Moving Day Weather in LA: Rain, Heat, and Wind Contingency Plans

LA Weather Isn't Always Sunshine

Los Angeles averages 35 rainy days per year, summer temps regularly hit 95–105°F in the Valley, and Santa Ana winds blow 40–60 mph gusts every fall. Any of these can land on your moving day — and each creates specific risks for your belongings and timeline.

Moving in the Rain

Rain is the biggest threat to furniture and cardboard boxes. A soaked box bottom gives out and drops its contents. Here's how to prepare:

• Stretch wrap everything upholstered — mattresses, couches, armchairs. One $15 roll prevents thousands in water damage.
• Garbage bags over boxes — slide large trash bags from the top down before carrying to the truck. Remove once inside.
• Tarps in the truck — cover the floor and drape over loaded items if rain blows through the back.
• Protect floors — wet boots on hardwood and carpet cause damage your landlord will deduct from your deposit. Lay drop cloths along the truck path.

Should you reschedule? Light to moderate rain — move forward with precautions. Heavy downpour with flood warnings — reschedule. At Packman Moving, we'll find the earliest available date with no rebooking fee.

Moving in Extreme Heat

Summer moves in the San Fernando Valley and Inland Empire routinely hit 100°F+.

• Start at 7 AM — get heavy lifting done before peak heat at 2–4 PM
• Hydrate the crew — cold water at both locations. Dehydrated movers work slower and make mistakes.
• Heat-sensitive items in your car — candles melt, vinyl records warp, cosmetics liquefy. Transport in air conditioning.
• Electronics need shade — don't let laptops and TVs bake in a closed truck for hours. Load last, unload first.

Moving During Santa Ana Winds

The hazard most people forget. Gusts over 50 mph turn blankets into sails and slam truck doors on hands.

• Bungee-cord truck doors open so wind doesn't slam the roll-up door while loading
• Load tall, light items early — floor lamps and coat racks catch wind; secure them with heavier items
• Close the truck between loads — wind blows dust and debris into the cargo area
• Watch for downed power lines — especially in hillside neighborhoods

Hire Professionals Who Adapt

Our crew arrives with stretch wrap, tarps, and floor protection — ready for anything LA weather throws at us. Call Packman Moving at (213) 772-1470. We move rain or shine.