Preparing Ahead

• Plan ahead as best as you can. Listen to weather forecasts on the radio, and check the local news to see what will be happening that week. If the unfortunate call is for rain and you have not packed everything already, you can take a few extra precautions. Several different types of waterproof containers can be purchased to accommodate your belongings; including bags, various sizes of plastic containers and soft and hard cases. They can be ordered online or purchased at a store near you. Put the most vulnerable items in these containers after wrapping them individually with plastic or bubble wrap, and then newspaper if they are fragile. Be sure they are properly padded within the enclosure.
  
  

Last-Minute Options

• If all of your plans have gone accordingly, and everything is packed, last-minute options are always available for when it rains. Go to your local dollar store and purchase plastic tarps used for painting. These can be wrapped around items or simply draped over the top of them while inside the truck or being carried. Duct tape can be a handy item at this point. Use it to secure the plastic tarps around things, making sure to apply the tape while the tarp is dry. Be careful while moving any type of plastic, as it may become slippery when wet. If possible, place some old carpet pieces or runner carpeting outside of the door to prevent your floors from becoming damaged by the water and mud carried on shoes. If you have to load furniture into a truck that has no top, leaving your items exposed, be sure each item is wrapped individually. Also, place more tarps underneath them to prevent water from seeping in underneath. Once they are secure inside, fasten a large waterproof cloth tarp over the top of all items. Do not forget that while unloading at your destination, things packed in cardboard boxes may have become damp, so always handle them from the bottom and with care.