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3 Ways to Protect Your Belongings During a Move in Bad Weather

By October 9, 2017No Comments

Although Washington’s sunny summers are a popular time to move, sometimes circumstances dictate that a household or office must be moved during the rainy winter season. Due to the tight schedules dictated by new leases or closing homes, it’s also not always possible to delay a move for a few days–even if there’s a window of better weather in the near forecast.

As a professional moving company that has been operating in the Pacific Northwest for more than ten years, Adam’s Moving Service has plenty of experience with rain and inclement weather. Keep reading to learn a few tips for brave Seattleites who are facing a soggy move. On the other hand, especially if you’re in a hurry, consider our professional packing and moving services, which include all the materials needed to protect belongings, furniture, and floors from rain and mud. 

Rule #1: Plan Ahead & Prepare

seattle moving in rain

If you’re moving during the rainy season, ample time needs to be dedicated to sorting and packing belongings properly.

Ideally, you should always take the time before a move to sort and streamline household items, but it’s especially true in the winter. This is not the time to be shoving an entire room’s contents into bins or hand-carrying armfuls of books or pieces of artwork to your vehicle. 

The more compact and organized your belongings are before exposure to the elements, the easier it will be to ensure nothing gets water damage.

If it’s a last-minute move and you don’t have time to pack everything, hiring professional help is a worthwhile consideration. Professional packing services will not only speed the process along, but will provide all necessary packing materials to keep items safe, including from the elements. 

Separate Belongings Most Prone to Water Damage

For books and smaller electronics, use sturdy boxes with lids that can be taped shut. Place sensitive documents in plastic folders, or provide another layer of protection with gallon zip-top bags if you want to be extra careful. Use a garbage bag or plastic sheeting to protect these boxes while they are being moved outside. Hold boxes from the bottom to prevent tearing, just in case the exterior cardboard does get a little wet. 

For larger electronics that can be more awkwardly-sized, like toaster ovens or speakers, larger plastic (25 gallon) storage bings with sealable lids are ideal. Cords should be tightly rolled and accessories like remotes should be packed alongside if possible to make unpacking and re-assembling items easier.  

moving seattle rain

If necessary, AV/computer/extension cord cables can be placed in a regular box. On their own, these materials are not easily damaged by brief water exposure. You do, however, need to be completely certain that cords are dry before being used. 

So if space is at a premium, reserve the plastic tubs for the sensitive electronics alone; don’t forget the space needed for padding materials to protect these delicate items from the regular bumps of moving. One las thing: as you’re packing your electronics, remember to check that the containers don’t become too heavy to lift. 

Regarding mattresses, couches, and rugs: these are all tricky items. Cover them with a tarp or plastic sheeting while they are exposed, but be sure not to leave wet tarps over furniture or other absorbent materials for too long. If protecting these unwieldy and often expensive items seems daunting, it may be another reason to consider hiring professional movers to do the job. 

Don’t Forget About Safety, Floors, and Interiors!

Rain, snow, or sleet mean that sidewalks and stairs will be extra-slippery, so make sure everyone working has on hiking boots or other appropriate footwear. Keep people and belongings safe by moving efficiently but never rushing! Additionally, it’s a good strategy to break your moving help into an “indoor” and “outdoor” team. This will both keep items moving quickly and avoid getting too much mud inside. 

seattle moving mud

That being said, some mud will get inside if it’s a rainy day. Anticipate this by laying tarps in high traffic areas (hallways and around the front door) to avoid spending hours cleaning up later. If it’s really raining, keep a few spare towels by the door and in the moving vehicle to help wipe off mud and moisture.  ​

Hire A Professional Moving Company

The process of moving during a rainy Seattle day can seem overwhelming. If you’re running low on time or you’re not sure how to best protect large items like mattresses, it’s worth mentioning again that local moving companies are familiar with the factors involved. Professionals will save you tremendous amounts of time, effort, and even money (by saving valuables from being ruined or broken). Contact us now for a customized quote and to learn more about seasonal specials!