How to Move on a Rainy Day
Moving day is always an emotional rollercoaster — a blend of excitement, stress, and new beginnings. But when rain clouds roll in, your moving plans can quickly turn chaotic. Wet boxes, slippery floors, soggy furniture, and muddy shoes can easily derail what was meant to be a well-organised day.
At Brilliant Removals, we understand that London’s weather can be unpredictable, and that’s why we’ve compiled this expert guide to help you move confidently, even when the skies aren’t on your side. Whether it’s a light drizzle or a London downpour, these practical strategies will ensure your belongings stay safe, your home remains clean, and your move goes off without a hitch.
Check the Forecast and Prepare Ahead
Before moving day, monitor weather apps like Met Office or BBC Weather for real-time updates. If a storm is predicted, discuss options with your moving company early — flexibility can make a big difference.
If rescheduling isn’t possible, plan your timeline around the weather: pack early, prepare waterproof coverings, and make loading zones efficient to minimise exposure.
Pro Tip: Brilliant Removals always keeps a buffer time in our schedule during bad weather to ensure safety without rushing.
Gather the Right Protective Supplies
When moving in the rain, ordinary boxes and tape won’t cut it. Equip yourself with waterproof supplies to protect everything from cardboard boxes to delicate furniture.
| Essential Supply | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Plastic Wrap / Stretch Film | Seals furniture and electronics against moisture |
| Waterproof Sheets / Tarpaulins | Shields flooring and entryways from mud |
| Heavy-Duty Boxes | More durable for damp environments |
| Large Bin Bags | Cover soft furnishings or clothes |
| Furniture Pads / Old Towels | Absorb excess water on items or hands |
| Packing Tape (Extra Rolls) | Keeps wet boxes securely sealed |
Create a Weather-Safe Loading Zone
Designate one area inside your home — ideally near the main door — as a “loading buffer zone.”
Line the floor with tarps, flattened boxes, or thick towels to prevent slipping and protect flooring. Ask your movers to bring each item into this area before loading, so rain exposure is limited to a few seconds between the door and the van.
Bonus: A dry zone also keeps your home cleaner, saving time on post-move cleanup.
Protect Furniture and Upholstery Like a Pro
Rain and furniture are not friends. Wood can warp, fabric can stain, and cushions can hold moisture leading to mould.
Before moving day:
- Wrap sofas, chairs, and mattresses in plastic furniture bags or shrink wrap.
- Cover wooden items with moving blankets and a plastic sheet on top.
- Use corrugated cardboard between stacked furniture for added protection.
At Brilliant Removals, we offer sofa and mattress wrapping services starting from just £5, ensuring full water resistance during transit.
Handle Electronics and Fragile Items with Extra Care
Rain and electronics don’t mix — even a few drops can cause damage.
Here’s how to keep them safe:
- Wrap each item in plastic before placing it inside a box.
- Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture.
- Double-tape boxes and label them as “Fragile – Keep Upright.”
- Load them last and unload them first to minimise outdoor exposure.
Load and Unload Strategically
When rain is pouring, efficiency matters more than speed. Position the moving van as close as possible to your property’s entrance.
If parking is an issue, request a temporary parking permit from your local council beforehand — this can save time and reduce risk of fines or delays.
A skilled moving team (like ours!) will usually form a relay system — one mover stays inside, passing items to another waiting near the van. This keeps interior floors dry while speeding up the process.
Keep Cleaning and Drying Tools Handy
Rainwater and muddy shoes can create a mess quickly.
Keep a rain-move cleaning kit ready with:
- Towels
- Paper wipes
- A mop and bucket
- A small doormat or old rug
Do quick wipe-downs throughout the process — this helps prevent accidents and keeps both your old and new homes in good condition.
Protect the Floors in Your New Home
Before unloading at your new place, prepare the entrance area:
- Lay down cardboard or towels at entry points.
- Keep one dry room ready for unloading boxes first.
- Use shoe protectors or disposable covers to reduce mud tracks.
A professional moving team will handle this automatically — Brilliant Removals, for instance, always brings floor protectors for both properties.
Keep an Essentials Box with You
Never let your must-haves ride in the back of the van on a rainy day.
Pack a waterproof tote with:
- Dry clothes and towels
- Important documents
- Snacks and bottled water
- Chargers and basic toiletries
Keep it in your car or with you at all times so you don’t have to dig through damp boxes after moving.
Stay Calm, Flexible, and Communicative
Bad weather may cause minor delays — but staying calm and in contact with your movers ensures smooth coordination.
At Brilliant Removals, we constantly adapt to weather changes while keeping clients informed, so the process remains efficient and stress-free.
Dry and Inspect Everything After the Move
When you arrive, unpack furniture and boxes promptly to air them out.
Use a fan or heater to help items dry faster, and inspect electronics before plugging them in.
If any boxes feel damp, open them immediately and dry contents with a towel.
Conclusion
Moving on a rainy day doesn’t have to be miserable — it’s all about preparation, teamwork, and protection. With the right planning, your move can stay safe, dry, and efficient even under grey skies.
At Brilliant Removals, our trained movers come equipped with waterproof covers, non-slip gear, and years of experience in handling London’s unpredictable weather. Rain or shine, your belongings are in safe hands.
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