While there are several things you can plan on your moving day, the weather isn’t always one of them.

Rain, snow, and heat waves can create hindrances on an otherwise perfectly planned moving day.

That’s why it is essential to prepare for the worst-case scenarios ahead of time. 

Depending on where you are moving to, those who are planning a move during winter need to be extra careful to avoid any winter storms. 

Likewise, rain and scorching heat can complicate the process, making it more challenging.

But with proper planning and some useful tips, you can make your move seamless. 

In this blog, we are going to discuss tips on how you can move in the midst of heat, rain, snow, and ensure a safe and successful move regardless of weather conditions. 

9 Tips For Moving In Bad Weather

1. Don’t Forget To Check The Weather Forecast

Be sure to check the weather forecast a few days before your move.

Keep a close watch on any weather warnings and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

If you see that a severe storm is predicted, then reschedule your move if possible.

Safety should be your top priority, no matter what.

2. Prepare For The Move

From sudden rain showers to unexpected winter storms, weather conditions can change quickly, making it essential to be fully prepared. 

There is hardly any time you can accurately predict the local forecast, which means that your top priority is to prepare for whatever the day may bring. 

If you are moving during summer, you need to take the heat waves and humidity into consideration. Moisture can be your worst enemy on moving day, especially when you’re handling furniture and cardboard boxes.

Here are a few steps you can follow if you are preparing for the move. 

  • Lay down moving blankets and floor runners at the doorways or entry points to protect your floors from getting damaged. 
  • Pack your belongings in sturdy and waterproof containers.
  • Store your belongings in a dry, sheltered area to minimize exposure to rain, snow, and extreme heat. 
  • Put salt or sand on sidewalks or driveways that are icy.
  • Have old towels and plastic sheets ready to protect items and clean up moisture.
  • Bring bottled water to stay hydrated on hot days, and keep warm beverages like coffee or tea available in cold weather.
  • Take extra umbrellas with you if it’s raining.
  • Keep Shovels for snow
  • Plastic bins to throw trash
  • Keep winter hats and gloves.
  • Apply plenty of sunscreen if you are moving on a summer day. 

Also, be sure to contact your utility company to schedule a date and time to set up your electricity, as well as heat and air conditioning, in your new home. 

If you can get the heat and AC up and running a day or two before your move-in date, then you can save yourself from a lot of stress (and cold feet and hands!) later. 

3. Protect Your Belongings From The Bad Weather

Your biggest concern should be ensuring your belongings are safe from water damage.

After all, arriving at your new house with damaged belongings and electronics will ruin your day, too. 

To protect your belongings, you should:

  • Use high-quality packing materials such as packing paper and bubble wrap when packing your belongings.
  • Place all the small electronic items, cords, and cables in a sealed waterproof bag before packing them in boxes.
  • Use firm, good-quality moving boxes with strong packing tape to ensure that no moisture can enter and all belongings are safe. Label the boxes carefully. 
  • Keep important documents handy to prevent them from getting misplaced. 
  • Wrap heavy wooden furniture, appliances, artworks, and mirrors in heavy plastic wraps and moving blankets.
  • Pack all the paper items in plastic, waterproof boxes. Water can easily seep in through moving boxes, ruining all the items inside. 
  • When you load your belongings into the moving truck, cover them with large waterproof tarps to protect them from rain, snow, and direct sunlight. 

4. Hire a Professional Moving Company

If the idea of dealing with bad weather during your move feels like a headache, then you should think about hiring professional movers. 

Your local movers have all the necessary tools and moving equipment to move during adverse weather conditions.

No matter if it’s raining, snowing, or scorching heat, they have the expertise to handle all moves seamlessly. 

So, you don’t have to stress anymore about moving that heavy couch on your own; the expert movers will take on all the heavy lifting, while you can focus on other essential tasks. 

5. Dress According To The Weather

Dress according to the weather so that you don’t feel any discomfort while moving.

Dress in layers if you’re moving in cold weather and during the rainy season, and make sure to wear waterproof jackets and sturdy, anti-slip boots when moving your belongings.

During the summer, wear light, breathable clothes like shorts and a cotton t-shirt; don’t forget to wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Always wear gloves to protect your hands while handling heavy or rough items. 

6. Keep Essentials and Important Documents Handy

If you live in Canada, you might be aware of how unpredictable the weather can be here, which can definitely affect your move. 

It’s better to keep the essentials and important documents handy so that you don’t have to look for them in your pile of boxes.

Here is a list of a few essentials and important documents that you might need when you’re moving:

  • Toiletries
  • Towels
  • Water
  • Scarves
  • Socks
  • Food and Beverages
  • First Aid Kit
  • Umbrella
  • Raincoat
  • Sunscreen
  • Passport
  • SIN Number
  • Driving License
  • New House Address

These essentials will keep you prepared for long-distance moves and help you if there is any last-minute change of plans or weather. 

7. Prepare Your Car For The Move

Planning your transportation is crucial for those who are planning a move during the winter or rainy season.

If you are moving yourself, ensure your car is in top-notch condition. 

Service your car ahead of time. The last thing you would want is to see your car overheat or break down in the middle of the road during bad weather. 

If moving during winter, then you’ll definitely be driving on icy roads.

Check that you have winter tires in your car and that they are in good condition. 

Keep extra mats, shovels, winter tires, and tire chains in the car trunk to prevent any accident that can happen on the road. 

8. Be Prepared For Delays

Bad weather can cause unwanted delays, so it’s important to have extra time in your moving schedule.

Be prepared for slower travel times and potential road blockages. 

If you are hiring a moving company, then contact them to stay updated if there are any changes made to the moving plan. 

Plan a route in the best-case scenario weather and an alternative route if the weather gets bad.

Try sticking to main roads and highways, which are typically cleared of snow and ice. 

While it may seem practical to move as soon as possible, taking your time and planning for delays is a safer bet when you have to move in bad weather. 

Postpone the move if the weather gets too bad. Being safe should be your utmost priority.  

9. Keep Extra Items In Storage Units

Moving in bad weather can be extremely daunting, especially if there are a lot of belongings to pack. 

Items such as a treadmill, artwork, or a pool table can be stored in 24/7 climate-controlled storage units if you don’t need them immediately. 

How To Move In The Rain

Moving during rain can be a challenging task. Wet cardboard boxes can deteriorate quickly, causing them to sag and collapse. 

It is always better to hire an experienced moving company during this time to ensure that all your belongings are safely transported to your new home. 

Lay down towels, moving blankets, or moving pads in the house so that there is no damage to the floors or carpets. 

It is extremely important to keep our moving truck as close to your house as possible and cover your furniture with moving pads and then plastic wrap; this keeps the moving pads dry.

You need to make sure there are no leaks inside the moving truck so that rain cannot come into the back of the moving truck when it is being loaded. 

Have some movers inside the house and some outside so that they can pass the boxes to each other without having to walk in and out with wet shoes. 

Keep extra towels handy to dry off with in case someone gets too wet in the rain. 

How To Move In Snow and Ice

You should be extra careful when planning a move during winter, as it’s one of the most difficult times to relocate. 

Consider hiring a professional moving company to ensure your move is successful and all your belongings are safely transported to your new house. 

Before initiating the move, ensure your driveway and sidewalks are clear of snow and ice, so that the movers have a clear and safe path from the house to the truck.

Put down salt to prevent ice from forming, and keep your shovels ready in case you need to clear the path again. 

Ensure the moving truck is as close to the house as possible. Cover your furniture with moving pads, then a plastic sheet; this would keep the moving pads dry. 

Lay down moving blankets and towels in the house so that the movers or people going in or out don’t bring in their slushy shoes and damage the carpet or wooden floors. 

Have some movers inside the house and some outside so that they can pass through the boxes to each other. 

Keep hot beverages, such as tea and coffee, available for those assisting with the move. If you have a portable heater, keep that plugged in so that those who want to warm up can do that. 

If the weather is too bad, it’s better to reschedule the move; there is no point in moving in this harsh weather when there is a risk of damage to your life and belongings. 

How To Move In Heatwaves and Hot Days

Most people think that if it’s sunny, then it’s the best time to move. However, moving in summer comes with its own challenges, such as sunburns and dehydration.

Wear lightweight and breathable clothing, keep the sunscreens handy, and have enough cold beverages for everyone, especially those who are doing the heavy lifting. 

To keep your belongings safe from heat damage, especially electronics and delicate items, consider using insulation materials such as moving blankets or bubble wrap. 

Keep a watch on the local weather forecast and reschedule the move if there is extreme heat. If you feel that moving in the extreme heat will be too much for you, consider taking the help of a professional moving company. 

They are well-versed in moving houses during extreme weather conditions. 

Final Thoughts

Moving in bad weather might not be ideal, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. 

Whether you’re moving during scorching heat, wind, or rain, proper planning and the right approach can make your move seamless. By following these essential moving tips and precautions, you can successfully complete your relocation. 

Create a moving budget and consider hiring a professional moving company to make your move stress-free. They have all the expertise and equipment to safely handle all your belongings and transport them to your new home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it a good idea to move in the winter?

Moving in the winter or off-season can be a great way to reduce moving costs.

Since the demand for moving services is less in the winter, you can expect to pay less than during peak moving times (May-September).

2. What season is the best time to move?

Spring is usually considered one of the best times to move.

With mild weather and moderate demand for moving services, it makes it an excellent time to relocate. 

3. How to move furniture during bad weather?

Moving heavy furniture can be tough, but not impossible. You can protect furniture and electronics during a move in bad weather by using waterproof covers or plastic wraps. 

Avoid leaving your furniture items exposed to rain and snow for extended periods to prevent damage.

Use moving blankets to cover the items, and consider hiring professional movers who are trained in handling complex moves.

4. What day is the cheapest to hire movers?

The best days to move are weekdays, specifically Monday through Thursday.

Please note that moving during peak times, such as holidays and the summer season, may result in higher prices and reduced availability.