Moving in Bad Weather: What You Need to Know

Moving can be enough of a logistical challenge, even when the weather is perfect on the day of your big household relocation. Unfortunately, things can quickly get more complicated when bad weather is in the forecast.

Whether it’s a heavy downpour, high winds, or even a winter snowstorm, the good news is that there are some things you can do to make moving in bad weather a little easier.

Keep an Eye on the Forecast

Start by planning to monitor the weather forecast and prepare as needed. Weather can change by the minute, so it’s essential to keep up-to-date in the days and hours leading up to your move.

If you are traveling a long distance as part of your relocation, keep an eye on the forecast throughout your trip. Each time you stop for gas, use a reliable app on your smartphone to get a weather update so you know what to expect down the road.

Create a Contingency Plan

If the weather is looking iffy for your moving day, it’s essential to have a contingency plan in place. If the weather is too severe to attempt your move, you’ll want to have a plan for either staying in your current place for another night or temporarily staying at a local hotel with your items in a moving truck.

Discuss contingency plans for weather with them beforehand if you use professional movers. They may have specific policies they follow for moving in adverse weather conditions.

Dress for the Weather

If you’ll be loading up your belongings, unpacking, or moving in less-than-ideal weather conditions, it’s essential to dress appropriately. If there’s a chance of rain, wear proper rain gear (including a raincoat and rain boots) to keep you as dry as possible during your move.

For colder weather, you may need to prepare for hazards like snow and ice. If this is the case, wear a warm coat, gloves, and snow boots that offer plenty of traction in slick conditions.

Protect Your Belongings

You’ll also want to protect your belongings as they’re transported from your home to the moving truck and your new place. Cover any items you don’t want to get wet with towels, waterproof canvas, or plastic wrap. Waterproof containers can be handy for smaller items (such as books and electronics).

In a pinch, you can also use large trash bags to keep small- to medium-sized items protected from the elements—so consider adding a box of extra-large trash bags to your list of packing supplies.

Stay Safe at Your New Place

Protect yourself and your belongings if the weather is bad when you arrive at your new place. This might mean shoveling snow and salting your new driveway/walkways before you or your movers start unloading.

Trust the Professionals

While moving in adverse weather isn’t anybody’s idea of a good time, the reality is that professional movers handle lousy weather conditions regularly and can get your items from point A to point B with confidence. If you need to book movers, start with a personalized moving quote from us now.