Moving in the Cape winter can be a wet affair.
Unless items are waterproofed and moves planned with precision, relocating from one home to another can hit the pocket much harder than expected. It can result in damage to carpeting and household possessions.
Here’s how to move in the Cape winter and keep your possessions safe and dry.
1. Get an accurate update of the weather
Weather forecasting services like AccuWeather provide reliable hourly wind and rain forecasts.
Keep an eye on the app to avoid downpours and move sensitive items during lulls in the rain.
2. Use pallet wrap to keep valuable items dry
The easiest way to keep electronics, art works and small appliances dry is to wrap them in plastic. Bin bags don’t cut it. They’re too thin and prone to tearing.
Pallet wrap is strong, flexible and tear-resistant. It also clings well. Tape the ends to avoid seepage and leaks.
3. Order plastic moving boxes to be delivered to the door
The quickest, easiest and most convenient way to move items susceptible to damp is to pack them in sturdy plastic moving boxes. When the boxes are delivered to the door, so much the better.
Ecoboxes are sealable, stackable and uniform in size. They’re also available at affordable daily rental rates. Drop-offs and collections are available on-demand.
4. Prep the new location
When it’s cold and rainy outside, moving into a snug, heated new home is a must.
Assign someone the task of going ahead to light the fire, put the geyser on and get a pot of hot chocolate ready.
Ask them to place old bed sheets and towels on the floor in high-traffic areas. They protect the wood and carpeting from wet, dirty feet.
5. Waterproof exit and entry points
Set up a gazebo or a waterproof canvas over the departure and arrival points. It will enable the car, bakkie or removals van to get as close as possible to the property without getting wet.
Your belongings and the people involved in the move will stay dry.
6. Plan the move like a military operation
Create a plan of precisely how the move is going to be conducted, from the collection point to the drop-off zone.
Use the garage, at both ends, as a centralised despatching area. The roof can be leveraged as extra protection.
Ensure everyone is dressed for a downpour.
7. Set up a production line
When the heavens open, the fewer people moving in and out of the house the better.
Set up a production line so people can be stationed at intervals under cover. Boxes and smaller items can be moved from one person to another quickly and efficiently.
8. Prioritise items
Pack the vehicle in two halves. On one side, stow items that can be moved in rain, such as waterproofed items in plastic pallet wrap and plastic packing boxes.
On the other side, pack possessions that can’t be properly protected against the rain, like large appliances and pieces of furniture.
Move each consignment according to the weather.
9. Invest in protective mattress bags
Mattress bags can be used to protect a wide variety of large items, not just mattresses.
Besides versatile dimensions, suitable for single, double, queen or king size mattresses, the plastic is thick, waterproof and ultra-strong.
10. Why Ecobox is the smart packing and moving solution
Ecobox specialises in streamlining the packing process. We offer a range of quality packing materials for sale online and rent recyclable plastic Ecoboxes, at competitive rates.
We operate countrywide, have a retail outlet in Bellville, Cape Town and deliver to your door.
At Ecobox, we offer:
- cardboard boxes in a wide range of sizes
- a full range of packing materials
- eco-friendly, plastic moving boxes for rent
- convenient office move kits.
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