Moving in the summer can be tough due to high temperatures and peak season demands. This article offers essential summer moving tips to help you avoid heat exhaustion, stay hydrated, and keep your belongings safe. Read on to make your summer move smoother and more efficient.
Key Takeaways
- Plan your moving day as early in the day as possible or in the late evening to avoid the summer heat and stay hydrated with regular breaks.
- Dress appropriately in loose-fitting, breathable clothes and protect heat-sensitive items with quality packing materials.
- Secure professional movers early and budget for hidden costs to ensure a smooth, stress-free summer move.
Plan Your Move Around Peak Heat Hours
Timing is everything, especially in the summer. Schedule your move for early morning or late evening hours to avoid the brunt of the heat. Cooler times of day lower the risk of heat exhaustion, making moving easier. Checking the weather forecast helps you anticipate temperature spikes and plan. Here are some tips for moving.
Set up a shaded or air-conditioned area for breaks. This refuge from the sun keeps everyone cool and hydrated, and regular breaks will prevent overheating and maintain energy levels.
Dress for the Heat
Cooling clothing can make a huge difference in summer weather. Choose loose-fitting clothes that promote airflow and comfort. Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen and moisture-wicking shirts help manage sweat, making them ideal for breathable clothing.
Remember your feet and head! Lightweight shoes made from breathable materials, like flip flops, prevent overheating. At the same time, a wide-brimmed hat offers shade and reduces UV exposure. Dressing smartly for your move helps you stay cool and keeps the risk of heat exhaustion at bay.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key in the summer heat. Start hydrating a few days ahead of your move to prepare your body. On moving day, keep a cooler with ice-cold water bottles and cold drinks every 30 minutes to avoid heat exhaustion and maintain energy levels.
Recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, and muscle cramps. To stay hydrated and healthy, replenish electrolytes with sports drinks or coconut water.
Prepare Your New Home’s Air Conditioning
A cool, comfortable environment makes a significant difference. Turn on your new home’s air conditioning well in advance to cool down the new space, making unpacking more pleasant.
Transport heat-sensitive items like electronics and artwork in an air-conditioned vehicle to protect them from heat damage during the move.
Preparing your new home and managing items wisely ensures a smooth transition in hot weather.
Protect Heat-Sensitive Items
The summer heat can be unforgiving on delicate belongings like electronics, candles, and artwork. To minimize exposure, pack heat-sensitive items separately and use air-conditioned transport. Place electronics in well-padded boxes, keep them in cool, shaded areas, and load them last and unload them first.
Use high-quality packing materials like packing peanuts to safeguard fragile items. Store candles in a cooler to prevent melting during the move. These steps ensure your delicate belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
Hire Professional Movers Early
Securing a professional moving company early is crucial during peak season. Schedule movers at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred dates and times. Planning allows you to choose the best movers, ensuring favourable conditions.
Contact a local moving company before your move to verify plans and moving equipment, ensuring a smooth experience. Purchase additional insurance for valuable items to mitigate risks during the high-demand summer season and request a free quote.
Proactive arrangements make your summer move more efficient and less stressful. You might even consider a storage building for items you need to move at a later time.
Manage Kids and Pets
Moving can be chaotic, so managing kids and pets effectively is essential. Keeping them away from the hustle and bustle reduces their stress. Please set up a cool zone with water and activities to keep them comfortable and entertained.
Arrange for babysitters or pet boarding services, allowing you to focus on the move while knowing your kids and pets are safe and happy. A residential moving company like Action Moving and Storage can assist with family moves.
Pack Smart
Packing smartly is key for a stress-free summer move. Here are some expert tips to consider:
- Use high-quality packing materials, as heat can degrade standard supplies.
- Sturdy plastic bins with lids offer excellent protection against moisture.
- Wrap furniture and electronics in plastic sheeting to create a waterproof barrier against heat and humidity.
Load temperature-sensitive items last to minimize their exposure to outdoor heat. Label boxes containing fragile or heat-sensitive items for careful handling. These strategies keep your belongings safe and make your move more efficient.
Take Regular Breaks
Regular breaks can help you avoid heat exhaustion during a summer move. Schedule breaks at least every hour, especially in extreme heat, to prevent extended periods of overheating. Preventive breaks are more effective than waiting for overheating symptoms to appear.
Create rest areas in the shade and easy access to hydration to help your body cool down and prevent heat-related illnesses. Keep water readily available in these areas to maintain hydration.
Utilize Portable Moving Containers
Portable moving containers are a practical solution for organizing your summer move with a moving truck. They allow for careful loading over several days, reducing stress and chaos. These containers provide flexibility, allowing you to move at your own pace and schedule.
In addition to organization, portable moving containers help manage the disarray often experienced during hot-weather moves. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in the summer, making relocation of your moving services easier and more efficient.
Apply Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the sun during a summer move. Use a sunscreen with at least a high SPF 30, which is water-resistant and offers broad-spectrum protection. Apply sunscreen before sun exposure and reapply for adequate UV protection. Read the bottle for accurate usage.
Regular sunscreen use protects against harmful UV rays that cause skin damage, sunburn, and increase skin cancer risk. Incorporating sunscreen into your routine minimizes accidental sun exposure and benefits skin health even on days without planned outdoor activities.
Budget for Hidden Costs
Moving often comes with unexpected expenses, so budgeting for hidden costs is essential. These can include additional fees like parking, tolls, and utility setup charges. A contingency fund can help cover these unexpected expenses, serving as a backup plan.
Factor in moving insurance costs, as basic coverage may not be sufficient for valuable belongings. If you must stay somewhere before moving into your new home, include temporary housing costs. Researching moving expenses related to packing materials and transportation ensures effective budgeting.
Summary
In summary, moving in the summer heat requires careful planning and preparation. You can ensure a smooth transition by scheduling your move during cooler parts of the day, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and protecting heat-sensitive items. Hiring professional movers early and effectively managing kids and pets also contribute to a stress-free move.
Remember to pack smart, take regular breaks, use portable moving containers, and apply sunscreen to protect your skin. Budgeting for hidden costs will help you avoid financial surprises. With these expert tips, you can stay cool and make your summer move successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to schedule my summer move?
Scheduling your summer move early in the morning or late in the evening is your best bet to beat the heat and make the experience more enjoyable. Stay cool and energized during your big day!
How can I keep my pets and kids safe during the move?
To keep your pets and kids safe during the move, create a designated “cool zone” with water and activities to keep them entertained, or arrange for babysitters or pet boarding services for a stress-free transition. Taking these steps can make a world of difference!
What should I wear for a summer move?
For your summer move, choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing like cotton or linen, lightweight shoes, and a wide-brimmed hat to keep you comfortable and cool. Stay cool and stylish while you work!
How can I protect my belongings from the heat?
To keep your items safe from the summer heat, use high-quality packing materials and store heat-sensitive items in an air-conditioned vehicle. These steps will ensure your items stay safe and in excellent condition!
What are some hidden costs I should budget for when moving?
Don’t overlook hidden costs like parking fees, tolls, utility setup charges, moving insurance, and temporary housing expenses. Proactively budgeting for these can ensure a smoother transition to your new home!
