Moving is a lot of work that requires coordination and planning to pull it off. Moving during the summer isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most common times to move, with breaks from school, work, and activities being much easier to plan around and make it happen.
As you prepare for your summer move, keep in mind it might also be hot and sunny. Take a look at these seven tips to help your move go as smoothly as possible!
1. Plan for Summer Heat
The summer is known for being hot and sunny in most locations. You need to be proactive in preparing for the summer heat as you plan your move. While you certainly can’t eliminate the heat, you can do things to plan and work around it as much as possible. The last thing you want is for someone to end up with heat stroke or heat exhaustion during the move.
Here are a few great tips for the heat.
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
Use sun protection
Take frequent breaks to cool down
Do the outdoor things early in the morning or late in the evening
2. Plan for Moving or Storage Needs
Do you plan to hire movers or perhaps need storage during the move? There are plenty of moving and storage companies out there to choose from. However, you need to be sure to plan ahead to get on their schedule before they book up. Summer is their busy season because everyone else is moving too! Booking early will ensure you have movers or storage as needed and give you time to prepare for the expense too.
3. Get Utilities Set Up
It would be terrible to get to where you’re moving and have no utilities in the summer. You need electricity, a functioning air conditioner, and operational bathrooms. Moving includes getting set up in your new home, so make sure your utilities are good to go! We recommend turning on the utilities the day before you officially move so that you can get the AC running and be prepared for the hard work ahead.
4. Pack for Efficiency
It’s all too easy to just toss things in boxes as you’re packing. But you may want to consider packing thoughtfully to improve the efficiency of the move. Make sure everything is packed before the moving day so it can all just be loaded and taken to the new location. Try to organize packing as much as possible and label all of your packing boxes or containers so it makes sense when you’re unloading later. Be prepared for moving day rather than rushing around trying to finish packing or unloading things at the last minute. This will make moving more complicated.
5. Pack for the Heat
Another thing people forget about moving in the heat of summer is packing their items for the heat. You don’t want anything to get ruined or damaged in the heat, which might take some care when loading up the moving truck. For example, your refrigerator items will likely be the last to go on the truck and should be put in a cooler with ice if possible. Anything that could be easily damaged in the heat should be packed up last and handled with care.
6. Kids, Pets, and Plants
Don’t forget to prepare for your kids, pets, and plants in the move. All of these things are sensitive to heat, so make accommodations for them or be prepared to assist them to beat the heat. Your plants will be fine with packing as long as you pack them carefully. Ensure the kids and pets have plenty of hydration and a place to stay cool and stay out of the way. If possible, you may want to see if someone can help watch them during the moving process to help out here.
7. Dress for the Weather
It’s hot outside, and you’ll likely be working up a sweat. Try to dress in a manner that won’t overheat you. Wear cool, comfortable clothing that won’t be restrictive or heavy while moving. Consider using a dry-fit type of material or something lightweight such as linen. If you’re out in the sun a lot, you can add hats and sunglasses for sun protection - and don’t forget the sunscreen! It’s a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes that fit securely on your feet as well. You want to protect your feet and also prevent injuries, so choose shoes that accommodate both but will be comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Moving in the summer works great for your schedule, but there are also many other things to consider for the move. Most of your planning will revolve around beating the heat and ensuring you get on the schedule with the moving company of your choice. These seven simple tips will help you be prepared so your move can go as smoothly as possible. Protect yourself from the heat, pack as organized as possible, and make sure the AC is on at your new home to be prepared.
Enjoy the new home!
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