6 min read

How to Handle Rain on Moving Day | 10 Helpful Tips and Tricks

Havana Dauncey
· September 1, 2023
How to Handle Rain on Moving Day | 10 Helpful Tips and Tricks

Find the best movers

Vetted moving companies service trusted by thousands of customers. Fast Delivery. Any Item Type. Come Rain or Shine.

9.3 · 3,483 reviews
What are you moving?
Moving Day is finally here! Everything is packed, the moving service is on its way and everything you’ve been planning for the last few months leading up to this specific day is all coming together. But wait… Are those drops? And it’s raining — what are you going to do now?

Unfortunately, mother nature doesn’t take the fact that you’re moving today into account when choosing the weather. But fear not, it’s not over yet — you can still complete a seamless move even if it’s raining cats and dogs. You just have to make a few slight adjustments.

Here are our top 10 tips and tricks to help you handle rain on moving day…

1. Check the Forecast in Advance

The best thing you can be on moving day is prepared. The last thing you want is to find out on the day that you’ll be hauling your furniture under showers. So remember to check your forecast a few days before. You’ll then be able to prepare accordingly.

If it’s going to be bucketing down the entire day with strong winds, then you’ll know to go all out with your protective measures. But if there’s only a small chance of rain with slight spitting in the morning, then you only have to make small adjustments to your moving plan or even arrange to change your move to the afternoon.

2. Get Your Garbage Bags or Plastic Wrap Ready

Unfortunately, moving blankets aren’t waterproof, so you can give your belongings some extra protection with extra-large garbage bags or plastic wrap! Here are some things you can do:

  • Tape up your moving boxes, especially the base, for some added support.

  • Cover small items, boxes and bags in extra-large garbage bags, ensuring there are no holes.

  • Wrap larger items and furniture with shrink wrap or plastic covers, taping them up and sealing them in.

3. Consider Plastic Crates over Cardboard Boxes

If you’re planning to move during your rainy season, it may be a good idea to make an executive decision to choose plastic crates over cardboard boxes. And if it’s more last minute, you can always put your cardboard moving boxes directly into your plastic ones — almost like a Russian doll.

Not only do reusable plastic crates create a more eco-friendly move, but they’re sure to keep all your belongings in perfect condition no matter the weather.

Ecobox is the top plastic box supplier in the country where you can rent as many plastic boxes as you need for as long as you need them.

4. Limit Exposure to The Rain

It’s simple — the less exposure your items have to the rain, the less wet they get and the less of a problem you have. So, your goal is to make a plan to keep your items under cover as much as possible while you’re loading and unloading. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Shorten the distance from your house to the moving truck by parking the truck’s entrance as close to your front door as possible.

  • Another option is to put everything in your garage beforehand if it’ll be easier for the truck to access.

  • Set up a canopy tent between your door and the moving truck.

  • Make sure there are no leaks inside the moving truck that could damage your belongings during transportation, especially for long-distance moves.

5. Pay Special Attention to Items that Mustn’t Get Wet

While most of your items will be fine if they get a few drops on them, there are certain items that must avoid the rain at all costs. This could include your piano, electronics, artwork, mattresses and kitchen appliances.

For these items, you need to go to extra lengths to make sure they are properly protected. Here’s what you do:

  1. Identify your special items and put them aside.

  2. Pack these items in separate (ideally waterproof) boxes and label them clearly — “DO NOT GET WET”.

  3. Offer extra protection by wrapping them in plastic, tarp or thick blankets.

  4. If possible, wait until the rain has stopped to load and unload them.

6. Protect Your New Floors

The last thing you want is for your perfectly shiny floors to get dirty and damaged from all the mud and water tracked into your new home. Here are 3 tips to keep your floors protected during your rainy move:

  1. Split your movers into an inside team and an outside team.

  2. Put down floor covers, old rugs, towels, blankets and even a tarp on your floor to stop water dripping off your wet items onto the floor.

  3. Get everyone to wear disposable shoe booties.

7. Throw Down Some Mats

Keeping your shoes dry will both stop you from slipping and keep your floor clean. So it’s important to throw down some heavy-duty mats at the entrance of your home for you and your movers to wipe their shoes.

Just make sure:

  • Your mat is non-slip.

  • It’s absorbent.

  • You have more than one mat in case one gets too dirty early on.

8. Dry Your Items Off As You Go

The longer your items are wet, the more damage it causes, so it’s incredibly helpful to keep a few towels on hand to dry items off as you go. When you’re loading your belongings and it’s raining hard, give your items a wipe once you’ve got them in the truck. And again when you’re unloading, dry off your items just before you take them into your new home.

But be careful not to put down your boxes or items on wet ground — especially if they are cardboard.

9. Don’t Rush

It’s our first instinct to run when we have to go through the rain, but rushing through the rain while carrying heavy objects can cause more damage than a bit of water.

When you’re rushing, you’re much more likely to slip, fall or drop something which could not only cause injuries but damage your precious belongings.

So, no matter, remember to take it slow and steady.

10. Let Professionals Give You a Helping Hand

Moving houses in the rain is hard. Moving house in the rain without professional help — almost impossible. A top-quality, professional moving service is trained to make a rainy move as seamless as possible. Not only do their extra hand make light work of it, but they often supply extra materials to help protect your belongings from the rain.

Connect with the top movers on Wise Move to compare prices and reviews of moving services across the country to ensure you’re getting the best deal that suits your moving needs. Not even the rain can stop Wise Move from another successful move!

Make the Wise Move and Get your quote today!

Find the best movers

Vetted moving companies service trusted by thousands of customers. Fast Delivery. Any Item Type. Come Rain or Shine.

9.3 · 3,483 reviews
What are you moving?

What do our customers say?

Read reviews of Wise Move to learn stories from our customers.
R 3,500
Office move
Cape Town
Cape Town
9.5
Oliver
Reviewed 3 hours ago
Great team and the move went flawless
R 7,500
BMW 4 Series
Freemanville, Klerksdorp
Pretoria West, Pretoria
10
Elliot
Reviewed 2 days ago
I want to thank Gigantic Logistics for the excellent service I got from them. I will encourage and recommend anyone to utilise their services. Very professional and they give you an update on their whereabouts to assure you that your goods are in good hands. Excellent service👌👌
R 2,000
Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Vaal Marina
10
Kirsten
Reviewed 2 days ago
What a pleasure to deal with Agreement and Kagiso. Best price, best service. Will definitely use them again and recommend them to friends.
R 2,000
The Hill, Johannesburg South
Marshalltown, Johannesburg
10
Rodney
Reviewed 2 days ago
Perfect service. On time, careful with yr stuff, accommodated a couple of extra items I'd forgotten about. No problems. I told Tendai I selected them for their high ratings not just their reasonable price. I happy to be included in that 10/10 ratings group.
R 1,300
Elardus Park, Pretoria
Fairland, Johannesburg
10
Kerryn
Reviewed 2 days ago
What a great experience with Farai and team, a seamless process, friendly service and great care of our items. Would 150% recommend
Are you a Transport Company? Learn More