Summer is the busiest time of year for moving. More people relocate between May and September than at any other time. However, while the warm weather can make loading and transporting your belongings easier, it also presents certain challenges. Stay safe and be prepared by following these tips for moving during the summer months.
Reserve Your Truck Well in Advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your movers. In fact, as soon as you know you’re moving, they should be one of the first calls you make. It’s not unusual for movers to be booked months in advance, so reserve your date as early as possible. The longer you wait, the fewer scheduling options you’ll have and the more difficult it may be to find the help you need.
Hydrate
It’s hard to escape the heat during summer moves. With so many people going in and out of your house carrying boxes, furniture and other items, there’s little point in running the air conditioner. Most walkways aren’t shaded either, so you’ll likely spend much of the day out in the heat and sun.
Stay safe by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Early signs of dehydration can appear in as little as forty-five minutes and moving is a strenuous activity, even if you’re not the one loading the boxes. Carry a water bottle with you or buy a case of bottled water and leave it out so people can take one as needed. It’s also a nice gesture to offer water to your moving team. No doubt they’ll have their own but it’s always a good idea to keep some on hand in case they run out. Dehydration can sap strength and concentration, two important qualities for any moving crew.
Wear Sunscreen
When you’re busy moving, it’s easy to overlook the amount of time you’re spending outside. Even if you’re only making short trips between the house and the truck, those minutes can add up throughout the day. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn and it may happen faster than you think. Although the sun is strongest around midday, it’s still possible to get sunburned in the morning, later in the afternoon and even on cloudy days.
Always apply sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before going outside and make sure to cover every exposed area of skin on your neck, face, arms, legs and ears. For the best protection, choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum UV protection. Reapply it every two hours or after any period of heavy sweating.
Dress in Loose-Fitting Clothes
What you wear can make a big difference when moving in hot weather. Tight clothing can feel uncomfortable and may make you feel even warmer as the day goes on. Loose-fitting clothes allow more air to circulate around your body, helping you stay cooler and more comfortable while carrying boxes, lifting furniture and moving around in the heat.
Start Early
Heat and humidity are usually at their lowest in the morning, so take advantage of the cooler conditions by starting work as early as possible. Temperatures tend to peak between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to get your heavy items loaded onto the truck before then if you can. If mornings aren’t convenient, consider scheduling your move for the late afternoon instead, when temperatures begin to drop again.
Take Care of Kids and Pets
Moving day can be stressful for both kids and pets, especially during the summer heat. With people constantly going in and out of the house carrying boxes and furniture, it can be difficult to keep an eye on them. The house may also become uncomfortable once the air conditioning is turned off and doors are left open throughout the day. If possible, ask a friend or family member to look after them while the move is underway. This allows them to stay safe and comfortable while you focus on getting everything packed and loaded. Once the moving truck is ready to go, you can pick them up and start the trip to your new home together.
Be Careful with Heat Sensitive Items
Summer heat can damage your belongings if you’re not careful. Moving vans aren’t climate controlled and temperatures inside can climb quickly. Heat sensitive items should be the last things loaded onto the truck before you leave and the first things taken off when you arrive. CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, makeup and latex are just some of the items at risk. You also need to be mindful of electronics and medications. These should be packed separately and loaded into your car rather than placed on a moving truck. Anything that can melt, such as candles and crayons, should be thrown away and replaced after you’ve finished moving in.
Finding Help During Moving Season
Moving can be a lot to handle but STI Moving & Storage is here to help make the process easier. As a leading moving company in Phoenix, we take care of loading, transporting and delivering your belongings safely from your old home to your new one. We assist households of all sizes, and no move is too large or complicated. No matter what you need to move, our team has the experience, skills and equipment to get it there safely. Contact us today for a free quote!
