One thing that we just can’t control is the weather – but you’d be amazed how bad it has to be to stop us moving your belongings.
As you near your move, you may find that the weather forecast is looking rather bleak – whether it’s rain, heat, wind, snow, hail, ice…we’ve seen it all at Ballards!
If you use us for your home move, you don’t have to worry about a thing – we’ll handle it, whatever the weather.
If you’re moving yourself or if you’d like extra peace of mind, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips on how to move safely and effectively, even in the most turbulent weather conditions.
Preparation is key
Whilst you can’t control the weather conditions, you can control how prepared you are to deal with them. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got the appropriate clothing so that you’re well equipped and as safe as you can be.
Waterproof shoes are definitely a must-have if you’re facing rain or snow, as well as waterproof jackets, and several thin layers of clothing if it’s cold. Weather can vary quite a lot in a short period of time, so by having several thin layers, you can take some off if conditions get a bit better.
On the day of your move, get up early and check the weather reports for the latest updates, as things may have changed slightly overnight. It’s also worth checking local traffic reports and listening to the radio, in case you have to change routes.
Certain weather conditions such as storms or snow can be unsafe to drive in, which may result in an unfortunate but necessary reschedule. If you’re unsure, ask your removals team – we’ve done so many moves, so we’ll know what to do!
Before making your final decision, always check your insurance policies to make sure that they are valid in certain conditions. If necessary, you may need to up your coverage to be on the safe side.
Keeping your belongings safe
You and your removers may need to put extra effort and care into keeping your belongings safe when there is bad weather to consider.
Large, heavy furniture may require additional people or equipment – so you’ll need to let your removers know exactly what you’re transporting ahead of time, so that they can plan accordingly.
You’ll also need to make sure that all items are secured safely and sealed with enough packing tape so that it’s unlikely to open during the journey. At Ballards, we can provide you with all of the removals-grade equipment that you’ll require, which is sturdy and of high quality.
Check your access before you begin
It’s also important to consider what sort of access you’ll have once you arrive at your new home, as unloading is just as important as loading up.
What is the parking situation like at your new property? Are there parking spaces available for the removal company to use, or will they need to find somewhere else to base themselves? All of this information is key to a seamless, smooth move, but can often be forgotten and overlooked amongst the chaos. If you can, try to find somewhere as close to your door as you can on the day – this will minimise the risk of dangerous conditions.
Carrying heavy, bulky furniture can be tricky even in good weather conditions, so it’s important to warn your removers in advance of any stairs they may need to go up – both inside and outside. Try to clear any walkways in advance so that there are less obstacles to contend with!
Protect your new home from the elements
When you’re moving into a lovely new home, the last thing you want is to have wet, muddy footprints on the floors and carpets.
In bad weather, removers will unfortunately have mud, water, or slush on their footwear from making trips to the truck. It’s therefore key to take precautions in keeping both your new and old properties clean – such as laying towels, sheets and cardboard around the entrance.
It may also be worth booking a local cleaning company (if you need to make sure you get a deposit back!), so that this isn’t at risk. Whilst it will cost you money, it’ll definitely be cheaper than losing a whole house deposit as a result of bad weather. Make sure to also keep cleaning supplies on hand for the day itself, such as wipes, cloths and sprays, to quickly clean up any marks that may appear before they become permanent.
At Ballards, we’re experts at moving house in all weather conditions. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quotation.