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The Ultimate Guide to Moving in Bad Weather
November, 2018

The Ultimate Guide to Moving in Bad Weather

When your moving day approaches there is a lot to think about and plan for. But there are just certain things you can’t really do much about and when it comes to moving home and the most potentially harmful is the weather.

At first, you might not really take the weather into consideration much, after all your belongings will be in a moving truck or similar vehicle. But that isn’t exactly true- after all they have to be moved from your old home to the moving vehicle and then from the vehicle to your new home.
 
There is also the risk of exposure during transport as well. On a nice sunny day, you might leave your boxes on your new home’s front lawn while till everything is unpacked and then move them all in one at a time.
 
This clearly isn’t something you can do in rain or snow, but even if the weather is against you you’ll still be able to move home safely, it will just require a bit more work. Below, I’ve compiled a guide that tackles the different weather conditions that could affect your move.
 
Light and Heavy Rain
Rain is a tricky one because it has different levels of severity but even a light rain is going to make moving home more difficult. Whereas moving home in the heavy rain should be avoided whenever possible. But if you really do have no other choice but to move during the rain be sure to follow our advice below:
  1. Make sure any moving boxes have extra protection and packaging to help with exposure to the rain. Raindrops can tear from boxes surprisingly quickly so get extra tape or plastic sheeting on the boxes to help secure them.
  2. Make sure your moving van or vehicle is as close to your home as possible so the boxes don’t have to be left in the rain for long. In more heavy rain you might want to have someone covering the box with an umbrella to provide extra protection.
  3. Moving people- whether professionals, friends or family should all be wearing proper protective clothing and non-slip shoes.
  4. Have plastic sheeting or newspaper laid down at your new home to help prevent damage from wet shoes. There will be a lot of moving in and out of your home, so make sure the proper protection is laid down.
  5. Make sure you have towels ready for people so they can get dry and take regular breaks as well.
 
Snow and Ice
Again this is another weather condition that is best to avoid and if the snow/ ice is just too heavy then you are best putting of your move to a later date.
  1. Make sure entrances to both your new and old home are clear and properly gritted to reduce the risks of slips. In heavy snowfall, you’ll likely be doing this throughout the day.
  2. Have mats at the ready at the entrance to your new home to help prevent damage, if you don’t have any mats then thick cardboard can be used instead.
  3. Your moving boxes should have extra-protection especially if you’re moving more fragile or temperature sensitive items. Bubble wrap or some old blankets are a great way to reduce the risk of damage as well.
  4. Take your time and move more slowly, yes this means the job will take longer but it will help reduce the risk of accidents.
  5. Make sure everyone has dressed appropriately for the cold conditions and take regular breaks with hot drinks.
 
Heavy Sunshine 
Sunshine is normally a good time to move house however if it’s a particularly heavy sunshine then there are some safety measures that you should take into account.
  1. More temperature sensitive/ fragile items should be better protected during the transportation process.
  2. Make sure everyone has dressed appropriately, moving heavy boxes in the sun can tire people out quickly.
  3. Take regular breaks and have water bottles at the ready because you will need constant hydration while working in the sun.
  4. Wear sunscreen because the last thing you want is a nasty sunburn after you’ve finished moving your belongings.
 
When Shouldn’t You Move?
So, that’s a look at how you should safely move in certain weather conditions but when should you just not even attempt it? Thick fog and mist should be avoided due to the loss of visibility and so should stormy weather due to the safety risks.
 
Wind is another weather condition to look out for, light wind can be manageable if you take things slow but moving in strong winds should not even be attempted. Yes putting off your move due to the weather can be frustrating but trust me it’s the best thing to do. 

Don't be put off or scared by the prospect of moving in winter just because of the weather! Ensure you have the proper rules and protection in place, and your move will go smoothly!

 


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