8 Tips for Moving in the Rain
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: You can move in the rain if you waterproof your boxes, wear non-slip gear, and keep each trip outside as short as possible. Use plastic bins for electronics and documents, cover floors and furniture, and only reschedule for lightning, flooding, or other dangerous conditions.
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1. Use the right packing supplies for rainy-day moves
Cardboard boxes soak up water fast, so a rainy move starts with how you pack. The right supplies keep your belongings dry from your old home to your new one.
Plastic bins vs. cardboard boxes: Which is better?
Plastic bins are better for wet weather because they don’t absorb water. Here’s how they compare to cardboard moving boxes.
| Feature | Plastic bins | Cardboard boxes |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Durability | High | Moderate |
| Reusability | Yes | Limited |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
If it fits your budget, use plastic bins for electronics, documents, and linens. If you’re using cardboard, take a few extra steps to waterproof each box.
How to waterproof cardboard boxes
- Line boxes with trash bags: Place a large trash bag inside the box before packing, then fold the top over and tape it shut
- Double-bag soft goods: Seal clothing, pillows, and linens in a second bag inside the box
- Use zip-top bags: Store documents, electronics, and cords in heavy-duty zip bags before boxing them
- Tape generously: Reinforce every seam and flap with extra packing tape to strengthen the box
Use our moving box calculator to figure out how many boxes and bins you need.
2. Gear up: Dress for safety & comfort
Rain raises your risk of slipping, getting cold, and wearing out early. Dress to stay dry, warm, and steady on your feet.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho: Keeps you dry on repeated trips outside without restricting movement
- Hat with a brim: Keeps rain out of your eyes so you can see where you’re stepping
- Non-slip shoes or boots: Give you traction on slick driveways, porches, and truck ramps
- Waterproof gloves: Help you grip wet furniture and boxes without straining your hands
- Dry change of clothes: Lets you warm up quickly during breaks or after the move
3. Consider hiring professional movers
If loading boxes in a downpour sounds miserable, hire professional movers. Most moving companies work in light to moderate rain and bring tarps, floor runners, and moving blankets to protect your things.
- Ask about weather plans: Find out how the mover handles rain delays, floor protection, and slick loading conditions
- Review your coverage: Basic released value coverage pays only $0.60 per pound per item, so consider full value protection for high-value items
- Document your belongings: Photograph valuables and electronics before the move in case you need to file a claim
Still deciding how to move? Compare the best moving companies and best moving container companies, and read our guide to moving insurance to choose the right coverage level.
Why compare movers with moveBuddha?
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
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4. Plan ahead: Weatherproof your move
The more you prepare before moving day, the less you’ll scramble when the rain starts.
Start with the forecast
- Check early & often: Start tracking your local forecast a week out and watch for daily changes
- Turn on phone alerts: Real-time updates help you avoid loading during the heaviest downpours
- Build in buffer time: Leave room in your schedule to pause for storms
Prep your rainy-day supply kit
Gather these packing materials a few days before your move:
- Plastic bins & sealable bags: Keep moisture away from fragile or soft items
- Tarps & towels: Cover items during transport and wipe down wet surfaces
- Packing & duct tape: Reinforce boxes and secure plastic coverings
- Carpet runners or floor film: Protect your floors and reduce slips
- Silica gel packets: Absorb hidden moisture in electronics boxes
Download our moving checklist and add these steps to your rainy-day plan.
5. Protect your valuables & electronics
Water can ruin electronics in seconds, so give them the most protection.
- Use original boxes: Original packaging gives TVs, monitors, and computers the best fit
- Add desiccants: Silica gel packets soak up moisture that sneaks inside
- Label clearly: Mark sensitive boxes “Keep Dry” or “Do Not Stack” so your crew handles them with care
- Move them in your car: Keep electronics and valuables with you to limit their time in the rain
Our guide on how to pack electronics has more tips.
6. Move quickly to avoid damage
Less time in the rain means less chance of water damage.
- Park as close as possible: Keep the shortest legal distance between the truck and your door
- Stage items near exits: Line up packed boxes and furniture by the door so they’re ready to load
- Create an assembly line: Have some helpers carry items to the door while others load the truck, which keeps wet shoes out of the house
7. Keep your home dry & clean
Rainy moves bring muddy footprints and slick floors, but a little floor protection goes a long way.
- Cover high-traffic floors: Lay tarps or plastic sheeting in entryways and hallways
- Add towels or cardboard: Absorb moisture and add traction so no one slips
- Swap coverings often: Replace soaked towels before they leave puddles
If you’re moving in or out of an apartment, ask the building about required floor coverings and elevator rules during bad weather.
8. Don’t forget the moving truck
If you’re renting your own truck, protect the inside of it, too.
- Inspect for leaks: Check the cargo area before loading and lay down a tarp if you need to
- Keep items elevated: Stack moisture-sensitive boxes on furniture or pallets, off the truck floor
- Shield items with blankets: Cover each item as you carry it from the door to the truck
What matters most when moving in the rain?
A rainy move goes smoothly when you keep water out of your boxes, your home, and the truck.
- Pack for water: Use plastic bins or line cardboard boxes with trash bags
- Dress for it: Wear waterproof layers, gloves, and non-slip shoes
- Work fast: Stage boxes by the door and keep carrying routes short
- Protect your space: Cover floors with tarps, towels, or plastic film
- Check the truck: Look for leaks and keep delicate items off the floor
Planning a move, rain or shine? Our moving cost calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together to estimate your cost and match you with movers.
Moving in the rain FAQs
Will movers move in the rain?
Yes, most movers will move in the rain unless conditions turn dangerous, like lightning or flooding. Crews usually bring tarps, floor runners, and blankets to protect your things. Ask your mover about its weather policy when you book.
Should I reschedule my move if it’s raining?
You should only reschedule your move if the rain comes with lightning, flooding, or high winds. Light to moderate rain is manageable with the right prep. Check your mover’s rescheduling policy ahead of time so you know your options.
How do I protect furniture from rain?
To protect furniture from rain, wrap it in plastic wrap or heavy moving blankets before carrying it outside. Keep upholstered pieces off the ground. Load furniture last so it spends less time outdoors.
What should I do if my boxes get wet?
If your boxes get wet, unpack them right away and let the contents dry completely. Remove batteries from wet electronics and don’t plug them in until they’re fully dry. Dry or recycle soaked cardboard to prevent mold.
Does moving insurance cover rain damage?
Moving coverage can include rain damage if it happens while your mover has your belongings. Basic released value pays only $0.60 per pound per item, while full value protection covers repair or replacement. Photograph your items before the move so you can document any claim.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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