3 Essential Tips for Moving into a Home by the Water
Moving into a waterfront property can be a dream come true, but it comes with unique challenges that traditional homes do not have. Whether you’re relocating to a lakeside cottage, a riverside home, or a floating house, careful planning is critical to ensure a smooth move. Factors like limited access, potential flooding, or uneven surfaces mean you’ll need to think differently compared to a standard neighborhood move.
Working with a professional moving company that understands waterfront logistics is essential. By providing detailed information about your property, your movers can recommend solutions, give accurate estimates, and prevent last-minute surprises.
Here are three practical tips to make your waterfront move as safe and stress-free as possible, along with examples and common mistakes to avoid.
1. Carefully Wrap and Protect Your Items
Waterfront moves often involve exposure to the elements, making it essential to protect your belongings during transport. If you’re using a boat to move boxes, even a short trip can expose items to moisture, wind, or rain.
Practical tips:
- Use waterproof materials: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and seal boxes in waterproof plastic sheeting. Consider heavy-duty contractor bags for extra protection.
- Double-box delicate items: For electronics, glassware, or artwork, place them in a smaller, padded box inside a larger waterproof box.
- Minimize dock stacking: Docks are generally not built to support heavy loads. Move boxes directly from your boat to your home rather than piling them on the dock.
- Label clearly: Waterproof labels or permanent markers help movers identify fragile items or boxes that require special care.
Example: One family moving into a lakeside cottage placed all books and electronics in sealed, waterproof containers. When a sudden drizzle started, nothing was damaged, and the move went smoothly.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Using standard cardboard boxes without protection. Even a light splash can ruin books, papers, and electronics.
- Overloading a small boat with boxes, which can tip easily or get swamped.
- Ignoring labeling leads to fragile items being handled incorrectly.
Taking the time to prepare your belongings carefully reduces stress and protects your investment.
2. Consider Weight Distribution for Floating Homes
If your new home floats on water, weight distribution is critical. Unevenly placed furniture, appliances, or boxes can cause tilting, instability, or strain on the structure. Even small errors can affect daily living.
Practical tips:
- Plan ahead: Decide where heavy items like appliances, books, and furniture will go before move-in day. Sketch a rough floor plan if necessary.
- Even the load: Distribute items across the home, particularly large appliances, sofas, and storage units.
- Upgrade flotation if needed: Some floating homes allow for flotation adjustments. Adding flotation devices can increase safety and accommodate heavier loads.
- Move strategically: Place heavy items first, then lighter ones on top or around them. This approach maintains balance and prevents tilting.
Example: A homeowner moving into a floating cabin kept all kitchen appliances on one side initially, causing the house to lean slightly. After redistributing heavier items evenly, the home stabilized and was safe for everyday use.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Loading one side first without considering balance.
- Underestimating the weight of books, canned goods, or water-filled appliances.
- Forgetting to consult a professional about flotation upgrades.
Proper planning ensures a stable living environment and reduces the risk of damage or accidents.
3. Hire a Barge or Specialized Transport Service
If your property is accessible only by water, a small personal boat may not be sufficient for moving day. Using it alone could mean countless trips or even risk swamping the vessel.
Practical tips:
- Rent a barge or flat-deck vessel: These allow for larger loads, meaning fewer trips and less strain on your equipment.
- Coordinate with movers: Some moving companies can drive trucks directly onto a barge, streamlining the process and minimizing handling.
- Prioritize safety: Using a proper transport vessel reduces risk for both people and property.
Example: A couple moving to a riverside home rented a small barge capable of carrying multiple boxes and furniture at once. They completed their move in half the time it would have taken with their small boat.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Trying to transport too much in a small boat can lead to accidents or damage.
- Not confirming the barge capacity or docking options ahead of time.
- Assuming movers are familiar with water transport—always check in advance.
Hiring the right transport ensures a smooth, efficient move and keeps everyone safe.
Bonus: Mini Waterfront Moving Checklist
To make your move more organized, follow this simple checklist:
- Notify your movers of waterfront access and potential challenges.
- Pack fragile items in waterproof materials and double-box when necessary.
- Label all boxes clearly, including weight and fragility.
- Plan weight distribution for floating homes and heavy furniture placement.
- Assess dock and boat capacity to prevent accidents.
- Hire a barge or specialized vessel if your home is water-access-only.
- Check weather forecasts to avoid moving during storms or high winds.
- Keep essentials accessible for first-day unpacking (snacks, toiletries, basic tools).
Work with Experienced Waterfront Movers
Relocating to a home on or near the water requires specialized knowledge, planning, and safety measures. At Luke’s Moving Services, we have extensive experience helping families and individuals move into waterfront properties efficiently and safely.
We can assist with:
- Waterfront logistics and transport
- Weight distribution planning for floating homes
- Protective packing for fragile items
- Coordination with barge or specialized vessels
Get a free estimate today by contacting us in Hurst. Our team will help you plan every step, from packing and transport to unloading at your new home.
