The time has come for you to move. However, bad weather can provide a formidable challenge that can’t be avoided in most cases. Always check the weather before a move to ensure you are prepared for a safe and stress-free experience. However, if Mother Nature decides to give you trouble, we’ve got some helpful tips that should ease your worries.
- Create A Staging Area: You may have moments where something is in between the truck and the home and you need a place to rest a piece of furniture or a stack of boxes. Take advantage of an empty garage space or set up a pop up tent with some wood crates underneath to have a safe place to transition your items. Moving items into an easily accessible room while waiting out some weather will keep you productive and organized in your move.
- Wrap It Right: Cardboard boxes and rain don’t mix well. Consider using plastic totes for valuables or items that are vulnerable to water damage. Use clear plastic trash bags and tape to give cardboard boxes an added layer or protection and still be able to see labels of contents. Giant plastic bags are available in most furniture sizes and could prevent a waterlogged mattress or sofa.
- Protect Your Floors: The last thing you want as you are moving into your new space is damage to your new space. Set up multiple floor mats or rugs to help clean feet and wheelers as they come and go. Protect wood and rug flooring from water damage with plastic coverings. Make sure they are taped down so as to not shift around. Cement, wood and tile can all become very slippery when dealing with rain, ice or snow. Be cautious and prepare areas accordingly.
- Indoor and Outdoor Teams: An easy way to keep the weather outside is to have a handoff point. Keeping a team of movers inside and a team outside will help expedite the move while not having to worry about tracking anything inside. When possible have a wheeler for the inside team and one for the outside team. Keep your teams happy with coffee or hot chocolate on cold days or iced teas and ice water on hot days.
- Have the Right Tools: Being prepared for everything in a move is an understatement when it comes to weather. Snow could mean making sure the truck has 4X4 capabilities, you may need a lift instead of a ramp, and don’t forget shovels and ice melt. Rain may mean additional tarps, plastic and wrappings. Always have extra boxes and tape on hand no matter what the weather provides you.
Always remember safety should be your first priority and some moves may have to be rescheduled or at minimum delayed. Here are some helpful tips to consider if the weather is not in your favor.