Moving homes is an inherently challenging task, and the complexity multiplies when you’re doing so during the rainy season. The recent intense flooding across Kenya has highlighted the urgent need for careful planning and execution in such conditions. This post is designed to guide you through moving during these challenging times, with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and minimizing potential damages.
Risks of Moving During the Rainy Season
Nellions truck getting towed after getting stuck in mud.
The rainy season brings a host of challenges for those planning a move. Common issues include delays due to unexpected downpours, potential damage to belongings from water infiltration, and increased risks of accidents for both movers and residents. This year, the rainy season has been particularly severe, with widespread flooding affecting large areas across Kenya. These conditions can disrupt even the best-laid moving plans and require special attention to detail and preparation.
Flood-prone areas pose a significant risk. Moving during a period of flooding can be hazardous, with water levels rising quickly and unpredictably. Roads can become impassable, and properties might be at risk of being cut off from essential services. It’s crucial to understand these risks thoroughly to mitigate them effectively.
In the next sections, we’ll explore how to plan your move by checking weather forecasts, selecting the right moving date, and ensuring that your belongings are packed securely to withstand the challenges of the rainy season.
Pre-Move Planning
Check Weather Forecasts: Always begin your moving preparations by checking the local weather forecasts. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect on your moving day. Websites like the Kenya Meteorological Department provide accurate forecasts that can help you avoid the worst of the rainy season’s downpours. If heavy rain is predicted, it might be wise to reschedule to a drier day, if possible.
Choosing the Right Moving Date: When scheduling your move, flexibility is key. Opt for days when there is less likelihood of rain, often the early days or weeks of the rainy season. If you’re constrained by time, consider moving in the morning hours when rainfall is typically less intense.
Hiring Experienced Movers: Working with a professional moving company like Nellions Moving & Relocations LTD, which has extensive experience in managing relocations during the rainy season, can significantly reduce stress and increase efficiency. Experienced movers are better equipped to handle unforeseen weather challenges and will have contingency plans in place.
Packing and Protecting Your Belongings
Waterproof Packing Materials: To safeguard your belongings from water damage, use waterproof or water-resistant packing materials. Plastic bins, waterproof packing bags, and plastic wrap can provide an additional layer of protection against moisture. For items that are particularly vulnerable to water damage, such as books and documents, consider sealing them in plastic bags before boxing them up.
Special Care for Electronics and Valuables: Electronics are highly susceptible to water damage. Wrap items like televisions, computers, and speakers in plastic before padding them for extra protection. Similarly, artwork and other valuables should be wrapped in plastic and placed in hard-shell cases if available.
Securing Loose Items: During the rainy season, it’s important to ensure that all boxes are securely taped and covered. Avoid leaving any gaps that might allow water to seep in. Pay special attention to the bottoms of boxes by reinforcing them with additional tape for added security against standing water.
Selecting Your New Home
Researching the Area: Before deciding on your new home, it’s crucial to investigate whether the area is prone to flooding. This is especially important in the current climate, where Kenya has seen significant flooding. Check the historical flood data, which can often be accessed through local government offices or real estate websites. Look for information on how the area has managed during previous rainy seasons and ask about drainage systems and flood mitigation measures.
Visiting the Property During Rain: If possible, visit the property during a rainy day. This allows you to observe firsthand how the property and its surroundings handle heavy rain. Pay attention to water accumulation around the building and the condition of nearby roads. Observing these conditions can give you valuable insights into potential issues that might not be apparent during dry weather.
Consulting Local Experts: Engaging with locals, real estate agents, and possibly urban planners can provide deeper insights into the area’s susceptibility to flooding. These individuals can offer historical context about the area’s weather patterns and advice on whether the infrastructure is suited for heavy rainy seasons.
Day of the Move
Early Start: On your moving day, starting early is advantageous. Mornings are generally clearer during the rainy season, and this can help you avoid the heavier downpours that often occur in the afternoon. An early start also provides extra time to address any unexpected challenges that may arise due to the weather.
Protective Measures: On the day of the move, ensure that all pathways and entrances are covered and protected from the rain as much as possible. Utilize large tarps or plastic sheeting to create dry pathways for movers to walk through. This reduces the risk of slipping and injury, and helps keep your belongings dry as they are transported to the moving vehicle.
Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency plan in place, including having contact numbers for your moving company’s local office, weather updates, and local emergency services. Prepare a ‘rainy day moving kit’ that includes towels, extra plastic sheets, umbrellas, and waterproof clothing. This preparation will help you manage any abrupt changes in weather conditions and ensure a smoother moving process.
Post-Move Tips
Unpacking in Wet Conditions: If it’s still raining when you arrive at your new home, set up a dry area inside or under a covered space where boxes and furniture can be wiped down before bringing them inside. Use towels and cloths to dry off any items that may have gotten wet during transport. It’s crucial to address any moisture immediately to avoid damage, especially to wooden furniture and sensitive electronics.
Drying Out: Even with the best preparations, some moisture may get into your boxes or belongings. Once everything is inside, take the time to thoroughly dry all items. If any boxes or items feel damp, unpack them as soon as possible to prevent mould or mildew from forming. Set up fans or dehumidifiers in damp areas to accelerate the drying process.
Evaluating the Move: After the move is complete, take a moment to reflect on the process. What went well? What could have been improved? Documenting your experiences can provide valuable insights for future moves, especially under similar weather conditions. This evaluation can also be useful feedback for your moving company, helping them to refine their services for rainy season relocations.
Conclusion
Moving during the rainy season in Kenya, particularly during times of widespread flooding, requires extra vigilance and preparation. By understanding the risks, planning meticulously, and taking proactive measures to protect your belongings, you can navigate these challenges successfully. Remember, the key to a smooth move during this season is flexibility, preparedness, and choosing the right partners, like experienced moving companies that understand local weather challenges.
We hope these tips help you feel more prepared and less stressed about your upcoming move during the rainy season. Stay safe and dry!
Emergency Moving Services with Nellions
At Nellions, we understand that sometimes life throws unexpected challenges your way, such as sudden weather changes or emergencies that require you to relocate swiftly. To address these urgent needs, we offer specialized emergency moving services designed to help you relocate quickly and efficiently, even under the most challenging circumstances.
Rapid Response: Our emergency moving team is on standby, ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Once we receive your call, we prioritize your move to ensure swift action. Our team is equipped to handle last-minute requests with the professionalism and urgency that such situations demand.
Expert Planning: Even in emergency situations, careful planning is essential. Our experienced move consultants work quickly to assess your situation, plan the best course of action, and mobilize the necessary resources. We ensure that every aspect of your move is covered, from packing and transportation to storage solutions.
Specialized Equipment and Techniques: We utilize waterproof packing materials and techniques to protect your belongings from rain and flooding. Our vehicles are well-maintained and equipped to handle adverse weather conditions, ensuring that we can reach you and complete your move despite the challenges posed by the rainy season.
Temporary Storage Solutions: Our emergency moving services include not just rapid packing and moving but also temporary storage solutions if your new location isn’t immediately ready or if it’s safer to store items temporarily. We offer flexible storage options in secure, dry facilities to safeguard your belongings until you’re ready to settle into your new home.
Safety and Security: The safety of your belongings and all involved parties is our top priority. We adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure that every move is conducted securely, with minimal risk to your items and our team members.
Communication and Support: Throughout the emergency moving process, we maintain open and clear communication with you. Our team will keep you informed every step of the way and provide support to address any concerns you may have during this stressful time.
If you find yourself in need of an emergency move, don’t hesitate to contact Nellions Moving & Relocations LTD. We are committed to providing you with fast, reliable, and compassionate service to help you navigate your urgent moving needs. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on taking care of yourself and your family during unexpected events.
