Moving on a Snowy or Rainy Day

by Izzy Smith
(United Kingdom)

Moving during a warm season like Spring or Summer is a big plus and can make the whole process way easier. There are no nasty weather conditions to stand in your way.

However, if you are forced to do the moving during in undesirable weather, you might find a thing or two that could make everything a little bit harder. It is true that the moving company will charge you less, but snow and rain could handicap the moving process. Take notice of the following ideas to help protect your personal belongings from the unpleasant weather conditions.

1. Keep a watchful eye on the weather report. If bad weather is anticipated, make sure you won't be unpleasantly surprised. Be prepared! Keep in touch with the removal company which will be performing the move. Bad weather conditions might cause changes in even the best moving company schedule, so try to be informed.

2. If there will be snow or rain – protect your possessions as best as possible. Movers usually blanket wrap all the boxes, but moving blankets, however, do not provide protection against water. Water proofing your belongings is a service that can be performed by the movers, but it will be way cheaper if you decide to do it yourself. You will only need plastic or shrink wrap, which are easy to obtain and use and will not break the family bank.
An item that needs to be plastic wrapped, no matter what, is the mattress. Consider this even if the weather is not too bad. Since you sleep on the mattress, it needs to be in the best condition possible. Bear in mind that water can seriously damage it, and it can become moldy.

3. Boxes can be easily damaged by snow and rain as well. Use only strong, sturdy boxes. Put heavier items in small boxes, while the bigger ones are reserved for lighter objects. If you can, try to obtain only wooden and plastic crates or boxes. As everybody knows, water can seep through cardboard and easily get to your clothes, books, electronic devices, etc. The outcome, of course, could be more than an unpleasant one. Try to seal the boxes (both top and bottom) well with plastic, heavy duty tape. You can even label the boxes (information about their content and which room it belongs to) so that unpacking will be easier.

4. Question everything. Even though you are probably going to be working with real professionals, it is never a bad idea to ask a lot of questions. They are only human and can easily forget something. Also, double-check the moving van's condition to see if it is well-equipped for a drive through snow and rain. After all, when it comes to the well-being of your personal possessions, it never hurts to be too careful.

5.On a snow day, make it possible for the moving truck to get to you. What this means is that if there has been a heavy snowfall and your street is all covered in snow, make sure that the truck will be able to get to your front door. Since you cannot, single-handedly clear the whole street, contact the local authorities if needed. What you can do, however, is to clear your driveway and sprinkle salt or sand on it to make it less slippery. After all, you wouldn't want any of the movers getting hurt and/or damaging your belongings.

The bottom line is if you are well prepared, you will be able to handle moving even during the toughest weather. And don't forget to welcome the men from the removals and relocation company with some hot tea. They will appreciate it, and happy workers do a better job.

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