You can move in the rain safely if you protect your floors, keep your paths clear, pack water-sensitive items in lidded totes, and wrap furniture and mattresses. Rain makes moving slower and slipperier, but it rarely has to derail the day.
Should you postpone a move because of rain?
Light to moderate rain is manageable. Postpone or reschedule if there are thunderstorms, flooding, high winds or ice, because lightning and slick stairs are safety issues. Check the forecast the day before, and confirm with your movers or truck rental about their rain policy.
If you are using tote rental, contact us as soon as you know your dates might change so we can adjust delivery or pickup.
What should you do before the rain starts?
- Lay down cardboard, old towels, rugs or floor runners inside both the old and new place to catch water and mud.
- Set up a covered staging area near the door: a garage, porch or pop-up canopy.
- Clear and salt or sand any steps, ramps and walkways; wet steps are the most common place to slip.
- Wrap sofas, mattresses and upholstered furniture in plastic mattress bags or moving blankets.
- Keep towels and a dry change of clothes in your own vehicle.
How do totes hold up in the rain?
Nice Totes are heavy-duty plastic with attached, latching lids. They are water-resistant, which means light rain and brief dampness will not soak through the way it does with cardboard. Keep the lids fully latched, do not leave totes sitting in standing water, and wipe them dry before you stack them in a truck so water does not drip onto the totes below.
Totes are not submersible. If you must set them down outside, put them on a pallet, a piece of plywood or a tarp rather than directly on wet grass or pavement.
How do you load a truck in the rain?
Load in stages, starting with items that can handle moisture (totes, appliances, outdoor gear) and saving upholstered furniture and electronics for a dry window. Use a ramp with traction, and have someone hold an umbrella or a tarp over the doorway. Keep the truck door closed between trips to prevent water pooling inside.
How do you protect items once you arrive?
Unload totes first into a dry entry, wipe them down, and open them in the room they belong in. Let furniture and rugs air out before you place them. Keep the floor protection down until the last trip, and check for water in stacked totes before you carry them upstairs.
See tote packages by home size and book your delivery date.
View Residential PricingFrequently Asked Questions
Are moving totes waterproof?
They are water-resistant. Latched lids keep out light rain, but they should not be left submerged or in standing water.
Should I reschedule my move if it rains?
Light rain is manageable with preparation. Reschedule for thunderstorms, flooding or icy conditions.
What should I do if my totes get wet?
Wipe them dry before stacking and check that contents are dry. A dirty or stained tote at return can carry a cleaning fee, so keep them as clean as you can.
Questions about sizing, coverage, or what's included? Check our FAQ page or email info@nicetotesrental.com.