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Packing on a rainy day

WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS ON PACKING DAY

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Few experiences are as frustrating as waking up on the day you're supposed to pack and load your storage unit, only to find that it's raining. If the rain is coming down in pelts or there are violent thunderstorms on the horizon, your best bet may be to reschedule. However, if it is just sprinkling or raining on and off, try following the tips below for a successful day of packing and loading your storage unit.

Check the Moving Truck for Leaks
Before you put anything into your moving truck, take a look in the back and make sure water is not seeping in anywhere. Sometimes, on older trucks, the seams between the sidewalls and ceiling can begin to leak. If you notice any water inside the truck, head back to the truck rental company and request a replacement.

Pack Delicate Items in Totes, Not Boxes
If you have any very water-sensitive items like artwork or electronics, pack these items into plastic totes rather than into cardboard boxes. If the outsides of the totes become damp during the move, the water won't penetrate as it would with a cardboard box.

You can keep less-delicate items in cardboard boxes, but you may want to wrap those boxes in plastic or bubble wrap for an extra layer of waterproof protection.

Use Waterproof Furniture Covers
Waterproof furniture covers made from thick plastic are available at most home improvement stores. They may zip or snap up to ensure they fully cover your sofa, chair, or other furnishing.

Do not attempt to move furniture with only a cloth cover on a rainy day. If even a small amount of moisture penetrates the cloth cover and moistens your furniture, that furniture may be moldy when you later remove it from storage.

Use the Assembly Line Loading Method
When loading the moving truck — and later when you unpack into the storage unit — have your helpers stand in a line and pass the boxes along. Some helpers should stay outside by the truck, and others should stay inside. This method prevents you from tracking water into the storage unit or your home.

Give your outdoor helpers plastic ponchos to keep them dry, and make sure they strip the ponchos off before entering the storage unit so they don't track in any moisture.

Back Right Up to the Storage Unit
When you arrive at the storage unit, back the truck up so that the back is as close to the storage unit door as possible. Then wait until there is a break in the rain to unload your items. With the truck so close, you can unload quickly before it starts raining again.

If the rain does not seem to be breaking, cover boxes with a tarp as you move them from the truck to the storage unit. Ultimately, you want to avoid putting anything wet into the storage unit as the moisture may perpetuate mold growth.

Bring Towels
Bring a big stack of towels with you to the storage unit. This way, if any totes or boxes get wet, you can dry them off before putting them into storage. Also use the towels to dry your hands as needed so you don't get anything wet when you touch it.

Place Desiccant In the Storage Unit
Even if you are extremely careful to leave the moisture outside when loading your storage unit, you may end up with a small amount of moisture inside. Open a few boxes or cans of silicon desiccant, and set them in the corners of the unit. Over the next few days, the desiccant will absorb moisture from the air so your possessions don't mold.

Rain on the day you plan to pack your storage unit is not ideal, but it does not have to be a tragedy. Follow the tips above, and if you are still looking for a storage facility, keep Cardinal Self Storage in mind. Contact us today for self storage options.

Cardinal Self Storage

PO Box 957 Graham, NC 27253