Tips for Moving the House in the Rain

Moving house is one job that’s not easily rescheduled – even when the weather doesn’t co-operate. But a rainy day move needn’t be a soggy box-filed nightmare.

Glen Christie, owner of Beetlebox, a company which rents green plastic boxes to people moving, explains how to move on a wet day.

“If it’s a rainy day, it is unlikely your removalist will reschedule, as they book days or weeks in advance,” he says.

How to safely move house in the rain

Christie says safety needs to be front of mind when moving in the wet.

“You need to stay safe; protecting yourself, your house and your belongings when it’s wet,” he says.

Christie suggests wearing sturdy boots and gloves to keep from slipping over and dropping items.

He also suggests taking simple steps to protect both the old and new properties by putting down something to protect floor coverings.

Box it up

Cardboard boxes and a rain just don’t mix, Christie says.

“As cardboard boxes get wet, they become soggy and lose their structure.

“Wet boxes won’t be able to protect your belongings and the bottom may even fall out of them, depositing great grandma’s antique glassware onto the footpath,” he says.

Christie recommends renting plastic moving boxes instead.

“Plastic crates remain solid in the rain and are splash-resistant as well. You want to guarantee your belongings stay safe and dry during your move and plastic boxes will ensure this,” he says.

Ensure you have insurance

“On a wet day, the sad reality is that it is more likely your belongings will be damaged,” Christie says, making specific moving insurance a must.

“Typically, moving insurance is organised separate from your removalist, and insurance companies will be able to provide it at short notice.

“Check if your home and contents policy covers moving house, as you may already be covered.

“Try to get on top of insurance at least a day in advance, as you will need to itemise everything with a replacement cost, which is a time-consuming process best done before moving day,” he says.

“Whether you are moving into a house you have just bought or rented, it is critical to keep the home protected.

“Use old towels at the front and back door to help dry boots near the entrance. Instead of plastic drop sheets, try to use an old sheet or carpet to run along the floor in the hallway to protect floor coverings,” he says.

“Even if it is raining on your moving day, you’ll get through it. Take your time and go slow and you will be celebrating in your new home in no time. And just think … at least it’s not raining on your wedding day,” Christie says.

Protecting the home you are moving out of or into is also important. You don’t want to have wet boxes and furniture all over your new abode.

Use old carpets or towels to protect hardwood floors and carpets.

Move all of your stuff into one or two rooms close to the entrance.  This will limit the amount of water and leaves that are tracked inside.

Sure, you would have preferred a clear day for your move, and yes moving in the rain will be a pain. But if you plan ahead and follow these simple tips, you’ll get through it just fine. Think of the story you’ll be able to tell once you are safely in your new home!

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