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Moving house in the rain needs a plan for the short journey between each front door and the van. Even when everything is packed, belongings can spend time outside while doors are opened, lifts are called or keys are collected. For a London move, a shared entrance or a long walk from the loading point can make that exposure easy to underestimate.
This guide explains what to agree with your moving company, how to organise the collection and delivery, and what to check if the weather changes.
Check both addresses before the day
Look at the forecast for your collection and delivery locations, especially if you are travelling beyond London. Check the Met Office warnings and advice again before setting off. A forecast is useful planning information; it is not a promise that conditions will remain suitable throughout the move.
Tell your mover about exposed steps, a basement entrance, an outdoor walkway or a loading point some distance from the door. Send a photograph of the route if that explains it more clearly. For a managed block, confirm which entrance can be used and whether the lift or loading area needs booking.
Agree protection and responsibilities in advance
Ask what protection is included in your man and van booking and what you need to provide yourself. A moving blanket, a furniture cover and a waterproof outer cover serve different purposes. Explain which items must stay dry and discuss suitable preparation for them rather than assuming that all wrapping keeps rain out.
- Who prepares mattresses, upholstered furniture and exposed furniture panels?
- Where will packed belongings wait before they are carried outside?
- Who will be ready to open doors and receive items at the destination?
- How will you communicate if heavy rain interrupts loading?
- What do the booking terms say about delays or a change of date?
Keep the answers with your booking details. This is also a good time to confirm the number of helpers: wet weather does not change which carrying or assembly tasks have been agreed.
Keep the queue of belongings indoors
A useful arrangement is to have the next items ready in an indoor collection area, with the carrying route left clear. Avoid moving the entire load onto the pavement while waiting for the van. At delivery, have someone available to direct each item into the agreed room so it does not wait outside while decisions are made.
For example, a third-floor flat with a shared lift may need smaller batches than a house with direct access. Discuss that sequence with the moving team before loading starts. Do not use communal corridors as a storage area without checking the building’s arrangements.
For general preparation, see our packing and moving house checklist. If the inventory or vehicle choice is uncertain, read what size van you need to move house.
Pay attention to the entrance, not just the furniture
Rainwater can be carried indoors on footwear. The HSE’s guidance for haulage and distribution highlights entrance areas, wet leaves and poor lighting as slip and trip concerns. Let the team know about slippery surfaces, keep the route clear and discuss suitable entrance protection. Loose coverings that move or bunch up can create another problem.
If the route becomes unsafe, pause and agree the next step with the team. Do not try to solve an access problem by asking someone to rush a heavy item across a slippery surface.
Keep a small wet-weather kit separate
Have your coat, a change of clothes, towels and spare labels available rather than packed at the back of the load. Keep your phone, keys and booking details accessible too. Decide where damp outer wrapping can be removed without blocking the doorway or wetting the unpacking area.
If a carton becomes wet or damaged, tell the team before it is lifted again and arrange suitable replacement packaging. At the new home, check affected items promptly and follow the manufacturer’s guidance before using any electrical item that may have become wet.
Use a clear handover if plans change
Keep one contact person available for each address. If an entrance is flooded, access is blocked or the weather disrupts the journey, explain the actual problem and ask the mover to reassess the plan. Confirm any revised timing or charges in writing; do not assume that waiting or postponement is automatically included.
Before the team leaves, check that all agreed items have arrived and flag any concerns. Retain relevant photographs and booking messages together.
Plan your London move with JP Man & Van
Contact JP Man & Van or call 07925405549 with your postcodes, moving date, inventory and access details. Mention exposed carrying routes and any preparation or protection you need so these can be discussed before booking.