if you stop too suddenly or slide on the snow or ice. If the conditions are too bad outside, trust your gut and consider postponing your move until another day.
Mid Atlantic Van Lines — Assistance When You Need it
Don’t face the dreary weather alone.
At Mid Atlantic Van Lines, our team of certified movers knows just how to transport your belongings even when the sun isn’t shining. Contact us to speak with a representative about our moving services today.
