It should come as no surprise that the most common season to move takes place during summer. In fact, the majority of moves in the United States take place sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is likely because it is easier for families and students to move during summer. However, there are downsides to moving during summer, such as hot temperatures, and you better be prepared to pay more during peak moving season.
If it is within your budget, it may make the job easier if you can afford to hire movers that can do the heavy lifting for you. It is also highly recommended that you have a moving checklist that can help you stay organized. Read further as we discuss these moving tips further below.
Moving in Summer is More Expensive
Yes, it is generally more convenient to move in summer, but it will definitely cost you more to do so. Moving companies, renting moving containers or self storage units, and trucks will cost you more if you choose to move during summer. Summer is considered the peak moving season because it is easier for families to move during summer, as there is no school schedule to follow.
College kids are also moving into and out of dorms or student housing during summer. Plus, many view summer as the ideal weather to move in, it is certainly easier than moving in a foot of snow.
Be Prepared for the Heat
While moving in summer may be easier than moving in cold and snow, you will still need to be prepared for the heat. Try to plan out your move to start early in the day. This is when temperatures are still relatively mild with low humidity. Plus, starting early means beating traffic too.
An ideal time to start would be early in the morning like around 8 am. If you cannot start early, time your move for late afternoon, or early evening when the temperatures start to cool down.
Try to stay hydrated in the heat as moving in hot weather will make you extra thirsty. Have water bottles on hand for your family and your movers. Even if you hired professional movers, it is still advised to have plenty of water on hand for anyone involved with the move.
Dress in Appropriate Clothing for the Move
If moving in the summer, you should dress for the heat. You will need to wear light, breathable clothing, preferably clothes made from cotton. No heavy fabrics for moving in summer, unless you want to broil in the heat. You will also need to wear comfortable shoes, like athletic shoes, with socks. Also, no opened-toed sandals for moving in summer. Moving involves lifting, and unpacking, and moving back and forth between your new house and your old residence.
It will be easier to move if you are wearing comfortable and appropriate clothing.
Finally, once dressed correctly to move, do not forget your sunscreen. The last thing you will want to deal with after moving all day is a sunburn. Try to make it a waterproof brand that can hold out against sweat, as moving in summer is sweaty work. Apply according to the directions on the bottle.
Make Sure You Turn the Air Conditioning On in the New House
You want to avoid arriving at your new home while it is unbearably hot. That is why it is advised that you get your utilities set up before the move. If you are moving close by, it may be possible to turn the air conditioning on the day of or before the move. This way your new home cools down in time for all the hard, sweaty work. If it is a longer move, make sure you turn your new home’s air conditioning on as soon as you get there.
It should be one of the first things you do. While waiting for the new home to cool down, consider using a portable fan in the meantime. Set the portable fan up at the entrance of your new house, and another one close to the movers who are doing all the heavy lifting. Portable fans are affordable and easy to find. Stores like Home Depot or Walmart will have them available for purchase.
Keep Your Electronics Cool
You will want to make sure that your electronics stay cool. The fact is that it is very easy for your electronics to overheat on a hot day. Items that do not do well in heat include smartphones, laptops, appliances, and television sets. You will want to pack these items separately and keep them in a cool environment, air-conditioned if possible. Your electronics need to be the last thing placed in the mover’s truck, and the first thing to unpack once you get to the new house.
It is also good to pack them in waterproof crates or bins or wrap them in plastic to avoid any water damage. Remember that it can start raining in summer and be prepared to protect your electronics from these showers.
Keep Your Perishables Cool
If you are moving close by you may want to keep your perishable items. Instead of throwing them out, you can pack them in ice coolers at the start of your move. Ice packs can help you keep the items cool while you move to the new location.
As long as there are enough ice or ice packs to keep your perishables cool while moving, you can keep fruits, veggies, milk, juice, and frozen items and bring them to the new house. Again, as soon as you get the new home, you will want to unpack them and freeze or refrigerate them. This is not advisable if your move is a long one.
Try to Avoid Moving During a Holiday Weekend
If you have any control over your move dates, try to avoid doing so during a holiday weekend. It will be more expensive, and you may find that there are fewer truck rentals and movers available to help with your move. Plus, traffic can be awful during a holiday weekend.
You may have to detour because of construction or a summer holiday. This will make moving even more challenging than it already is, so try to avoid it altogether. In summer, the holidays to avoid while moving are the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
Be Prepared
You will have a much better move if you are organized. Start packing boxes and bags a month before your move date.
Interview and hire movers in advance as well. Having a moving checklist can help keep you on track. A moving checklist is a list of tasks that need to be done. Check off the task as you complete it. This will help you stay focused and save so much time.