Updated on November 15, 2024
Despite careful planning, there is one part of a move you can’t control—the weather. Worrying if you see possible rain forecasted on your move day is natural, but don’t stress too much. While moving in the rain is not ideal, with some preparation and patience, you can complete your local or long-distance move safely and protect your precious items from the wet weather. Take a look at some of 1-800-PACK-RAT’s favorite tips and strategies for moving in rainy, damp weather.
Tips for Moving in the Rain
Depending on what season you decide to move in, a rainy day can be the most unpredictable element to plan for, especially if you booked your move with your moving company a month or so in advance. The rain shouldn’t prevent you from making a successful move, though. You can employ some simple strategies to push back against Mother Nature’s plans for your moving day and stay safe while doing it.
Hope for the Best, but Plan for the Worst
Weather is a fickle thing. You can start making plans based on the weather 15 days before your move, but you won’t have a clear view until a few days before. Even then, the forecast can change dramatically from one day to the next, especially during the Summer months when pop-up storms can happen at any time.
So, if you see the potential for rain on your moving day, start gathering moving supplies and preparing to make some alterations to your moving plans. Don’t forget to check the weather report for your target city also. Here are some items that can make moving in the rain easier:
- Pop-up tents
- Umbrellas
- Tarps
- Plastic garbage bags of different sizes
- Plastic or stretch wrap
- Mops
- Old towels and rags
- Rugs
- Cardboard
- Plastic tubs
- Heavy duty tape
- Non-slip shoes
Be sure to also check your local weather radar for rain breaks while moving and packing your stuff. Set aside items that absolutely cannot get wet and try to wait for a pause or a slowdown in the rain to move them. If you do need to move stuff and the rain isn’t showing signs of letting up, be sure to have something to cover your boxes and other items with as you carry them to get packed away.
Never pack up wet or drenched items, either! If need be, have someone in your moving solution or portable container drying things off thoroughly before you place them inside. Wet boxes and other items can develop mold and mildew, damaging your stored belongings.
Prepare Your Boxes and Furniture
You can use plastic wrap or garbage bags to cover your cardboard boxes or furniture to protect them from the rain. However, for susceptible items, like important papers, books, or valuables that cannot get wet, consider transferring them from cardboard boxes to store the items in plastic storage containers. If you are not wrapping your cardboard boxes, we recommend using heavy-duty tape on the bottom to provide additional support. Take extra precautions with electronics and other water-sensitive items that are not secured in a box.
Add additional layers of protection by first wrapping them in blankets and then securely wrapping them in plastic. This will form a waterproof barrier. Do keep in mind that cardboard boxes are stronger than you may think and can withstand some rain on them before falling apart.
If you absolutely have to pack something wet, be sure to unpack any boxes that may get heavily drenched by rain first to avoid any mold or mildew forming on the contents inside. If you need moving supplies for your move, be sure to visit our partner Lowe's® Home Improvement, for anything you might need!
Create a Staging Area
Instead of moving boxes directly from a room in your house into your portable storage unit, create a staging area where all the boxes and furniture can stay until you are ready to face the rain, then set up an assembly line to hand boxes down to place easily into your container. This will keep you from tracking water or mud throughout your entire home, which you then have to clean up before leaving. The garage or basement is an ideal staging area because the floors are typically concrete or tile and won’t be too bothered by you going in and out of the rain.
Consider using pop-up canopies if you are dealing with rain and not high winds. You can line canopies up on the path between your container or moving vehicle and the door of your home. This will provide some protection from the rain as you are moving items back and forth, especially if you set one up to cover the doors to your portable moving container.
Protect Your Floors
Protecting your floors is a high priority when moving, whether it is raining or not. Ensure everyone assisting with your move knows to be careful about tracking water, dirt, or mud throughout the home. You can use old runner rugs, cardboard, or towels to create walkways from one room to another. Keep a mop on hand in case of any unintentional water accumulation.
Try using the assembly line strategy with a dedicated indoor and outdoor crew to quickly and efficiently move your items into/out of your home. The outdoor crew will move items to and from outside and hand them off to the indoor crew. This is an efficient way to move boxes and other smaller items. It also prevents mud and dirt from being tracked inside and shorten the distances that your moving helpers have to walk.
Practice Good Safety Habits
Wet and rainy weather increases the risk of injury during a move. Damp and slippery walkways constitute a significant cause of slip-and-fall accidents. Be sure that you wear non-slip practical shoes that have good tread and prevent slipping and injury.
Be especially careful if you have to go up and down any ramps, like the ones found on the back of moving trucks. Our portable storage containers allow for ground-level packing, so you don’t have to worry about falling and getting hurt on a slippery metal ramp (or having to drive your stuff in bad weather).
Use Weatherproof Containers and Store Your Stuff Securely
Not all portable storage containers and storage companies are created equal. 1-800-PACK-RAT uses all steel, weatherproof portable storage containers to help keep your stuff safe and secure. They are specifically constructed to resist the elements and prevent moisture absorption, decreasing the likelihood of mold and mildew. Just be sure not to pack anything wet inside, as this can lead to mold and mildew creation. If possible, dry everything off as you pack it to avoid damage.
With over 70 locations across the continental United States, we can get you a container to help make moving in the rain simple and stress-free, even if you are moving in bad weather.
Load Your Dryer Last and Unpack It First
Have your dryer be the last thing loaded at the move-out site and the first thing unloaded and set up at the new place. A functioning dryer during a rainy move can keep you and your moving crew as dry as possible and keep your old and new home from becoming a mess of damp towels and clothes. It may not always be possible based on how you pack your stuff, but it can be a big help for a rainy day.
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Make Your Upcoming Move Simpler
Moving in the rain can be a challenge, but it is one that 1-800-PACK-RAT accepts! We can help you find professional labor services in your local area you can trust to pack and move your belongings safely and securely, even in the rain, as well as auto transportation partners for those cross-country moves!
The best part about moving with 1-800-PACK-RAT is that you can leave all the driving to us and keep your container for as long as needed. So if it calls for rain on the day you planned to pack but have some wiggle room, you can avoid the rain altogether!
Whatever your moving and storage needs may be, 1-800-PACK-RAT makes it simple. Give us a call or go online for a free quote today, and let us help make your next move a breeze, no matter what weather you are dealing with!