Moving day is stressful enough, but throw in bad weather, and it can quickly feel overwhelming. From pouring rain to snow and ice, weather can create real challenges for a move. Fortunately, experienced moving companies like Top Notch Moving are prepared for just about anything Mother Nature throws their way.

Here’s what you should know to keep your move safe and efficient during a storm.

Before the Stormy Weather on Move Day

If you’re concerned about the weather leading up to your move, don’t hesitate to contact your moving company. Ask what precautions they take to handle poor weather. Also, ask whether rescheduling is an option if you’re uncomfortable proceeding.

In some cases, the company may proactively reach out to discuss contingency plans. Or they might reschedule if they determine conditions will be unsafe. Typically, a moving company will only postpone moves due to snowstorms during the winter months. Usually, in the winter months, moving companies will have some flexibility to fit the affected moves into the schedule within a few days around the storm. Moving companies rarely postpone moves for rain, unless a severe storm like a hurricane is coming through.

Protecting Your Belongings

Rain

When rain hits, movers assess several factors: how hard and long it’s raining, the type of items they’re moving, and the distance they’ll be carrying the items.

If the rain is expected to pass, movers will often begin indoor prep work—disassembling furniture and wrapping items in pads—while waiting for the weather to ease. This is especially important if items are going into storage, as they may not dry out in the unit, and wet items may develop mildew or mold.

To protect both your home and your belongings when it’s wet out, movers will typically:

• Lay down floor protection (like pads, rug runners, or a carpet shield) to prevent people from tracking water or mud through the house
• Use furniture pads, plastic wrap, and mattress bags to keep items as dry as possible

If any items do get wet, particularly wood furniture or electronics, be sure to wipe them down. While rain might slow the moving process, most light to moderate showers won’t ruin your items or the move.

Snow

Snow, similar to rain, has many factors that influence how a moving company reacts. How much snow? How heavy? Is it accumulating or melting? Is there ice? The movers will take the same precautions as when it’s raining. They’ll use pads, rug runners, and a carpet shield to protect your floors. When it comes to keeping your belongings dry, snow can be easier than rain. Light powdery snow will typically land and slide right off boxes and certain common furniture materials.

The complications arise when snow starts to stick and accumulate on the ground. Traction is essential when carrying items. Nobody wants to slip on a step or slide down the truck’s ramp while carrying something heavy. During winter, most moving companies will have salt, and even a shovel, on hand to combat the accumulation of light to moderate snow.

Unfortunately, if heavy snow is in the forecast, the moving company might have to postpone your move. No matter what measures you take, at a certain point, it becomes unsafe for the crew to move things. It also becomes unsafe for the truck to be out on the road.

If snow has fallen before your movers arrive, clear a safe path from your home to the truck. Shovel sidewalks and apply salt early so it has time to work. If movers have to do this themselves, it may increase your move time and cost.

We Can Help You Weather the Move

Bad weather doesn’t have to mean a bad move. With the right equipment, preparation, and experienced movers, your move can go smoothly—rain, snow, or shine.

If you’re planning an upcoming move and are worried about the forecast, don’t stress—Top Notch Moving has you (and your stuff) covered.