"But it never rains in Los Angeles!" Until moving day, when that 2% chance becomes 100% reality. Or the "mild" Santa Ana winds hit 70mph. Or October brings 105°F surprise heatwave. Weather ruins more LA moves than any other factor because nobody plans for it. Here's your complete weather contingency playbook from SOS Moving's thousand-move experience.
LA Weather Reality Check
What people expect:72°F and sunny, always
What actually happens:
- June Gloom: Marine layer until noon
- Random rain: 15 days yearly, always on moving day
- Santa Ana winds: 60+ mph chaos
- Heat waves: 105°F+ without warning
- Ash falls: Fire season reality
- Fog: Thick coastal mornings
Never trust LA weather on moving day.
Rain Contingency Plans
LA rain problems:
- Nobody owns rain gear
- Drainage terrible everywhere
- Drivers forget how to drive
- Everything takes 2x longer
- Boxes dissolve instantly
Professional rain protocol:
- Plastic wrap everything
- Tarps for staging areas
- Covered walkways created
- Plastic runners on floors
- Extra towels at entrances
- Waterproof bins for essentials
If rain starts during move:
- Stop loading immediately
- Cover everything in truck
- Wait for break in rain
- Or plastic wrap items before loading
- Accept slower pace
Rain damage prevention:
- Electronics in garbage bags
- Documents in sealed containers
- Mattresses double-wrapped
- Wood furniture covered completely
- Boxes reinforced with tape
Extreme Heat Protocols
When temperature exceeds 95°F:
- Start 2 hours earlier
- Mandatory breaks every 30 minutes
- Extra crew to rotate
- Electronics in AC vehicles
- No vinyl/leather in hot truck
Heat danger zones:
- Valley: Add 10°F to forecast
- Downtown: Concrete radiates heat
- Inland: No ocean breeze relief
Client responsibilities:
- Provide water (1 gallon per mover)
- AC available for breaks
- Flexible on timing
- Understanding about pace
Items that can't handle heat:
- Candles (will melt)
- Vinyl records (will warp)
- Electronics (will overheat)
- Photographs (will stick)
- Wine (will cook)
- Medications (will degrade)
Move these in your car with AC.
Wind Emergency Plans
Santa Ana wind dangers:
- Trucks can tip (seriously)
- Debris flying everywhere
- Doors slam and break
- Items become projectiles
- Dust in everything
- Power lines down
Wind speed decisions:
- Under 30mph: Proceed carefully
- 30-50mph: Delay if possible
- Over 50mph: Postpone mandatory
- 70mph+: Emergency conditions
If must move in wind:
- Secure all light items
- No mattress/box spring transport
- Extra straps on everything
- Two people for every carry
- Park truck perpendicular to wind
- Never drive on exposed bridges
Marine Layer/Fog Issues
Coastal morning reality:
- Visibility near zero
- Everything damp
- Stairs slippery
- Driving dangerous
- Usually clears by 10am
Fog strategies:
- Delay start 2 hours
- Use flashlights/headlamps
- Wipe down items before packing
- Drive with hazards on
- Extra time for travel
Fire Season Complications
Ash falling scenarios:
- Cover everything immediately
- Seal boxes completely
- HEPA masks for crew
- Avoid outside staging
- Clean items before packing
- Check air quality index
Evacuation zone proximity:
- Monitor evacuation orders
- Have alternate routes ready
- Pack essentials separately
- Be ready to abort/redirect
- Full gas tank mandatory
Rare But Real: LA Earthquakes
If earthquake during move:
- Drop, cover, hold
- Secure truck immediately
- Check for damage
- Assess structure safety
- Document any damage
- Continue if safe
Post-earthquake:
- Roads may be damaged
- Bridges need inspection
- Aftershocks likely
- Emergency services busy
- Be patient
Weather Information Sources
Check night before:
- weather.gov (most accurate)
- Local news alerts
- Santa Ana wind warnings
- Air quality index
- Traffic impacts
Morning of:
- Recheck everything
- Call crew about conditions
- Adjust timing if needed
- Prepare supplies
Rescheduling Policies
SOS Moving weather policy:
- Dangerous conditions = free reschedule
- Client choice in borderline weather
- No penalties for safety decisions
- Crew safety paramount
When we recommend rescheduling:
- Heavy rain forecast
- Winds over 50mph
- Extreme heat warnings
- Red flag fire warnings
- Dense fog advisories
Seasonal Patterns
January-March:
- Rain most likely
- Plan indoor staging
- Have plastic ready
April-June:
- June Gloom mornings
- Start later or push through
July-September:
- Heat waves common
- Start early mandatory
October-December:
- Santa Ana winds
- Fire season peaks
- Most unpredictable
Your Weather Prep Checklist
Always have ready:
- Tarps (multiple)
- Plastic sheeting
- Extra tape
- Towels
- Water (lots)
- Flashlights
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Umbrellas
Check morning of:
- Current weather
- Hourly forecast
- Wind speeds
- Air quality
- Traffic impacts
Communication Protocols
Stay in contact:
- Crew has your number
- You have crew leader's
- Discuss conditions openly
- Adjust plan together
- Document decisions
If conditions change:
- Immediate communication
- Quick decision needed
- Safety over schedule
- Document everything
Insurance and Weather
What's covered:
- Rain damage (if crew fault)
- Wind damage (act of God)
- Heat damage (preventable?)
Document everything:
- Weather conditions
- Precautions taken
- Any damage occurred
- Time delays
Cost Implications
Weather may cause:
- Extended hours (rain delays)
- Additional materials needed
- Rescheduling fees (varies)
- Storage if can't deliver
Who pays?
- Depends on policy
- Safety decisions usually no charge
- Document everything
- Discuss upfront
The Professional Advantage
Weather doesn't stop professional movers—it just changes our approach. Experience means having tarps ready, knowing when to pause, protecting belongings properly. Amateurs panic. Professionals adapt.
SOS Moving monitors weather constantly. We arrive prepared for conditions, adjust plans accordingly, prioritize safety always. Your belongings and our crew matter more than schedules.
Moving day forecast looking concerning? Call 909-443-0004 to discuss contingency plans. We'll monitor conditions, prepare appropriate equipment, and keep your move safe regardless of LA's weather surprises.
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