Essential tips for moving to or from China during the monsoon season

Locally known as the ‘plum season’ because it occurs while the fruit is ripening, the monsoon season takes place annually during the summer months.

The weather system comes from Southeast Asia, bringing warm air and stormy conditions to the Yangtze River Delta region and surrounding areas. This rainy time of year also happens to be the most popular for relocations as it gives families time to get settled in their new homes before the school year starts.

Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to moisture can have a detrimental effect on your belongings.

 

Pointers for packing during wet and rainy weather

1. Use plastic wrap to cover your furniture

No-one wants to sleep on a damp mattress. Make sure to place plastic wrap over couches, chairs, beds, and other furniture to keep them dry and free from mildew and mold.

2. Pack electronics in plastic containers or original packaging

Putting your valuable electronics in plastic containers can provide extra protection against water and wet conditions. But given that humidity levels are also high during the rainy season, it is vital to put silica gel packs in the container to absorb extra moisture. Packing the electronics in anti-static bubble wrap can also provide additional protection within the container. If you have the original packaging for your devices, packing them inside these can be a smart way to go because they are already designed to protect against moisture and damage.

3. Line your moving boxes with plastic garbage bags and secure with extra tape

The standard household garbage bag can be useful when guarding against moisture. Placing the plastic bag within the moving box and packing your belongings in it can shield your possessions if boxes get damp during the moving process. Reinforcing the edges of the box with tape can also help keep things together in case the box gets wet.

4. Unpack as soon as possible

The downside of using plastic bags and containers to store your valuables is that condensation can build up within them. Although silica gel packs and other tools can help to absorb the extra moisture, it is best to unpack your belongings speedily when you arrive at your destination to ensure the items don’t spend too much time in humid conditions. Put water-sensitive items in a dry area as soon as possible.

5. Label boxes for speedy unpacking

Given the need to unpack delicate items quickly, it can be helpful to label boxes so that you know where your electronics and other moisture-sensitive belongings are.

6. Insure against mold and mildew

When taking out insurance for your big move, consider a plan that covers mold and mildew damage in case moisture impacts your items.

7. Choose the right moving company!

Moving on a rainy day can be challenging. If you plan to relocate during China’s rainy season, consider using a professional moving company like AGS China. They know all the tricks and best practices for keeping your belongings secure and dry in wet weather.

 

How AGS keeps your belongings safe and dry during monsoon season

Whether you’re moving to or from China, the AGS team uses desiccants like silica gel when packing your possessions. They also place dry poles in your shipping container, which are specifically designed to absorb and reduce moisture to create a dry environment for your valuable items.

For transporting boxes and containers on rainy days, they use trolleys with rain covers and tents to ensure nothing gets wet when moving items from one location to another.

But if the weather is really bad, they won’t take any risks. The country manager for AGS China, Thomas Coupat, explains: “It depends on the location. In some areas, when the rain is very heavy, you can only wait for a break in the weather. The rain covers are insufficient during strong downpours because sometimes the wind carries the rain sideways.”

In certain regions, the team will schedule more time for the move in case it is delayed by poor weather conditions. Whether they can continue also depends on whether the moving sites have proper loading docks protected from rain.

In the meantime, your possessions will be kept dry and secure in AGS storage facilities, which use extra desiccants. They also offer climate-controlled storage so that items are kept pristine and are not affected by humidity and other weather hazards.

Are you moving to or from China during the wettest time of year? Keep your belongings high and dry with a professional moving company. Contact us for your free quote.