You’ve scheduled your move, coordinated time off work, and packed everything perfectly. Then you check the forecast – 80% chance of thunderstorms on moving day. Welcome to Florida! At Baltic Movers, we’ve completed thousands of moves through Orlando’s unpredictable weather, from surprise afternoon downpours to tropical storms.
Here’s everything you need to know about moving day weather and how to handle it like a pro.
Understanding Orlando’s Weather Patterns
Florida weather is notoriously unpredictable, especially during certain times of year.
Summer Thunderstorm Season (June-September):
- Nearly daily afternoon thunderstorms
- Storms typically hit between 2-5 PM
- Usually brief but intense
- High humidity even when not raining
Hurricane Season (June-November):
- Peak activity August through October
- Can require move rescheduling
- Advance planning essential
- Weather tracking becomes critical
Winter/Spring (December-May):
- Generally more stable weather
- Occasional cold fronts with rain
- Best time for predictable moving conditions
Pro Tip: Schedule summer moves for early morning start times (7-8 AM). You’ll likely finish before afternoon storms hit, and your movers won’t be working in the hottest part of the day.
How Professional Movers Protect Your Belongings
Rain doesn’t mean damaged belongings – if you’re working with experienced movers who come prepared.
Standard Weather Protection:
- Furniture blankets and plastic wrap on all upholstered items
- Plastic mattress covers for beds
- Waterproof covers for the truck’s cargo area
- Tarps and runners to protect floors and walkways
- Quick-access rain gear for unexpected downpours
Extra Precautions for Heavy Rain:
- Double-wrapping valuable or water-sensitive items
- Strategic loading with weather-sensitive items toward truck front
- Coordination to minimize time items spend exposed
- Additional plastic sheeting for doorways and entry points
What Gets Special Treatment:
- Electronics (multiple layers of protection)
- Upholstered furniture
- Mattresses and bedding
- Wooden furniture (can warp with water exposure)
- Artwork and documents
Pro Tip: We once completed a move during an unexpected downpour that lasted three hours. Not a single item got wet because we came prepared with extra plastic wrap and tarps. Professional movers always plan for Florida weather.
When to Reschedule vs. Push Through
Not all weather requires rescheduling, but some conditions absolutely do.
Generally Safe to Proceed:
- Light to moderate rain
- Brief afternoon thunderstorms
- Overcast conditions
- Drizzle or mist
Consider Rescheduling:
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Named tropical storms or hurricanes
- Tornado warnings
- Flooding conditions
- Lightning in immediate area
Must Reschedule:
- Mandatory evacuations
- Hurricane conditions
- Severe flooding blocking access
- Dangerous lightning activity
Pro Tip: At Baltic Movers, we monitor weather actively and contact clients proactively if conditions look concerning. We’d rather reschedule than risk your belongings or our team’s safety.
Understanding Moving Company Weather Policies
Before booking, understand your mover’s weather-related policies.
Questions to Ask:
- What’s your policy for rain delays?
- Do you charge cancellation fees for weather?
- How far in advance will you notify me about weather concerns?
- What weather protection do you provide?
- Is there a weather-related damage policy?
Red Flags:
- Companies with no weather policy
- Strict cancellation fees even for hurricanes
- No mention of protective equipment
- Unwillingness to discuss weather contingencies
Baltic Movers’ Weather Policy:
- No cancellation fees for severe weather or named storms
- Proactive communication about weather concerns
- Flexible rescheduling options
- All standard weather protection included
Protecting Your Home During Wet Moves
Weather doesn’t just affect your belongings – it can damage your property.
Floor and Carpet Protection:
- Lay down plastic runners or tarps on high-traffic paths
- Place towels at entry points for movers to wipe feet
- Consider temporary floor protection even if not raining
- Address wet spots immediately to prevent staining
Entry Point Protection:
- Keep extra towels near doors
- Use cardboard or plastic sheeting on thresholds
- Wipe down door frames after move
- Check for water tracking on walls
Furniture Protection:
- Don’t place furniture on wet surfaces
- Allow items to air dry before unwrapping if damp
- Check for moisture before placing items on floors
Pro Tip: We always bring floor protection materials, even on sunny days. Orlando weather changes fast, and protecting your home is as important as protecting your belongings.
Emergency Weather Preparations
Even with the best planning, Florida weather can surprise you.
Your Weather Day Checklist:
- Check hourly forecast morning of move
- Have extra towels and plastic bags ready
- Keep important documents in waterproof containers
- Charge phones (storms can cause power outages)
- Have emergency contacts readily available
- Keep valuable electronics with you if possible
If Storms Hit Mid-Move:
- Trust your movers’ judgment about pausing
- Don’t pressure movers to work in dangerous conditions
- Be flexible with timeline
- Communicate about weather-sensitive items
- Stay calm – experienced movers handle weather regularly
Insurance Considerations for Weather
Understanding insurance coverage for weather-related damage is crucial.
Standard Moving Insurance:
- Basic coverage typically includes weather-related damage
- “Acts of God” clauses vary by company
- Document everything with photos
- Report damage immediately
What’s Usually Covered:
- Rain damage during normal operations
- Damage from movers’ error in weather protection
What May Not Be Covered:
- Named hurricane damage (requires special coverage)
- Flood damage in some policies
- Pre-existing water damage
Pro Tip: Take photos of valuable items before the move, especially if weather is questionable. Documentation helps with any insurance claims.
The Baltic Movers All-Weather Advantage
Our Weather Preparedness:
- All trucks equipped with comprehensive weather protection
- Experienced crews trained in weather protocols
- Real-time weather monitoring on moving days
- Flexible scheduling for weather-related changes
- Eight years of Florida moving experience
What Sets Us Apart:
- We’ve moved through countless Orlando thunderstorms
- Our equipment includes extensive weather protection gear
- We prioritize communication about weather concerns
- No-penalty rescheduling for severe weather
- Every move includes standard weather protection
Moving with Confidence in Any Weather
Florida weather doesn’t have to derail your moving plans. With proper preparation, experienced movers, and realistic expectations, you can successfully move even during less-than-perfect conditions.
The key is working with a moving company that understands Orlando’s weather patterns, comes prepared with proper protection, and communicates clearly about weather-related decisions.
Ready for an all-weather move? Contact Baltic Movers today for a consultation. Our experienced Orlando team knows how to handle Florida’s unpredictable weather, ensuring your belongings arrive safe and dry – rain or shine.
