Table of Contents
April showers have passed, and now we’re in thunderstorm season full swing. For many people, this time of year aligns with moving, which couldn’t really be worse timing. But there’s no getting around it. Unless you have a very flexible schedule, the move, like the show, must go on.
Here’s how to survive moving in a thunderstorm with as little damage to your belongings and good humor as possible.
#1: Park as Close as Possible to the Front Door
It’s probably not a great idea to park on the lawn when there’s a thunderstorm in the forecast. The last thing that you need is a tow truck to unstick the moving truck, But park, or have the movers park, as close to the front door as possible.
The closer the truck, the less time your belongings spend in the rain. Everyone carrying boxes will stay a little drier, and there’ll be less chance for a slip and fall injury on wet pavement.
#2: Spread Newspaper, Cardboard and Old Towels on the Floor
Didn’t you just clean those floors? Allied says it’s a good idea to protect them against rain, mud and everything else that might be tracked in by spreading out newspapers, cardboard, old bath towels and anything else absorbent that you can find.
Use caution around steps or stairs. Any loose covering can create a hazard. It’s best to leave them bare, but you can spread out absorbent materials for movers to wipe their feet before walking up.
#3: Use Water Repellent Sheeting and Bags
Unless the moving truck parks inside your garage, your things will be exposed to the elements when you move during a storm. Wrap electronics in cotton, such as towels or sheets, and then in plastic sheeting or oversized trash bags.
Sheets and towels add some padding and keep the plastic from sticking. And the plastic keeps the water outside where it belongs. Allow a little breathing room to help avoid condensation buildup inside the plastic. Instead of taping a plastic bag closed, leave a small open space to let water vapor escape instead of settling inside your electronics.
#4: Stay Indoors During Lightning and Severe Events
You might not put off your move because of a thunderstorm, but sometimes it’s a good idea to stop and take a break. Threatening weather such as lightning and shear winds are no conditions to carry boxes outdoors. If the sky turns dark and there are other signs of extreme weather, get indoors and stay away from windows.
If you have to take a break for weather, lock up the truck in the meantime. There’s no way to know how long you’ll stay inside. If it’s an hour or longer, that’s an hour where your belongings are unguarded.
#5: Wear Shoes with Good Grip
Any time there’s water on pavement, you have a recipe for slipping and falling. But within the first 10 minutes, give or take, after rain begins, pavement will be extremely slick. That’s because petroleum from gasoline, oil and asphalt on the pavement rises to the top and forms a slick sheet. Wear shoes with good gripping soles to stay safer.
When there’s pooling water, you probably need boots. Otherwise, your feet will get wet, stay wet, and you’ll be uncomfortable all day. If the weather isn’t especially warm, you’ll also feel cold.
As if moving isn’t a big enough challenge, moving during a thunderstorm can be messy and risky. If the weather is predicted to persist all day, it might be smart to consider rescheduling. But if you can’t, take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe and as dry as possible.
If you really want an easier experience, let movers do the difficult work. At Mover Junction, we help connect you with vetted movers, and we stick by you until the move is complete. Request a moving quote today.
