Moving house in winter around Wollongong? Down here in the Illawarra, winter doesn’t mean snow — it means rain, wet driveways and shorter days. After years on the trucks, I’ll tell you straight: a winter move is completely doable, and often cheaper, as long as you plan for the weather. Here’s how we keep a wet-weather move quick, dry and stress-free.
Get these basics right and rain won’t cost you a thing.
The upside of moving house in winter
It’s not all grey skies. Winter is the quiet season for removals, which means the good removalists in Wollongong are easier to book and you’ve got more choice of dates. Demand is lower than the summer rush, so it’s a smart time to move if you can pick your day.
8 tips for a wet-weather move
1. Watch the forecast and pick your day
Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for Wollongong in the lead-up. If you can shift your move by a day to dodge the worst of the rain, do it. If not, no drama — we move in the wet all winter.
2. Wrap furniture in plastic, not just blankets
Padding blankets soak through in the rain. For a winter move, wrap lounges, mattresses and timber pieces in plastic or shrink-wrap so the water stays out. We bring proper protection, but if you’re packing yourself, grab some plastic wrap.
3. Protect your floors at both ends
Wet boots and rain make floors slippery and muddy. Lay down old towels, sheets or floor runners at the doorways of both homes, and keep a stack of towels handy to wipe down as you go. It keeps everyone safe and your new carpet clean.
4. Keep boxes off the wet ground
Never sit boxes straight on a wet driveway or lawn — the bottoms give out. Stage them on a tarp, a pallet or just inside the door, and load straight from undercover where you can.
5. Double-protect electronics
Moisture and electronics don’t mix. Wrap TVs and computers in plastic over their padding, and keep them in the cab or load them last and unload them first so they spend the least time exposed.
6. Start early — you’ve got less daylight
Winter days are short, so book an early start. Getting going in the morning means you finish in the light, which makes loading and the drive safer.
7. Clear and grit the pathways
Sweep leaves off paths and steps, because wet leaves are slippery. Make sure the route from door to truck is clear at both homes so no one slips with a load.
8. Keep a warm kit handy
Pack a “moving day kit” you keep with you: a change of dry clothes, a towel, the kettle and some mugs, and snacks. A hot cuppa halfway through a wet move does wonders for morale.
How a local crew handles a winter move
The honest truth from our side of the truck: rain only slows a move down if you’re not set up for it. We come prepared with waterproof wrapping and floor protection, we plan the load so the weather-sensitive gear is covered, and we know the Illawarra streets that flood or get slippery. Good packing helps too — our room-by-room packing guide keeps everything sealed and quick to load, and our packing service can do it all for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to move house in winter?
Often, yes. Winter is the quiet season for removalists in Wollongong, so you’ll usually find more availability and better dates than during the summer rush.
What happens if it rains on moving day?
We still move — we just plan for it. Furniture gets wrapped in plastic, floors are protected, and weather-sensitive items are covered and loaded smartly. A bit of rain won’t stop a well-organised move.
How do I protect my furniture from the rain?
Wrap it in plastic or shrink-wrap rather than relying on blankets alone, keep boxes off the wet ground, and load straight from undercover where possible.
Should I reschedule if heavy rain is forecast?
Only if there’s genuine flooding or a storm warning. For normal winter rain, a prepared crew handles it fine — just give us a heads-up about tricky access.
Get a quote for your winter move
Planning a move this winter around Wollongong or the Illawarra? Tell us your date and we’ll send an honest, no-obligation quote — rain, hail or shine. Fill in the form below or call our team on 1300 015 050.
