Relocation can be difficult even when everything is going your way. But can you imagine having to relocate during bad weather? Well, when you’re Canadian that is always a possibility. We love Canada, we really do. But we can also admit that its weather occasionally leaves something to be desired. In fact, the weather is one of the top reasons for leaving Canada! It’s no surprise, then, that the reality of moving to Canada, from Canada or within Canada is that you will often have to deal with bad weather conditions. This can be anything from light rain to heavy snow to intense heat depending on the time of the year and the area. Each of these weather conditions brings its own challenges. So if you think you might have to relocate during bad weather, here are some useful tips and tricks.
The ill-effects of weather on your move
In the hassle of the move, you may not have stopped to consider how the weather is going to affect your relocation. But moving in the summer is vastly different from moving in the winter which is in turn vastly different from a spring or fall relocation. Whichever season you choose, there’s a chance you’ll need to relocate during bad weather of some sort.
Intense heat and sun
While moving under the clear blue skies and with the sun shining in your face is certainly preferable to some other options, it’s not always a walk in the park either. Intense heat can sap your energy leaving you tired and lethargic which isn’t conducive to efficient moving. Dehydration is a real problem when you’re on a road for a long time too. Sunburn from spending too much time outside is not fun either!
Heavy rain
The dangers of heavy rain are twofold – it makes driving more difficult and it increases the risk of water damage to your possessions. Luckily, reputable long distance moving companies Canada are used to making the trip when it’s pouring down. If you’re driving yourself, however, keep your eyes on the road!
Cold temperatures, snow, and ice
Winter is a difficult time for relocation for good reason. Snow and ice can slow you down on your drive and will make it more difficult to move around on foot as well as in a vehicle. Carrying heavy moving boxes around when you’re wrapped in several layers of winter clothing is no breeze either. But the alternative of freezing in sub-zero temperatures is certainly not any more appealing. To make things worse the cold and the damp combine to make some of the worst storage conditions for your belongings.
How to relocate during bad weather
A move during winter, at the height of summer or really at any point in the year that experiences extreme weather conditions, can easily turn disastrous. This is true even for international relocation: you can find bad weather just about anywhere in the world! So it’s a good idea to be prepared.
Discuss the move with your movers
If you suspect that you will relocate during bad weather, you should discuss this with your chosen moving companies Ontario beforehand. What are your movers’ company policies regarding the weather? Do they expect delays due to snowfalls and will they compensate you for them? Does the insurance they offer cover damage due to extreme weather? And are there any weather conditions that would cause them to postpone a move? If you’re expecting bad weather, these are some of the important questions you should ask before moving day.
Prepare to relocate during bad weather in advance
Always know what to expect before the move! Read up on the current weather conditions in Canada and check out a few reliable weather forecasts. Not only will this help you mentally prepare, but it will also ensure you dress and pack accordingly. Expecting a heatwave on moving day? Make sure to prepare plenty of drinking water! Moving in the dead of winter? Don’t pack that thermostat in the kitchen – you’ll need some hot tea, coffee or cocoa for the road!
Pack properly to relocate during bad weather without major losses
The best protection your possessions have from bad weather is the packaging you put them in. Use waterproof bins, sealable plastic containers, and even garbage bags to protect your belongings from water damage. Wrap everything in extra layers of packing paper, old sheets, and blankets or other material that will soak up excess moisture. Be sure to pay extra attention to any priceless and irreplaceable items! And take the time to protect the important documents you’re bringing with you. Put them in sealable plastic folders and check them regularly during the move to ensure they haven’t been exposed to moisture.
Plan your route
Moving trucks are not that easy to drive – their dimensions and weight make them quite unwieldy. So plan your route ahead of time especially if you’re driving yourself! Stick to highways and clear roads and avoid winding pathways with lots of turns. Check online to make sure any incoming storms won’t cross your path. If you’ve hired movers, ask them about the route they plan on taking. You can check it online together to make sure it’s the safest possible path to take.
Dress appropriately to relocate during bad weather
Remember that it’s not just your possessions that suffer the weather during a move – it’s you as well! Extreme weather conditions can be more than just uncomfortable, they can be dangerous. So it’s important to dress for the occasion! If you’re moving at the height of summer, make sure you wear light, breathable clothes. Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat and stick to cotton that lets your skin breathe. Wear light colors like whites and pastels that won’t attract and keep extra warmth. If you’re moving during winter, on the other hand, make sure you layer up. Wearing several different layers you can take off or put on helps you adjust to different temperatures on the scale between the icy cold outside and the air-conditioned warmth inside. With a little planning ahead, you’re sure to weather the storm!