10 Summer Moving Tips

Summer is almost over, but there’s no denying that we’re getting a good reminder of why they call August the “dog-days of summer.” The high temperatures and constant humidity can make it hard to want to do anything at all, let alone doing the work of moving into a new place!

Unfortunately, we don’t always have a choice of when we move from one home to the next, and we definitely have no good way to predict the weather. However, we do have some useful tips for moving in the heat, many of which can help to make sure your summer move is as safe and comfortable as possible:

1. Set Up Your Utilities Ahead of Time
Get your utilities hooked up at your new place ahead of time, so that you can run any fans or air conditioners to help cool the new place down. You’ll also want your fridge and freezer nice and cold to receive any food you’re transferring.
2. Plan for Pet and/or Child Care
Pets and young children can be especially sensitive to the heat. If possible, find someone who can take care of them for the day, so that you know they’re safe and comfortable.
3. Get Rid of Stuff!

Try to get rid of as much stuff as possible, by having a yardsale, donating to charity, or dropping off your excess items to a secondhand shop. The less you have to pack, the less you have to move, the easier it will be!
4. Pack with the Heat in Mind

Be aware of your heat sensitive items while packing. Make sure that food, makeup, wine, candles, electronics, books, leather, and wooden items are kept in shaded, relatively cool moving conditions to keep from spoiling or damage.
5. Move on a Weekday
Try to plan your move for a weekday, to help minimize traffic. The best moving intentions can be unraveled by a traffic delay, and may result in your whole schedule being thrown off.
6. Take Time of Day into Consideration
You’ll also want to plan to move either in the early morning or late afternoon, to help avoid the hottest part of the day. Mornings are preferable, as your home hasn’t had the whole day to heat up.
7. Be Smart About Heat and Health
Pay attention to the heat and your health! Make sure you have plenty of cold beverages handy, take frequent breaks, and wear sunscreen. A cooler might be a good investment if you don’t already have one. You can also try freezing damp washcloths in ziplock bags, to cool down with while you’re resting.
8. Call on Your Friends and Family for Help

Try to get help to move, to make the process go faster. Many hands make light work, and when it’s hot out, this can be a saving grace for the moving experience. Just make sure you have plenty of water on hand for all of your helpers!
9. Plan Each Moving Trip
Move the heaviest stuff first, to help minimize exertion during the hotter parts of the day. It’s a lot easier to wait and move the lighter stuff, especially when the humidity begins to weigh so heavily on you!
10. Or, Make it Easy on Yourself…
Hire a moving service, like Central Lakes Region Movers, to do the hard work for you! These experienced professionals know how to make moving in the heat as painless as possible, and know just how to transport heat-sensitive items so that they’ll arrive to their destination safely. Save yourself some suffering and leave it to the professionals.

We hope these tips can help you to have the best possible experience during your summer move. If you have any of your own summer moving tips, stories, or cautionary tales, let us know in the comments below!