Good and Bad – many people find themselves moving in Summer – during the hottest time of the year.
The majority of moves in America take place sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While moving in the summer is convenient for families, students and busy professionals, it can also be downright miserable thanks to the season’s oppressive heat, especially here in Texas.
Fortunately, there are things you can do (and not do!) to avoid a summer move that is sweaty and exhausting. For starters, we recommend hiring professionals like Pack N Send – Movers to help with the heavy lifting, so that you can concentrate on other moving checklist items.
To help in your summer, here is a list of thing to do, and things to avoid when moving in the summer heat.
Don’t forget water bottles for yourself
Moving in the summer heat means you will almost certainly be thirsty much of the time. To avoid overheating, be sure to pack plenty of water bottles with you for the move. Even if you’re enlisting professional movers, it’s always a good idea to keep water bottles on-hand at the old and new home. Make sure to offer water to the movers and anyone else helping out with the move. Trust us – they will thank you.
Wear comfortable, light, and safe clothing during the move
Moving day is not the day to worry about being stylish. It’s also not the time to be uncomfortable. If you’re moving in the summer heat, you absolutely need to wear light, breathable clothing (think: cotton) and comfortable, closed-toe shoes with socks. Forget the heavy fabrics and high heels. Moving often involves lifting heavy boxes, walking back and forth between rooms, driving long distances, and packing boxes. You want to be safe and comfortable, not setting a fashion trend.
Be sure to turn the AC on in your new home ASAP
The last thing you want on moving day is to arrive at a home that is unbearably hot. To avoid this situation, we recommend turning your utilities on prior to the move. If you live nearby and are able to switch on the air conditioning the day before the move, then make sure to do so pronto. Cooling down your new home beforehand will make the move and transition much more seamless. If you’re moving long distance, make sure to switch the AC on once you arrive at the new home.
Try NOT to move during a holiday weekend
Not only will there be less movers and truck rentals available to assist you with the move, but it will also be much more expensive to move during a summer holiday weekend. Not to mention, you can bet traffic on the roads will be standstill. You may even end up having to take multiple detours (thanks to those holiday parades) just to get to the new home. Summer holiday weekends to avoid moving include Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Be sure to keep electronics cool and DRY
Use extra caution when packing and moving electronics during the summer. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for these items to become overheated and ruined on a hot summer’s day. From smart phones and laptops to TVs and appliances, electrical items do not typically fare well in hot conditions. Electronics should be the last items placed on the truck and the first items taken off the truck once you arrive.
Allow plenty of prep time – advance packing is essential
Don’t try to just throw everything in the back of a truck and take off. Moving during the summertime takes careful thought, preparation and planning in order to be successful. Start packing your boxes and bags way ahead of time. Schedule a professional moving company, like Pack N Send -Movers well in advance – be sure to reserve your scheduled date with plenty of notice.
We suggest bringing a portable fan to help keep cool
Having a portable fan on-hand to help you stay cool is one of the most important things you can do during a summer move – especially if the air conditioning in your new place hasn’t been turned on. You’ll want to have a fan set up near the entrance of the home and/or where your movers will be loading and unloading the truck. Fortunately, portable fans are fairly inexpensive and can be found at plenty of nearby stores including Target, Walmart and Home Depot.
Don’t forget to put perishables in coolers
Moving close by? If you have the right packing supplies, there’s no need to throw out perishable food items. Instead of dumping the contents of your fridge into the trash, try placing them in coolers full of ice and/or icepacks the morning of your move. As long as the coolers are cold enough to keep things fresh, you should be able to salvage everything from milk and juices to veggies and fruits – saving you quite a bit of money.
Ready to move this summer?
Moving in the summer heat is much easier when you have professionals like Pack N Send – Movers to help with the heavy lifting. Contact us today for all of your home moving needs at sales@pack-n-send.com, or call us directly at 713-266-1450, and we will reply promptly to assist you in getting moved, and settled into your new home quickly and safely.