Moving In the Rain, Snow or Inclement Weather?

Moving in inclement weather? Moving in the rain, snow, blazing heat or bitter cold? Wondering how your furniture will hold up? This can be worrisome while this does’t happen often it can happen especially if you live in a city like Chicago. Weather-resistant moving items are objects designed to endure outdoor conditions—such as rain, sunlight, wind, and fluctuating temperatures—while also being portable or equipped for easy movement. At Sweet Home Moving Chicago we have weather-resistant packing that will protect your valuables.

  • Shrink Wrap
  •  Waterproof Shipping Boxes or Cases
  • Heavy-duty Plastic Bins with Lids
  • Weatherproof Labels and Tapes
Weather-resistant packing items are materials and containers designed to protect goods during shipping or storage in outdoor or harsh environmental conditions, such as rain, humidity, dust, and extreme temperatures. These items are especially important when packing for outdoor events, long-distance shipping, or temporary storage without climate control.
 

Are Heavy Duty Boxes Worth it for Bad Weather?

 heavy-duty boxes are generally worth it for bad weather—especially if your items will be exposed to moisture, heavy handling, or long transit times. Standard cardboard boxes can weaken quickly when they get wet, leading to sagging, tearing, or collapse. Heavy-duty boxes, on the other hand, are made from thicker corrugated material, often double- or triple-walled, and they hold up better against pressure, impacts, and limited exposure to rain or humidity.

Scheduling a Move in Bad Weather

Scheduling a move during bad weather, like snow or storms, requires some extra planning and flexibility. Sometimes this just happens – we get it. Start by choosing a moving company that has experience with winter moves and ask about their rescheduling policy in case conditions become unsafe. Begin monitoring the weather forecast at least a couple of weeks in advance and keep checking as your move date approaches, especially for any severe weather alerts.

It’s wise to build in a backup plan. That could mean having an alternate moving date lined up or preparing for temporary housing if the move is delayed. Clear any snow or ice from driveways, walkways, and stairs at both the old and new locations to keep movers safe and avoid injuries. It also helps to protect your floors from wet boots by putting down cardboard or tarps inside the house.

Make sure to pack in weatherproof containers or use plastic wrap to shield your belongings from moisture. Keep winter essentials easily accessible—like gloves, snow shovels, salt, and warm clothing—so you’re not scrambling in the cold. Most importantly, stay in regular contact with your movers to coordinate timing and updates. If the weather is truly hazardous, don’t hesitate to postpone the move. Safety always comes first.

Non-Transportable Items

  • Nail polish remover
  • Live plants
  • Household paint
  • Lighter fluid
  • Gasoline
  • Fireworks
  • Compressed air cans
  • Propane tanks from grills
  • Automotive repair and maintenance chemicals
  • Matches

Other Non-Transportable Items

Other items not recommended for relocation by movers include:

  • Firearms
  • Food in glass jars and perishable foods
  • Lighter fluid
  • Prescription drugs needed for immediate use

The following personal items are recommended to be relocated to your new home in your vehicle:

  • Documents regarding your move
  • Identification including Social Security cards, passports, driver’s licenses, and state ID cards
  • Cash
  • Important personal documents such as financial statements, deeds, titles, wills, etc.
  • Family photos
  • Collections (i.e. coin collections, stamp collections. etc.)
  • Jewelry