"It never rains in Los Angeles" becomes the biggest lie when you're standing with a dissolved cardboard box watching your belongings soak. LA gets only 15 rainy days annually, but somehow they all land on moving days. After countless winter moves where unprepared customers watched their possessions get destroyed, here's your complete LA rain moving survival guide.
LA Winter Rain Reality
The statistics:
- Annual rainfall: 15 inches
- Rainy days: 15-20 total
- Winter concentration: 90% December-March
- Intensity: 0 to torrential in minutes
- Warning: Usually none
The problems:
- Nobody owns rain gear
- Drainage systems overwhelmed
- Drivers forget how to function
- Everything floods immediately
- Boxes become mush
Moving impact:2-hour move becomes 5-hour nightmare
Pre-Rain Preparation
48 hours before (check forecast):
- Weather.gov (not apps)
- Hour-by-hour precipitation
- Storm timing
- Intensity predictions
If rain probable:
- Buy plastic wrap NOW
- Get tarps (multiple)
- Purchase contractor bags
- Warn movers immediately
- Prepare for delays
Supply shopping list:
- Plastic sheeting: $30
- Tarps (4 minimum): $60
- Contractor bags: $20
- Extra tape: $20
- Towels (old ones): Free
- Total: $130 investment saves thousands
Box Waterproofing Strategy
Standard boxes in rain = Immediate failure
Protection methods:
- Line inside with garbage bags
- Wrap outside with plastic
- Tape all seams twice
- Never let sit on wet ground
Priority waterproofing:
- Electronics (double bag)
- Documents (sealed plastic)
- Photos (waterproof bins)
- Books (will be destroyed)
- Clothes (garbage bags fine)
Skip protection:Already waterproof items, kitchen plastics
Day-Of Rain Protocols
Light drizzle:
- Proceed with caution
- Cover everything
- Work normally but carefully
Steady rain:
- Tarp staging areas
- Plastic wrap items before carrying
- Take breaks during downpours
- Accept slower pace
Heavy rain:
- Stop and wait
- Never rush
- Consider postponing
- Safety over schedule
Creating Dry Zones
At pickup location:
- Garage becomes staging (if available)
- Tarp pathway to truck
- Create covered loading zone
- Never stage on wet ground
At delivery:
- Clear path first
- Lay plastic runners
- Towels at entry
- Designate drying area
In truck:Keep everything off floor (expect leaks)
The Cardboard Crisis
Wet cardboard facts:
- Loses 70% strength instantly
- Bottom falls out completely
- Cannot be lifted
- Becomes permanent mush
Emergency solutions:
- Plastic bins (if available)
- Garbage bags as carriers
- Hand-carry contents
- Accept the disaster
Never: Try to lift wet box. Contents will explode everywhere.
LA-Specific Rain Challenges
Hillside homes:
- Mudslides possible
- Driveways become rivers
- Stairs deadly slippery
- Access roads flood
Beach areas:
- Wind drives rain horizontal
- Sand becomes quicksand
- Parking disappears
- Everything soaked
Valley:
- Streets flood quickly
- Storm drains overwhelmed
- Power outages common
Downtown:
- Homeless seek shelter everywhere
- Loading zones flooded
- Underground parking floods
Protecting Furniture
Wood furniture:
- Wrap completely in plastic
- Never let sit in water
- Dry immediately if wet
- Will warp if soaked
Upholstered items:
- Double plastic coverage
- Elevation critical
- Mold risk if wet
- Professional cleaning needed if soaked
Electronics:
- Inside garbage bags
- Then in boxes
- Never in truck during rain
- Transport in cars
Rain Timing Strategy
Best approach:
- Start very early (beat rain)
- Or wait until break
- Never during downpour
- Flexibility essential
Typical LA rain pattern:
- Morning heavy
- Afternoon break
- Evening returns
- Night intense
Plan around these windows.
Driving Hazards
LA rain driving reality:
- First rain: Oil surfaces, extra slippery
- Visibility near zero
- Everyone drives terribly
- Accidents everywhere
- Double normal time
Moving truck in rain:
- Longer stopping distance
- Hydroplaning risk
- Limited visibility
- Wind affects stability
Go slow. Very slow.
What Gets Ruined
Cannot survive rain:
- Cardboard boxes
- Papers/documents
- Photos
- Electronics
- Particle board furniture
- Mattresses
Survives if dried quickly:
- Real wood
- Plastic items
- Metal (may rust)
- Dishes/glasses
Write-offs:Anything soaked over 24 hours
Insurance and Rain
What's covered:"Act of God" usually excluded
What's not:
- Improper packing
- Leaving items in rain
- Water damage from negligence
Document everything:
- Photos before
- During storm
- Any damage
- Keep receipts
Cost Impact
Rain day additions:
- Extended time: +2-3 hours
- Extra materials: $130
- Potential damage: $500+
- Cleaning costs: $200
- Stress: Immeasurable
Budget addition: +$400-800 for rain
Alternative Solutions
Postponement:Best option if heavy rain forecast
Storage overnight:Move to storage, wait for clear day
Partial move:Essentials only, rest later
Professional waterproofing:Let movers handle rain prep
Post-Rain Recovery
Immediately after:
- Unwrap everything
- Start drying process
- Run fans/heaters
- Watch for mold
Within 24 hours:
- Check all items
- Document damage
- File claims if needed
- Professional cleaning for upholstery
Rain Day Communication
With movers:
- Confirm they're equipped
- Discuss contingency plans
- Agree on procedures
- Stay flexible
With buildings:
- Notify about delays
- Protect common areas
- Extra floor covering
The Silver Lining
Rain day advantages:
- Less traffic (everyone stays home)
- Motivated movers (want to finish)
- Building empathy
- Memorable story
But still miserable.
Professional Rain Preparation
Winter moving in LA requires rain readiness despite the rarity. One unexpected storm without preparation destroys everything. Professional movers come equipped, but customer preparation makes the difference.
SOS Moving handles winter rain moves professionally. We bring tarps, plastic, and experience. Your belongings stay protected regardless of LA's surprise storms.
Planning a winter move? Call 909-443-0004 to discuss rain contingencies. We monitor forecasts, bring protection, and handle LA's rare but destructive rain professionally. Don't let 15 rainy days ruin your move.
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