Summertime is the busiest moving season of the year and can be one of the least convenient times to move. When moving in the summer heat, you’ll need to give a little bit of extra thought to logistics and how to keep cool.
For the most part, the process of moving in the summer heat is the same as moving in the winter. You need to plan and book in advance, collect boxes, stay organized, and get movers or friends and family to lend you a hand. However, there are some fundamental differences about moving during the summer that you need to be aware of if you want to have a successful move.
These tips for moving in the summer heat will help your move go smoothly.
Plan Ahead
Summer is the prime time for moving. It’s the busiest time of the year for movers. So, you’ll need to plan well in advance.
The best moving companies fill up their schedule quickly and don’t have to provide competitive pricing because the demand is high. The prices are higher, schedules are squeezed, and the industry just doesn’t have enough driver capacity to meet the consumer demand for moving services. If you can, start looking for moving companies at least six to eight weeks before the date on which you wish to move.
To avoid rushing around in the blazing heat, pack up your belongings several days before your move and be as organized as possible.
Move on the least busy days
The beginning and end of the month and weekends are always packed because that’s when most people move. So, avoid busiest moving days of the year- avoid moving in the summer heat. Most popular month to move is July.
Memorial Day weekend and the last weekend of July are especially busy. Moving companies are not willing to lower their rates on these days. But business is usually slow on weekdays since most people have to work. If you move on these days, you will usually get a better price. So, when is the peak moving season don’t move on Fridays and Saturdays because you will have to pay much more.
Move in an early morning
Looking to beat the heat? Then do not try to move during a summer afternoon – especially if you live in a particularly hot climate. When dealing with a summer move, it’s always best to move for an early morning. Early mornings will give you a much cooler move. Avoid time between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wear the right clothing i essential when moving in the summer heat
There are several uniform rules to live by when dressing for a summer move. First, make sure you’re wearing something made of lightweight, loose-fitting and breathable fabric, such as cotton or linen. These materials absorb sweat and moisture, allowing faster evaporation so that you stay dry during the move. Stay away from synthetic fabrics and stick with light-colored clothing. And don’t forget sunglasses and bring a hat! Protecting your head and face from the strong sun is extremely important.
Bring a full day’s supply of bottled water
If you’re moving in the summer heat, staying hydrated is important. After all, when lifting boxes and coordinating a move, you’re going to be sweating a lot. If you’re not replenishing your body with enough water, you could experience some seriously undesirable symptoms of dehydration. So make sure to bring a cooler of bottled water for yourself and the movers.
Think about air-conditioning
If you’re moving during the hot summer months, make switching on the air conditioning before you move a top priority. This way, you and your movers won’t be sweating on moving day. By cooling down your house ahead of time, you’ll be able to better focus on the tasks ahead, instead of on that sweltering heat. This is the one of most important summer moving tips. And be sure that the electricity is turned on in the new home if it’s going to be hot there too.
Plan carefully for your kids on moving day
Your children will need a safe, climate-controlled place to play, nap and stay out of the way of the moving crew. It’s probably best to find someone to babysit for them at both ends of the move.
Don’t forget after the move to help the kids meet other kids their age in the new neighborhood. Before school starts, check out local camps, sports leagues, and special kid-friendly events to ease their transition into their new community.
Apply sunscreen
Before you get moving, apply sunscreen! Whether it’s the spray form or the lotion, make sure you’ve completely covered your face, neck, ears, shoulders, arms, hands, feet and legs. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher; one that is water resistant; and one that provides broad-spectrum coverage. Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outside, and make sure to reapply every two hours to remain protected.
Be aware that not all items fare well in heat
When packing up your belongings, be aware that not everything can handle sitting in a hot moving truck for hours. Anything that has the potential to melt simply won’t fare well in that kind of summer heat. So, make sure to pack these belongings separately and get them inside the air conditioned house as soon as possible.
Tips: Candles in a van driving in the summer will melt all over your other stuff; carry them with you instead. Leather upholstered furniture will “sweat” if wrapped in plastic; use a pad instead. CD’s, videos and cassette tapes can warp in a hot truck. Plan ahead to keep vulnerable items out of the heat if you want to keep them intact.
Have cold towels on-hand
One of the best ways to stay cool during a summer move is to have cold towels on-hand for yourself and for your movers. Having these cold towels on-hand will help keep everyone involved in the moving process as cool as possible throughout the day.
Be aware of overheating symptoms
Finally – exposure to high temperatures can be dangerous. If the weather is hot, it’s important to be aware of any signs of overheating and heat-related illnesses. According to Medicinenet.com, these symptoms can include elevated body temperature, headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, fainting, muscle cramps, seizures, and general confusion. If you or anyone with you on moving day exhibits any of these symptoms, get yourself or them out of the heat and into the air conditioning as soon as possible. Experts advise those affected by the heat to drink plenty of water, lie down and take a cool shower or dab yourself with cold towels.
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