6 tips for moving in the rain

Living in Melbourne, you’ve probably figured out it (sometimes) rains quite often. In fact, rain falls in Melbourne on more than 150 days every year. Thus, moving in the rain can easily become one of the complications on your moving day.

Let’s be frank here. No one ever plans for moving in the rain on purpose. It’s usually the case of a last-minute booking, or you simply got unlucky with the weather forecast. I’m not going to sugar coat things here. When it rains, moving does become more difficult and more unexpected events will occur, that is unless you’re prepared for the occasion. In this post, I will give you some tips so that you may be better prepared than otherwise. If you’re thinking

Well, what is the big deal? It’s only a bit of rain? Right?

I wish I could agree with you there, but speaking from experience, it’s far from the truth. Let’s first look at what can go wrong when moving in the rain.

What can go wrong if moving on a rainy day

Accidents and breakages are more likely to happen. When it rains, surfaces either get muddy, or slippery. It’s probably not a huge deal for you as the former dweller of the property. You know which part of the tile gets slippery and which not. However, it’s a completely different story for professional movers, whose visit would most likely be their first. Furthermore, rain, depending on its severity, can also impair vision and make it difficult to get a good grip on boxes and other items. Accidents causing an injury or breakage not only slow the process of moving down but can become very costly for you.

Rain can easily cause damage to your furniture, electronics and also negatively affect the structural integrity of your cardboard boxes and cause all sorts of problems. Your furniture and electronics can be damaged as they get wet from rainwater. Just imagine your 55 inch smart TV that you bought just a couple of months ago being ruined due to rain. How about that box where you kept your memorabilia? What would happen to the contents inside the box if the box was to get wet? (Cardboard boxes usually do very bad against water!)

Don’t forget your carpet. If you’re moving out, you’ve either done most of your moving out cleaning, or you’ve already started your moving out cleaning. One thing that many forget is the carpets. What about carpets? Well. I’ve mentioned earlier that surface would either get muddy or slippery when it rains. We’ve learnt that cardboard boxes didn’t do very well against rainwater, and now we’re learning that mud isn’t very good for carpets. 3-5 people moving in and out with mud under their shoes/boots, the carpet will become dirty very quickly.

Of course, you won’t notice it until later, because you’ll be too busy, focused on moving boxes and furniture into your new home. You’re potentially creating extra work for yourself, one that may cost you as carpet cleaning doesn’t come cheap unless you own a carpet cleaner yourself.

Have I scared you enough yet?

As much as I made moving on a rainy day sounds like a dreadful thing to do, I have some solutions for you to minimise the impact of the rain. Following some of my tips, you will be able to minimise some of the aforementioned risks associated with moving in the rain, allowing you to keep the cost of moving down, saving you a stack of cash!

Tips to minimise complications during moving in the rain

What can be done? It’s all about organising things ahead. You definitely can’t stop the rain, and if you’re reading this, rescheduling is probably not an option either. However, you can make preparations!

Clear out the parking space

The single most important factor here on a rainy day would be working out where the truck is parked. As mentioned in other general moving tips, be sure to vacant your driveway or your parking area. The closer the movers can park to your property, the less you have to worry about the slippery floor and damages caused by rainwater. You will save tons of money as you’re saving time on each box and furniture in your home.

Consider utilising the garage

Sometimes, parking close to the entrance may not be the most optimal option. Perhaps there is a considerable uncovered distance between the entrance and the nearest parking space. If there are too many steps leading from the entrance to the truck, perhaps this route might be best avoided depending on the weather condition. You may be able to use the garage instead, or a side door for that matter, as long as your option offers a route that would protect you, your movers and your belongings from the rain better than your other options.

It may even be possible to back the truck all the way to your garage entrance so that your boxes and furniture can be loaded without being exposed to much rain at all.

Move boxes and furniture closer to the loading point

This is another general tip that applies for all moves in general, however, it may prove to be much more crucial when it rains. Once you’ve decided which entrance/loading point you will be using, make preparations and place boxes closer to the designated entrance/ loading point. Some fear that boxes may get mixed up, however, if you’re well prepared and colour-coded your boxes, you’ve nothing to fear. You will save easily 30 seconds to a couple of minutes on each box. Now you can simply multiply the number of boxes you have, turn that into “money saved.”

Although moving boxes closer to the entrance serves as a great time and money-saving tip, it also prevents your carpet floor from being stepped on unnecessarily, saving you the need to clean it at a later date or booking in for a carpet cleaning. One less thing to worry about there.

Cover delicate items

I’m certain that I don’t have to point out that boxes, furniture and electronics alike should never be left without a cover from the rain. If you have waterproof materials to serve as covers for your furniture and delicate electronics, it may be worthwhile to set them aside even if wasn’t predicted to rain. It may also be a good idea to prepare covers for your mattresses and sofa to prevent them from being dirty. If you do not have any materials available to use as mattress or sofa covers, you can always ask your removalist. They should also be happy to assist you with packing and unpacking. Covering delicate items is the best protection while moving in the rain.

A good removalist would have them in stock for purchase or even for hire. You can check Easy Peasy Removals’ pricing for purchase and hire here.

Embrace and prepare yourself for the worst possible scenario

I hate to tell you this, but you need a contingency plan for extreme weather. In some cases, it may not be a sound financial decision for you to decide to move some of your delicate furniture and items. Although it is very rare, there comes a time where it is beyond anyone’s control. There simply isn’t much anyone can do when there is a flood or a road closure due to an accident. Sometimes you can’t wait it out, but other times it’s just not possible.

If it ever becomes impossible to move into your new home, first seek with your agent (if you’re renting) or your new tenants if the delay is acceptable. If you had absolutely no luck with your agent or your new tenants, and you have to move out and clear out the house, then see if your mover can store your items for you until a later date where you have access to your new property again. Easy Peasy offers storage at $15 a day. This option may work out a lot cheaper than simply waiting out for a disaster to clear out without any real expectations.

Expect some things to be out of your control

Despite all the preparation you make off of this blog, and all the right moves you make. Some things are simply outside of your control and can’t be helped. When it rains, there will be increased traffic, trucks should drive at a safe speed depending on the weather. Your move will most likely take a little longer than what you have first anticipated, or the quoted time given by your mover. However, this is normal, as safety always comes first. Your movers first priority is to move your belongings to your new home in a safe manner. So don’t be discouraged!

Moving in the rain? Be prepared…

Moving in the rain can be problematic and hazardous, only if you’re not prepared. Even though it is inevitable that the move will take a little extra time when it rains, by selecting the most suitable entry point, placing boxes near the entrance, setting aside materials and covering your delicate items, you should be able to minimise the delay in time due to rain and also avoid any breakage or damage done to your belongings. If you remember that “Cardboard boxes are no good when wet” and “Muddy boots ruin carpets” then the rest of your move should be a smooth sail. As always, when in doubt, speak with your removalist for advice.