Weather‑Proofing Your Move
Introduction
Ottawa's weather is famously unpredictable. From freezing rain in April to heat waves in September, relying on a "perfect day" is a gamble. Weather-proofing your move means preparing for the worst-case scenario so that your belongings (and your mood) stay dry and intact regardless of what the sky throws at you. This guide covers the essential techniques to shield your move from the elements.
Main Sections
Water is the Enemy
Rain or snow can ruin mattresses, warp wood furniture, and weaken cardboard boxes until they collapse. The primary defense is plastic. Every mattress should be in a sealed plastic bag. Upholstered sofas should be shrink-wrapped. For artwork and electronics, wrap them in plastic *after* the bubble wrap to create a waterproof barrier. Do not rely on "closed" cardboard boxes to stop water; quickly moving them through a downpour is enough to soak the contents.
The "Assembly Line" Method
To minimize outdoor exposure time, set up an assembly line. One group of people stays inside the house bringing items to the door. Another group stays in the truck stacking. Only the designated "runners" go back and forth. This prevents mud and snow from being tracked deep into the house and ensures items spend mere seconds in the rain.
Floor Protection Protocols
Protecting your floors protects your security deposit. In wet weather, standard drop cloths can become slippery hazards. Use adhesive plastic film for carpets and heavy-duty, waterproof neoprene runners for hardwood. If you are on a budget, flattened cardboard boxes taped together create a decent disposable path, but change them if they get sodden.
The "Wipe Down" Station
Designate a person or a station at the new house to wipe items down as they come in. Have a stack of old towels ready. Even with the best wrapping, some moisture will get on the plastic. Drying it off immediately prevents it from dripping onto your new floors or seeping into the furniture once the wrap is removed.
Clothing and Personal Gear
Dress for the weather, not the fashion show. Wear boots with non-slip soles—moving ramps become slippery slides in the rain. Wear layers so you can strip down once you start sweating from the exertion. And keep a change of dry clothes and socks in your car. Being wet and cold for 8 hours is miserable and lowers your immune system during a high-stress time.
Local Expertise Section
Why This Matters for Ottawa and Gatineau Residents
In Ottawa, "freezing rain" is a specific circle of hell. If an ice storm hits, salt is insufficient; you need sand or kitty litter to provide traction on the driveway for the truck. In Gatineau, hilly driveways (common in the Gatineau Hills or parts of Aylmer) can become impassable for rear-wheel-drive moving trucks in winter. Communicate with your mover about the gradient of your driveway; they may need to bring a smaller shuttle truck or park on the street.
This article is the perfect companion to our seasonal guides on moving in winter and moving in summer. To get the supplies needed for weather-proofing, check our essential packing supplies list. And if the weather causes damage, knowing your coverage is vital—read why insurance matters.
FAQ
Q: Can I use garbage bags for weather-proofing?
A: Yes, for clothes and bedding, heavy-duty contractor bags are great. But don't use thin kitchen bags—they rip too easily.
Q: Do movers provide floor runners?
A: Professional movers *should* have them. Check your contract or ask beforehand. If not, buy some from Home Depot.
Q: What if the truck leaks?
A: Reputable movers maintain their fleet to be watertight. However, if water damages items inside the truck due to a leak, their liability coverage should apply.
Q: How do I protect wood furniture from temperature shock?
A: Wrap it in moving blankets *before* taking it outside. The blanket acts as thermal insulation, slowing down the rapid temperature change that causes cracking.
Q: Should I reschedule if it rains?
A: For light rain, no. For a torrential downpour or lightning, pause for 30 minutes. Most summer storms in Ottawa blow over quickly.
You cannot control the weather, but you can control your preparation. By weather-proofing your move with proper materials and strategies, you ensure that your possessions arrive dry and safe. UpMove partners with professionals who move rain or shine, equipped with the right gear to defy the forecast.
