-
Book Your Moving Company Far in Advance
Summer is the busiest season for moving, with about 80 percent of all moves taking place between April and September. There are a few reasons for this. Moving is easier when the kids are not in school, and hot weather is easier to deal with than a snowstorm. Because this is the busy season, the best moving companies fill up their schedules quickly.
As soon as you know you’ll be moving, start getting estimates and schedule a move with your preferred company. If you wait until the week before your move to call moving companies, your only options may be low-end companies without the necessary insurance or skill to protect your items during your summer move.
-
Ask Friends for Help Early
If you’re planning a DIY move — or even if you just want a few friends to help out with tasks your movers do not cover — make sure you ask your friends for help as soon in advance as possible. They are bound to be busy in the summer months, too, and you want to lock down their help before they make plans for a weekend vacation or a pool party.
Make sure you show your gratitude to your friends for giving up a nice summer day to help you move. Order pizza, and maybe some adult beverages, for your helpers. Agree to reciprocate if they need help moving one day.
-
Start Early in the Morning
The hottest part of the day is usually around 3:00 pm. If you can be finished loading the moving truck by this time, you can spend the hottest part of the day inside your air conditioned home. So start whatever work you have to do for the day — whether it’s packing, loading, or unpacking — as soon as the sun comes up.
-
Take Breaks Often
Make sure you plan your summer move ahead so that you have time to take breaks as needed when packing and loading your moving truck. If you are on a really tight schedule, you may be tempted to power through when you are feeling exhausted or overheated, which can have more serious consequences like heat stroke. If you have friends helping you move, remind everyone to take a quick break and cool down every hour or so.
-
Keep Drinking Water
Fill up your water bottle at the beginning of the day, and keep sipping regularly. Keep bottled water on hand in the refrigerator or cooler, and tell your helpers to help themselves. Dehydration can come on quickly if you stop drinking when it’s hot outside.
As tempting as it may be to reach for a cold beer while moving, stay away from any alcoholic drinks until the day is over. Alcohol can accelerate dehydration, especially on hot days.
-
Set Aside Your Hot Weather Essentials
You need several items for sun and heat protection in the summer. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, short-sleeve shirts, and water bottles are a few of them. Make sure you set these items aside as you pack so you don’t have to dig through a packed box to find them on moving day.
Try designating a box or tote for summer things. Use items out of it as you pack and load the truck, and then put the lid on and load it just as you finish.
-
Transport Electronics in Your Own Vehicle
Most moving trucks are not air conditioned in the back, so your electronics may be exposed to dangerous temperatures if you transport them on a particularly hot day during a summer move. If the thermometer seems to be climbing, take electronics, like your tablet, smartphone, and laptop, with you in your personal vehicle or the cab of the moving truck where they will stay cooler.
-
Pack and Handle Medications Carefully
Many medications are also heat sensitive and may be rendered ineffective if they sit in the back of a hot moving truck for too long. Take these items with you in your own vehicle as well. This also ensures you can find them quickly once you arrive in your new home, rather than having to unpack several boxes to locate them.
Summer can be a great time to move, but you do have to prepare ahead to face the heat and the busyness of the season. If you’re looking for a moving company to handle your summer move, get a free quote from Bekins.
