The night before moving day can leave you restless and sleepless, even in good weather conditions. When you know there’s going to be bad weather, you’ll be lucky if you get a wink of sleep. 

Some people even swear by moving superstitions, which can increase the stress of settling into their new home. When moving day arrives, you’ll be hoping for good weather, but it doesn’t always turn out that way. Whether raining, snowing, windy, or otherwise, you’ll have to add some maneuvers to your game plan. However, moving in bad weather doesn’t have to be complicated. As long as you prepare for the weather and understand how to protect your items, you can expect a smooth move. 

Preparing For The Weather

It’s never a bad idea to keep updated on the weather forecast for your moving day. This way, you’ll be prepared for possible bad weather in advance and have enough time to get your items ready for whatever weather is being predicted. Beyond ensuring that your belongings are ready on moving day, you can also prepare in other ways. If it’s going to be hot, bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If it’ll be raining, make sure you have umbrellas and rain jackets to wear. 

How to Prepare for Your Move in Bad Weather

Talk To Your Movers

It’s important to have open communication with your moving company. Be sure that you’re aware of their policies for moving in bad weather. If the weather is bad enough, your moving day may have to be postponed to protect everyone and your belongings. Contact your movers if you have any worries about the weather on your moving day. If the weather isn’t bad enough to postpone the move, you’ll be glad to have professional movers there to help you out so you don’t have to battle the weather alone!

Always Have Garbage Bags

Garbage bags can be used in surprisingly various ways for moving families. They act as a quick way to pack up any last-minute items, on top of acting as an extra layer of protection for your other belongings. If you’re worried about packed items being damaged, it’s a good idea to put a garbage bag around them to protect them from the elements. This isn’t a fix-all for packing in bad weather, but it’s an easy way to keep your belongings safe. Rolls of plastic wrapping can also help with water protection on larger items. 

Temperature-Appropriate Beverages

This one is simple – if you’re moving on an especially hot day, be sure to have lots of water and other cold drinks to help you cool down. Likewise, if you’re moving in the rain or snow, keep hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate on hand so you can keep warm. 

Protect Your New Home’s Floor

The last thing you want to do when you finally reach your new house is to immediately wreck the floor. With bad weather like rain or snow, this possibility becomes much more likely, so you’ll have to take extra precautions. Lay some form of padding down on your floor – this could be old towels, blankets, or moving pads. Use extra caution for carpets and hardwood, which can be damaged or dirtied more easily than linoleum or tile. 

Take Extra Care in Wrapping Your Belongings

In bad weather, you’ll have to make sure all your items are properly covered. While on a normal day, furniture and other bulkier objects might not have to be covered. On a rainy or snowy day, you’ll have to cover them up in blankets, towels, or canvas. For belongings that are already packed, it’s good to wrap them in an extra layer, whether that’s a garbage bag, towel, or bubble wrap.

Have Your Items Professionally Packed

If you’re worried about your belongings being damaged by weather or the move itself, consider having your items professionally packed by your moving company. They’ll be able to put the utmost care into ensuring the protection of your items in the case of bad weather. For example, Eager Beaver uses professional moving blankets, wrapping, and other tools to get your belongings from A to B safely whether the weather is good or bad. 

How To Move In The Rain

Moving in the rain comes with extra precautions to protect both your belongings and your safety. Use waterproof coverings, lay down floor protection, and wear slip-resistant shoes. Make sure vehicles are dry and secure, and keep umbrellas and rain jackets on hand for everyone helping with the move.

To reduce the amount of moisture brought into your home and moving truck, load larger furniture items first and keep boxes staged in a covered area whenever possible. Use plastic wrap or shrink wrap around upholstered furniture and mattresses to prevent water damage. Keep electronics in sealed containers and avoid leaving packed items outside for extended periods, even under light rain.

Rainy conditions can also create slippery loading ramps and walkways. Move slowly, maintain clear communication with anyone carrying heavy items, and wipe down wet surfaces regularly to reduce the risk of accidents.

How To Move In Cold Weather

Cold weather moves require preparation for icy or snowy conditions. Dress in layers, keep pathways clear of snow or ice, and have salt or sand ready for traction. Use insulated blankets for delicate items and keep moving quickly but safely to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.

Cold temperatures can affect both people and belongings. Electronics, glass items, and fragile materials may become more susceptible to damage when exposed to extreme cold. Allow temperature-sensitive items to gradually adjust to indoor temperatures before using them after the move.

When loading the truck, place weather-sensitive items toward the back of the load so they can be unloaded more quickly upon arrival. Check walkways frequently throughout the day, as melting snow can refreeze and create new slipping hazards.

How To Move In Heatwaves and Hot Days

High temperatures can make moving exhausting and dangerous. Schedule the heaviest lifting for early morning or late evening, stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and use sunscreen. Keep perishable items cool and avoid leaving electronics or sensitive belongings in hot vehicles.

Heatwaves can also affect packing materials and household items. Here are the items that should be transported in climate-controlled conditions whenever possible:

• Candles
• Certain plastics
• Electronics
• Artwork
• Other heatwave sensitive belongings

Avoid packing these items in areas of the truck that may become excessively hot during transport.

Loading strategies are especially important during extreme heat. Prioritize loading heavy items efficiently to minimize time spent outdoors and create a shaded rest area where movers can cool down between trips. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, headaches, or excessive fatigue.

How to Protect Your Belongings From Weather Damage

Bad weather increases the risk of moisture damage, warping, staining, and breakage during a move. Taking extra precautions with packing materials and protective coverings can help ensure your belongings arrive safely regardless of the forecast.

Protecting Electronics During a Move

Electronics are particularly vulnerable to rain, snow, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Pack devices in their original boxes whenever possible, or use sturdy containers with protective padding. Seal boxes with packing tape and keep electronics inside waterproof bins or plastic coverings when moving between buildings and vehicles.

Avoid exposing televisions, computers, gaming systems, and other sensitive equipment to wet conditions. If electronics have been exposed to cold temperatures, allow them to reach room temperature before turning them on.

Protecting Furniture From Rain and Snow

Furniture should be protected with moving blankets, shrink wrap, or waterproof covers before being loaded onto the truck. Upholstered furniture is especially susceptible to moisture damage and staining, while wooden furniture can warp if exposed to excessive water.

Use furniture pads beneath protective plastic coverings to provide both cushioning and weather protection. Whenever possible, move furniture directly from the home into the truck rather than leaving it exposed outdoors.

Plastic Bins vs. Cardboard Boxes

While cardboard boxes remain a popular moving option, plastic bins provide superior protection in wet conditions. Plastic containers help prevent water penetration and can better protect valuable or fragile items during rainy or snowy moves.

Cardboard boxes can still be used effectively when properly sealed and kept off wet surfaces. For maximum protection, consider using waterproof containers for important documents, electronics, and other high-value belongings.

Additional packing materials such as shrink wrap, heavy-duty plastic sheeting, waterproof mattress covers, and moisture-resistant packing tape can provide an extra layer of defense against bad weather.

Transportation Tips for Moving in Bad Weather

Prepare Your Vehicle Before Moving Day

Inspect your vehicle or moving truck before moving day. Check tire pressure, windshield wipers, headlights, brakes, and fluid levels to ensure safe operation in adverse weather conditions. Keep emergency supplies such as blankets, flashlights, and a first-aid kit readily available.

Plan Alternative Routes

Road closures, flooding, snow accumulation, and traffic delays can significantly impact moving day schedules. Review weather forecasts and identify alternative routes in advance so you can adapt if conditions change unexpectedly.

Check the Moving Truck for Leaks

Before loading any belongings, inspect the moving truck for signs of water intrusion. Check the roof, doors, and cargo area for leaks or damaged seals that could allow rain or melting snow to enter during transit. Addressing these issues before loading can prevent costly damage to your possessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to move during winter?

Moving in winter can be challenging due to cold, ice, and snow, but with proper planning and precautions, it can be managed safely and efficiently.

What season is the best time to move?

Late spring or early fall are often considered ideal due to mild weather, lower chances of extreme temperatures, and more predictable conditions.

How to move furniture during bad weather?

Use waterproof covers, blankets, and plastic wrapping to protect furniture. Clear paths of debris, snow, or water, and work with a team to lift and transport items safely.

What day is the cheapest to hire movers?

Weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper than weekends due to lower demand for moving services.

Can movers move furniture in the rain?

Yes, professional movers can move furniture in the rain. They typically use moving blankets, plastic wrap, waterproof coverings, and other protective materials to help prevent moisture damage during transport.

Will moving companies cancel because of bad weather?

Most moving companies continue operating in light to moderate weather conditions. However, severe weather that creates safety risks, such as major snowstorms, flooding, or dangerous road conditions, may result in delays or rescheduling.

Are plastic bins better than cardboard boxes in wet weather?

Plastic bins generally provide better protection against moisture because they are water-resistant and less likely to weaken when exposed to rain or snow. They are particularly useful for electronics, documents, and valuable belongings.

How do I protect hardwood floors during a rainy move?

Use moving blankets, floor runners, old towels, or protective mats along entryways and high-traffic areas. Promptly wipe up any water tracked indoors to prevent staining, warping, or slipping hazards.

Get Your Free Moving Estimate

Moving day is a stressful time for every family. Eager Beaver Moving is dedicated to making your move as easy as possible. Get your free moving estimate today to find out just how easy your moving day can be.