3 Tips for a Rainy Day Move

It can be frustrating to wake up to rain on your moving day, but you can't let the weather undermine your plans. Most moves occur on a deadline, so only the most severe weather can put a stop to the task at hand. Fortunately, a rainy day move can be a lot less challenging if you know how to prepare beforehand and take the necessary steps to protect your home and belongings.

Just remember that safety comes first. Retreat indoors for a while if the rain storm includes lightning. Staying outside, even under cover, or inside the moving truck is not as safe as being inside a home.

1. Protect Your Home

You must protect the home you are moving from and the one you are moving into from water related damage, such as mud stains. Keep reading to learn about a few specific areas you should protect.

Carpets

The main goal is to keep mud and debris off the carpet. Tarps and mats are your secret weapon. Cover all main traffic routes through the house with either tarps or waterproof mats. Tape the edges down to prevent tripping hazards, particularly where two mats or tarps join together.

Tarps won't prevent all moisture from being tracked in, so you also need to take steps to avoid mold. Purchase or rent a dehumidifier and run it following the move. If any carpets or flooring became saturated during the move, use large fans to quickly dry the carpet before mold spores can grow.

Landscaping

Repeated traffic across a wet lawn can quickly result in a muddy mess. Grass can only withstand so much traffic when it is soggy. Stick to paved pathways as much as possible. It's also a good idea to avoid parking on the wet lawn. If you must cut across landscaping, use a few sheets of cardboard to cover the path and provide some protection from foot traffic.

Drop-off Zones

Keep the moisture levels in the house low by creating a drop-off zone for incoming items in each room. Lay out a large tarp over the flooring in an area that won't block the entrance to the room. Then, as items are brought in, set them on the tarp.

The tarp protects the floor from any moisture that remains on your belongings, so you won't have an unwelcome water stain hiding beneath a box when you begin to unpack.

2. Create a Staging Area

Both the home you are moving from and the one you are moving into should have a staging area placed right outside the main entrance you are using for the move.

Overhead Protection

Overhead protection can come from an existing structure, such as a garage or patio cover, or from a temporary structure like a pop-up canopy. Use this area to towel dry items before bringing them indoors.

Ground Covers

It does little good to cover your items from the rain if it is still wet and muddy underfoot. Use tarps, cardboard sheets, or drop cloths to provide ground protection in the staging area.

3. Use the Right Gear

The right gear helps keep both you and your belongings dry, while also helping to keep you safe on your moving day.

Tubs and Bags

Packing in plastic tubs is the best option in the rain, but garbage bags can work in a pinch. Use large contractor size bags so you can slip them over boxes and furniture for extra protection.

Clothing

What you wear matters, for both comfort and safety. At a bare minimum, you need a waterproof jacket, rain boots, and a waterproof hat to keep your head dry. If it is cold and rainy, dress in layers. It's much easier to shed layers as you get too warm rather than trying to warm up when you are both wet and chilled.

Contact Azalea City Moving Co. for more help with your upcoming move.