How often does it rain in Florida? On average, it rains 115 days per year, usually during the summer season, which is also when most people choose to move. If you’re relocating to Florida or moving around within the Sunshine State, you’ll need experienced movers who understand the best ways to move efficiently and safely in Florida rain. Moving Squad can provide excellent service and the supplies you need.
Many people believe rain is a small price to pay for beautiful weather year-round. Moving in the rain doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. There are ways to make it easier on yourself—or follow these tips when simply living in the Florida rain.
What You’ll Need
Here are some supplies you’ll want on hand when moving goods or furniture in the rainy season:
- Garbage bags
- Plastic wrap
- Tape and/or rope
- Tarps and pop-up tents
- Plywood
- Ponchos
- Sealed plastic bags
You can get your supplies on a budget. For example, most home supply stores sell tarps, but you’ll find less expensive drop cloths in the paint section that work just as well. At a discount home goods store, you may find 25-foot rolls of plastic wrap for less than $10.
10 Tips When Moving in the Rain
To make it easy, here are 10 quick tips to consider if you will possibly be moving in the rain.
- Plan ahead. Check the weather the night before and in the morning before heading out. Many moving trucks are not air-tight, so rain can leak inside. Help protect your property before it starts raining. Cover up with tarps, tents, and large garbage bags.
- Wrap up furniture and boxes. Plastic wrap and garbage bags can be used to wrap sofas, chairs, mattresses, and anything you need to keep dry. Wet boxes fall apart easily, and if they are filled with dishes and glasses, that could be disastrous. Wrap everything you can in plastic to protect your property and get it inside safely. Ask your movers to supply moving blankets for this purpose as well.
- Use duct tape to fortify weaker or used boxes. You don’t want boxes falling apart, so make sure to tape up the boxes that don’t seem quite as durable.
- Mark boxes accordingly. You’re already marking boxes filled with fragile items. You’re also probably marking boxes so they’re delivered to the right room. You can also write “don’t get wet” on boxes with contents that might be ruined if water got into them. This could be pictures, movies, or books.
- Consider an extra layer of protection for certain items. This includes electronics, photographs, and other artwork. Seal them inside plastic bags to keep them dry during the move.
- Find ways to cover yourselves. If your new home in Florida has a covered walkway between the truck and the front door, use it. You can also use a pop-up canopy to serve as a temporary cover between the truck and garage or front door. Or, a tarp and rope can also serve as cover.
- Consider forming an assembly line. One group gets the boxes out of the truck and into the dry area. A second group takes everything from the dry area inside. Ponchos come in handy for keeping the first group dry as they work.
- Create a safe walking space. You don’t want your movers or family to slip when they get inside. You also want to protect your floors or carpet. Plywood comes in handy if you’re trying to get around wet, muddy backyards while carrying heavy boxes or patio furniture. Flatten some boxes, use rugs, or lay plastic wrap inside the house. Make sure you tape it all down so no one trips.
- Unpack wet boxes first. Towel off anything that gets wet right away, and start with those first. You don’t want to let anything sit wet if you can help it.
- Take your time. At the end of a long day, people tend to rush, and that’s when accidents happen in wet conditions. Slow down, and you’ll be thankful later! It should also be noted that the rain in Florida can be sporadic. Florida locals always say, “wait 10 minutes and it will probably stop raining”. Florida is a tropical area and the weather fronts move quickly. If you have the time, try waiting for 10 minutes for the worst of the rain to pass.
Safely maneuvering while living in the rain is a reality for most Floridians. Experienced professionals at Moving Squad can help make it an easier day. Contact us for help with your next move.
