From cardboard boxes falling apart to furniture getting water damage, rain introduces many risks during a move. Vancouver is notorious for its rainfall – on average, it rains 150 days per year here!
As your moving company in Vancouver, we want to ensure your belongings stay dry on moving day. Rain can wreak havoc on your possessions if you’re not prepared. From cardboard boxes falling apart to furniture getting water damage, rain introduces many risks during a move.
In this guide, we’ll cover three key phases when you need to safeguard your items:
- Before the move
- On moving day
- After the move
Follow these Vancouver rainy moving tips and you’ll keep your valuables protected. Let’s start with…
Before the Move: Waterproof Your Packaging
When preparing for your move in rainy Vancouver, step one is waterproofing your packing materials. Standard cardboard shipping boxes will quickly degrade if they get wet. Choose water-resistant alternatives:
- Plastic bins – Clear plastic storage containers make items easy to identify. Their attachable lids form a watertight seal.
- Wooden crates – For heavy items like bookshelves, solid wood crates withstand moisture better than cardboard.
- Wardrobe boxes – Clothing can be moved in these boxes with a hanging rod and door for simple transport.
- Shrink/pallet wrap – After sealing boxes, wrap them tightly in plastic film for extra protection.
- Bubble wrap – Wrap furniture and fragile items to absorb shock if boxes shift during transport.
You’ll also want to waterproof individual possessions before packing them:
- Use plastic bags or bin liners to separate items within boxes. This adds an extra moisture barrier if the outer box takes on water.
- Wrap canvas art inside a plastic painting/poster sleeve or padded protector.
- Place carpets and rugs inside large plastic moving bags, cinching the opening tightly closed with zip ties. Using a plastic sleeve prevents mold growth.
- Tape garbage bags around upholstered furniture cushions to keep the fabric dry.
- Box books tightly to prevent sagging and water seeping onto pages if they get wet.
Moving Day: Cover, Consolidate, Communicate
When moving day arrives, you need to remain vigilant about potential rain exposure. Follow these tips:
- Check weather reports – Monitor forecasts up to the hour to prepare for possible downpours.
- Cover belongings in transit – Use tarps and furniture pads to shield exposed items on the truck and when unloading.
- Transfer under shelter – Move between buildings quickly and utilize covered walkways. Don’t leave any possessions unattended outside.
- Consolidate unpacking areas – Choose one or two protected rooms to initially unload items into, avoiding numerous wet trips.
- Communicate about moisture – Notify staff if you spot any wet boxes or furniture so they can be unpacked first and inspected for damage.
Even a light drizzle over hours can penetrate packaging and furnishings. By limiting items’ outdoor exposure time and quickly getting them under a dry roof, you reduce risk substantially.
After the Move: Inspect and Air Out
Finally, as soon as possible after arriving:
- Inspect boxes and furniture for moisture – Catching any wetness right away gives you a chance to act before permanent water stains or mold develop.
- Unpack damp items first – If discovered, immediately unpack affected boxes and assess if belongings are damaged. Discard ruined cardboard boxes and packaging.
- Air out textiles – If clothing or linens got humid, hang them outside to fully dry if weather permits. Otherwise lay them out indoors. The sooner you allow evaporation, the better.
- Clean up spills – On furniture pieces or carpets, blot away moisture rapidly and use fans to circulate air around the spots. Vinegar helps remove odor from mildew smells.
- Assess furniture condition – Check for warping, discoloration, or stains. Wood polish can restore minor water spots in some cases. Dispose of irreparably damaged soft furnishings.
- Record evidence – If uninsured valuables got ruined or you discover later hidden mold infestation, catalog any evidence through photographs for potential compensation claims.
