Preparing for Bad Weather on Moving Day

There is enough to think about on moving day without needing to keep one eye on the weather forecast. Bad weather inevitably causes unfortunate illusions of your future; whether you’re envisioning yourself holding onto boxes for dear life as the wind tries to bluster them out of your hands, or belongings dropping out the bottom of rain soaked boxes. But with a little preparation, these experiences don’t need to exist anywhere outside of slapstick comedy sketches.

With the right packing materials, a flexible plan, a calm approach, and a moving team with experience in poor weather conditions, moving day will be easily manageable. Throughout our time as professional removals specialists, Jack & Jill Removals have seen it all: rain, wind, snow, heatwaves, hail. And we know exactly how you can get from your old house to your new home with minimal fuss.

Check the weather forecast early 

The first step is knowing exactly what you’re dealing with. Weather conditions can change quickly so it’s worth checking the forecast several days before your move and again the night before.

Even if the weather looks uncertain, try not to panic. Professional removal teams move homes in all kinds of conditions throughout the year, and a rainy forecast does not automatically mean your move will be disrupted.

However, knowing what conditions are expected allows you to prepare properly. For example:

• Heavy rain may mean extra waterproof protection for boxes and furniture
• Strong winds could require more care when carrying lightweight items
• Snow or icy conditions may mean allowing extra travel time
• Heatwaves may require more water, lighter clothing and regular breaks

If severe weather warnings are issued, it may be worth speaking to your removal company ahead of time to discuss any adjustments that may help the day run more smoothly.

Protecting your belongings from rain and damp

One of the biggest worries people have when moving in bad weather is water damage. Nobody wants soggy cardboard boxes, damp bedding or wet furniture arriving at their new home.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to protect your belongings.

Use strong, high quality boxes

Flimsy or overused cardboard boxes are far more likely to weaken in wet weather. Investing in sturdy moving boxes can make a huge difference, particularly for heavier items.

Avoid overfilling boxes, as excess weight can cause damp cardboard to split more easily.

Where possible:

• Reinforce the bottoms of boxes with strong packing tape
• Keep boxes manageable in weight
• Label fragile items clearly
• Avoid leaving packed boxes outside unnecessarily

Use plastic storage boxes for valuable items

If rain is forecast, consider using plastic storage containers for anything especially important or prone to water damage like important documents, electronics, photographs, sentimental items, fabrics. Plastic containers provide extra peace of mind and are particularly useful if there may be delays between loading and unloading.

Wrap furniture carefully

Large furniture pieces can easily become damp during loading, especially when being carried between the house and removal vehicle.

Protect upholstered furniture, mattresses and wooden items using furniture covers, plastic wrap or tarpaulin. This extra layer helps prevent watermarks, scratches and moisture damage while your belongings are in transit.

Keep towels and cloths nearby

A simple but effective tip is to keep old towels or cloths handy throughout the move. It may sound small, but having cleaning supplies easily accessible can make the day feel much more organised.

These can be used to:

• Dry wet boxes
• Wipe down furniture
• Dry hands before handling fragile items
• Mop up muddy footprints or rainwater
• Place on the floor of moving vans/cars 

Prepare your home to reduce mud and water

Muddy footprints and slippery entryways are part and parcel on a moving day if you’re experiencing rainy or snowy weather, and preparing for this can help keep mess to a minimum. It will likewise make the process safer for everyone involved. 

Consider laying down protecting floor coverings like old sheets, plastic floor runners, broken down boxes, door mats, or sticky bath mats. Make sure anything you use isn’t likely to slip around as this can increase the likelihood of accidents rather than reduce it. This includes towels and blankets; keep those for drying off during tea breaks. 

You should also make sure all pathways are as clear as possible. Sweep away wet leaves and obstacles and grit icy areas where necessary. 

Keep essential items easily accessible

When the weather is poor, the last thing you want is to search through dozens of boxes for the things you need. Pack a clearly labelled essentials bag or moving day survival kit containing everything you may need immediately.

This could include:

• Waterproof coats
• Spare socks and shoes
• Phone chargers
• Snacks and bottled water
• Important documents
• Medication
• Tea and coffee supplies
• Cleaning wipes and towels
• Toilet roll
• A change of clothes

Dress practically 

Once you’ve checked the forecast for the day, pick your outfit wisely and lay it out so you don’t pack it with the rest of your clothes. Make sure your clothes are comfortable and suited to the weather. For example, we wouldn’t recommend wearing jeans during wet weather, and anything restrictive should be ruled out. 

If bad weather is expected, dress in layers so you can adapt easily throughout the day.

Practical clothing choices include:

• Waterproof jackets
• Comfortable footwear with good grip
• Warm layers during winter moves
• Breathable clothing during humid weather
• Spare dry clothes if rain is expected

Allow additional time 

Poor weather will slow things down as more care will need to be taken when loading items and the roads may be busier than usual. 

Rather than trying to rush, build a little flexibility into your schedule.

This might mean:

• Setting off earlier than planned
• Allowing more time for packing and loading
• Keeping communication open with your removal company
• Having additional refreshments available for the day 

Have hot drinks equipment ready 

We always recommend having tea and coffee supplies available when moving house, but on a day with cold, wet, windy, or snowy weather, they are even more necessary. You might wish to take fewer breaks to get everything sorted as quickly as possible, but a few sips of a warm drink every now and again will be welcomed. 

If you’re not a tea or coffee drinker, you could schedule a trip to a takeaway coffee shop, or stock calming, decaf teas. 

Mentally prepare for delays 

Even with excellent preparation, bad weather can sometimes create small delays. The key is remembering that delays are usually temporary.

Taking a flexible and realistic approach can help the day feel far less overwhelming. Try to focus on the bigger picture, by the end of the day, you’ll still be settling into your new home. A warm drink, regular breaks and a sense of humour can genuinely make a difference when conditions are less than ideal.

Moving house in bad weather with pets 

Moving day can easily be disrupted by your pets on the best of days. Some dogs can be overexcitable with the abundance of activity and new people, and other companion animals like rabbits, cats, hamsters, tortoises, and gerbils can be easily unsettled by the very same things. 

For your peace of mind, and their comfort, it is always worth seeing if a friend, family member, or professional boarder can take them in for the duration of the move. If this isn’t an option, make sure you:

• Keep them in a quiet, secure room while loading takes place
• Ensure they have familiar bedding and toys
• Keep food, water and medication easily accessible
• Dry pets thoroughly if they need to go outdoors in wet weather

Once you get to your new home, set their space up with familiar smelling items straight away so they can settle in as you unpack. 

Bad weather on moving day isn’t ideal but it doesn’t have to ruin the experience. With careful planning, the right packing materials and a flexible approach, you can protect your belongings, stay comfortable and keep stress levels under control.

Most importantly, remember that moving day is temporary. A rainy morning or windy afternoon will soon pass, and before long you’ll be settling into your new home.
If you’re planning a move and would like experienced support whatever the weather, Jack & Jill Removals can help make the entire process feel smoother, safer and far less stressful from the moment we arrive to the final drop off. Our Home Removals team provide flexible moving services that adapt with the weather conditions so you can get set up in your new place whatever the day might throw at you.