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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
