Moving day is stressful enough – add weather concerns to the mix and you can feel really overwhelmed. You’ve planned for this moment for a long time. You didn’t plan on rain! Yet here it is: raining on your moving day. That’s OK, here are some tips on how to handle it.

Check the Weather

Be sure to check the weather a few days in advance so you will know whether to expect rain or not, as well as how severe the weather will be.

Use Shrink Wrap

Moving blankets and boxes aren’t water proof, so it’s a good idea to shrink wrap your items to protect them from rain. Shrink wrap your mattress and box spring because moisture can lead to mold. You should also shrink wrap furniture after you have applied the blankets. Other items that should be shrink wrapped include boxes containing electrical items, artwork and any other valuables that you don’t want water damaged.

Wear the Proper Attire

Wear comfortable clothing the day of the move. Wear a lightweight wind breaker with a hood that will repel rain. You also want to don comfortable shoes, such as sneakers with good grip, so you don’t slip and damage your items or hurt yourself.

Make a Plan

Even once you have fully protected your items, you don’t want them exposed to the weather for longer than is necessary. Make sure all your items are ready to move from the house to the moving truck. Plan out what will go where inside the truck so you’re not leaving boxes out in the rain while you figure it out.

Prep Your New Home

Put down rugs or towels on both sides of the entry to your home to keep people from tracking in mud and water. Do this in the old home as well. Designate an indoor crew and outdoor crew to ensure no mud or water gets tracked throughout the house.

Be Patient

Rainy weather brings delays. It also brings rainy day traffic. Prepare in advance for things to take longer than expected. Drive safely and allow yourself extra time. Have plenty of towels on hand to wipe boxes and other items off as they accumulate water. Take extra care when carrying your items back and forth, and be aware of your surroundings so you don’t slip or trip.

A rainy moving day is certainly no picnic, but with the right preparations, and experienced movers behind you, it’s possible to enjoy a successful relocation.