Rain or Shine: How to Prepare for Moving Day in Washington’s Wet Weather

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If there’s one thing you can count on in Washington, it’s that you can’t count on the weather. Especially if you’re moving.

Maybe the forecast looked sunny a week ago. Maybe the clouds didn’t roll in until five minutes after your movers showed up. Or maybe—just maybe—you live in Western Washington and know better than to trust a clear sky. Whether you’re in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, or a quiet corner of the Cascades, rain is basically part of the moving experience.

But that doesn’t mean it has to ruin your day.

After helping friends, clients, and plenty of frazzled moms through moving days drenched in drizzle, I’ve pulled together a tried-and-true guide to making the best of a soggy situation. These tips will help you protect your stuff, keep your sanity, and still enjoy that first-night pizza—even if the box is a little damp around the edges.

Let’s get you moved, Washington-style.

1. Watch the Forecast, But Plan for Rain Anyway

Here’s your first lesson in moving in the Pacific Northwest: hope for the best, prepare for the rain.

Even if your weather app promises sunshine, don’t get too cozy. Washington’s weather is known for mood swings. That “20% chance of rain”? That’s local speak for “definitely bring a tarp.”

Plan your move like you know it’s going to drizzle:

• Schedule your move earlier in the day, when rain is typically lighter
• Allow buffer time in your schedule in case rain slows loading/unloading
• Have a wet weather kit ready (more on that in the next section)

If you’re moving from Seattle to the suburbs, across town in Spokane, or into a craftsman in Olympia, know this: the weather may not follow your timeline—but you can still be ready for it.

2. Stock Up on Rain-Ready Supplies

Think of this as your Moving Day Emergency Kit—and it’s just as important as boxes and tape. Here’s what to have on hand:

• Tarps – Drape over furniture, boxes, or use to create a temporary awning
• Plastic stretch wrap – Wrap around dressers, couches, and anything with drawers
• Trash bags – Great for soft items like clothes or linens—and makeshift raincoats
• Towels & old blankets – To dry off furniture, wipe shoes, or mop up water
• Painter’s plastic/drop cloths – Lay across floors or entryways to protect against muddy boots
• Umbrellas & ponchos – Keep yourself and your movers from getting soaked
• Rain boots or waterproof shoes – Trust me, nobody wants squishy socks by noon

Don’t forget to keep everything in one accessible bin or basket. When the skies open up mid-move (and they might), you’ll be glad you’re not digging through a taped-up box looking for a tarp.

3. Protect Floors in Both Homes

Wet floors and heavy furniture don’t mix—unless you like scratches and slipping hazards.

Before the first box leaves the truck, take a few minutes to lay down protective materials:

• Use cardboard or flattened boxes to create safe walking paths
• Old rugs or bath mats can help absorb water near entryways
• Plastic sheeting (like the kind used for painting) is ideal for carpeted areas
• Dry towels should be stationed near doors for quick wipe-ups

This is especially helpful if you’re moving in or out of a split-level, apartment building, or anywhere with stairs (hello, Tacoma and Bellingham neighborhoods). Bonus tip: assign one family member or friend to be the “floor patrol” and do occasional checks.

4. Wrap Furniture and Boxes Like a Pro

Rain can destroy cardboard in minutes, and moisture damage on wooden furniture? A nightmare. Here’s how to shield your belongings:

• Use stretch wrap to tightly seal furniture, cushions, and even entire boxes
• Cover the tops of cardboard boxes with trash bags if they’ll be outside briefly
• Wrap mattresses in waterproof bags or tarp—don’t risk mold later
• Label water-sensitive boxes (e.g., electronics, books, baby clothes) with a clear “Keep Dry” note

If you’re working with a moving company, ask in advance if they bring protective gear. Some local Washington movers expect customers to provide their own materials unless otherwise noted. If you haven’t found one, here’s a good place to start – https://www.zipmoving.us/washington-dc-capital-movers/.

Also—if the rain is really coming down, consider forming an assembly line. One person hands off boxes from inside the house to someone under cover, who then gets them into the truck. It takes a little longer, but it keeps your belongings dry.

5. Stage Items Close to the Door

This tip is gold, especially when rain is steady and the driveway is a splash zone.

Before your movers or helpers arrive:

• Move packed boxes and small furniture into a staging area near the front or garage door
• If you have a covered porch or carport, use that as your base of operations
• For apartment buildings, ask if you can use a loading dock or covered walkway

Not only does this reduce exposure to the elements, it also speeds up the moving process. Less time between house and truck means less chance of your belongings becoming unwilling participants in a downpour.

Think of it like a relay race, but instead of a baton, you’re passing boxes full of Legos, cookbooks, and mystery cords.

6. Prep a Dry Zone in the Moving Truck

Here’s something a lot of folks forget: moving trucks aren’t always sealed tight. Water can drip in around the edges, especially in older rental trucks or during windy conditions.

Here’s how to protect the inside:

• Lay down towels or flattened boxes on the truck floor to absorb moisture
• Place water-sensitive items toward the back or center of the truck—away from doors and potential leaks
• Bring bungee cords or straps to elevate certain items slightly off the floor
• Stack non-sensitive boxes along the outer walls to create a buffer

If you’re hiring movers, ask them to pack weather-sensitive items last (so they’re in the truck for less time) or first (so they come out immediately on arrival). Either works—it just depends on your plan.

7. Have a Backup Plan for Delays

Let’s face it: Washington rain doesn’t just soak your boxes—it slows traffic, delays movers, and generally tries to test your patience. That’s why you need a plan B (and C).

Here are some ideas to keep you flexible:

• Keep a bin of essentials—snacks, water bottles, diapers, wipes, dry clothes, power banks—in your car
• Entertain kids with tablets, sticker books, or audio stories in a quiet corner of the house or car
• Prep a “rain room” in the house where items can be temporarily stored if unloading is paused
• Scout nearby cafes or restaurants in case you need a break from the chaos (and the rain)

And yes, this is the part where I gently remind you to grab coffee early. You might not have time to swing by your favorite drive-thru in the middle of the storm.

Conclusion: You Can’t Control the Rain—But You Can Be Ready For It

At the end of the day, moving around in Washington comes with one universal truth: it might rain, and that’s okay.

You don’t need sunshine and 70 degrees to have a successful move. With the right prep, some extra plastic wrap, and a little mom-powered grit, you can handle a damp moving day like a pro. So take a deep breath, double-knot those rain boots, and give yourself some credit—this is one more adventure your family will laugh about later (once everything’s unpacked and dry, of course).

And hey, if you manage to pull off a full move without so much as a drizzle? Go buy a lottery ticket, because clearly the Washington weather gods are smiling on you.