Moving can be stressful under the best of circumstances, but inclement weather can add an additional layer of difficulty. To help smooth the process, The Moving Site has compiled a list of practical tips to ensure a safer, more efficient move during rain, snow, or extreme heat.
#1 Park Close To The Entryway
Secure the closest parking from the moving truck or container to your entryway, as possible. This minimizes the walking distance in the weather and reduces the exposure to your items.
#2 Protect The Floors
For wet weather lay towels or rugs at entryways to reduce tracking dirt and moisture indoors. Use runners, tarps, and carpet protectors to safeguard your inner flooring.
#3 Cover Items To Protect From Moisture
Instead of blankets, consider using tarps to cover and wrap furniture and other items. Cloth blanketed items can be wrapped in shrink wrap to shield them from moisture.
#4 Use Weather-Resistant Packing Materials
Opt for plastic bins and totes over cardboard boxes to prevent water damage. Plastic garbage bags can also be effective for packing items instead of boxes or covering cardboard packed boxes.
#5 Dress For The Weather
Wear sturdy footwear with good traction to avoid slips in wet or snowy conditions. Gloves will keep your hands warm during cold weather, and rain ponchos ensure you stay dry while keeping your hands free.
#6 Cover The Loading Areas
Create dry loading and unloading spaces during rain or snow with sunshades, tarps, or backyard umbrellas. Use the same for cover from extreme sun and heat.
Moving In The Rain
When moving in rain, the main focus is preventing slips and keeping items dry to avoid damage and mildew. Use floor protection such as plastic floor runners or tarps to cover floors and place towels at entryways to minimize tracking indoors. Consider using plastic packing materials like totes and tarps which shield items from moisture as opposed to cardboard or cloth which absorb moisture. As for your moving in the rain wardrobe, wear slip resistant shoes, a rain poncho, and warm gloves. Lastly, when moving in the rain unpack items as soon as possible to let them dry out and prevent mildew.
Moving In The Snow
In snowy conditions, prioritize warmth and prevent slips. Prepare loading and unloading pathways by clearing the snow from the path and applying some traction aid such as cat litter, sand, or rock salt. Use blankets to wrap and protect sensitive items from freezing or consider placing some space heaters along the moving area and in the moving truck. According to the Washington State Guide to Weather Safety, hypothermia can set in if a persons core body temperature falls below 95 degrees. Your snow moving attire should consist of shoes with good traction and warm winter clothing.
Moving In Extreme Heat
For hot weather, the focus is avoiding heat exhaustion and sun damage. By moving during cooler parts of the day you can reduce your exposure to the heat, so if possible schedule the moving for early morning or evening. Moving is a physically demanding activity and staying hydrated and resting if you are feeling overheated are top priority in the extreme heat. Dressing in light colors and applying sunscreen can also help protect you from exposure to the sun.
