The PNW is beautiful no doubt, with all the green scenery, fresh air and mountain views, but we all know the weather here has a personality of its own. It’s a bit unpredictable, and if you’re planning a move, honestly, it doesn’t really matter what season you choose to do it, the rain might just show up anyway.

Since you can’t really trust the forecast, the best thing you can do is be ready for anything. It’s much better to have a plan for the rain and not need it, than to get caught in a storm with saggy cardboard. Here are some tips you can use to keep your things dry.

Easy Tips for Moving in the Rain

1. Use Plastic Wrap for Your Furniture

Cardboard gets soft and breaks very fast when it’s wet. To keep your boxes strong, you can wrap them in plastic wrap or even slide the whole box into a large trash bag. This keeps the rain off the cardboard so the bottom doesn’t fall out while you’re carrying it.

For the big stuff (like your sofa or dresser) just wrap them in plastic too. That will keep the fabric from getting soaked or the wood from getting those annoying water spots while you’re walking to the truck.

2. Be Extra Careful with Your Tech

Water and electronics are a bad mix. If you still have the original boxes, those are best. If not, wrap your TVs, computers, and game consoles in plastic bags or stretch wrap before putting them in a box. Also, try not to turn them on right away once they are inside. If they get a little cold or damp, let them reach room temperature first to avoid any issues with moisture.

3. Protect the Floors on Both Ends

Imagine finally getting all your boxes inside, only to realize you have to spend your first night mopping up mud and water. To save yourself that extra work, just lay down some old towels or flat cardboard at the door of both houses. It gives everyone a place to dry their shoes so they don’t track dirt inside or slip on the wet floor while they’re carrying your heavy stuff.

4. Park as Close as Possible

Try to park the truck as close to your front door as possible. The shorter the walk, the less time your boxes spend out in the rain. If you have a pop-up tent or a canopy, you can set it up over the path to the truck to keep yourself and your things dry while you load up.

5. Keep a Stack of Towels by the Truck Door

Keep some old towels by the truck door and give everything a quick wipe as it comes in (or have someone else do it). You don’t want water sitting on your wood furniture or soaking into the cardboard while it’s in the truck.

6. Dress for the Weather

The most important thing is to wear shoes that don’t slip. Wet driveways and ramps are very dangerous when you are carrying heavy boxes. Also, you may think an umbrella is an obvious thing to bring, but actually, it just may get in the way. You’ll need both hands free to carry your stuff safely, so wearing a raincoat is a better plan.

7. Seal the Boxes Extra Well

When it’s raining, use a little more tape than usual. Make sure all the edges on the top and bottom of your boxes are completely closed. This keeps the damp air and drops from getting inside to your clothes or books.

8. Use Plastic Bins if You Have Them

If you know it’s going to rain, try to use plastic storage bins for your most valuable items instead of cardboard. They are 100% waterproof and much easier to wipe down once they are inside the truck.

FYI, At Eco Movers, we have our very own Eco Boxes that you can use. They’re perfect for keeping your most valuable items totally dry, no matter how hard it pours.

9. Create a “Dry Zone” in the Truck

Try to put the items that are most sensitive to water in the middle of the truck. Things like your mattress or fabric sofa should be deep inside where it is driest. You can put the plastic bins or more durable items near the back door. This way, if a little rain sprays in when the door is open, your important furniture stays safe and dry.

10. Use Permanent Markers for Your Labels

Finally, a small thing that could be a lifesaver. Use permanent markers for your labels. Regular ink smudges the moment it gets damp, and you don’t want to be guessing what’s in your boxes later. If you’re using plastic bins, you can just use a little rubbing alcohol to wipe the ink off once you’re moved in.

A Little Reminder…

Working with professional movers makes everything even easier. They handle the heavy lifting, professional wrapping, and fast loading to keep everything dry. They also know exactly how to organize the truck to protect your items, which takes a lot of the stress off your shoulders.

Don’t Let the Weather Stress You Out!

At Eco Movers, we’re used to this crazy Washington weather. A little rain won’t slow us down or compromise our efficiency. As long as it’s safe to be out there, we’ll be ready to help you get moved without missing a beat.

Get a free quote today and let’s get your move started!