Tips for Moving in Summer
Summer is the peak of the moving season. More people relocate between May-September than any other time of year. But while summer weather makes it easier to load and transport your belongings, it brings certain challenges as well. Stay safe and be prepared by following these tips for moving in summer.
Reserve Your Truck Well in Advance
Don't wait until the last minute to schedule movers. In fact, once you know you're moving, they should be the first people you call. It's not uncommon for some movers to be booked months in advance, so reserve your date as early as you can. The longer you wait, the less flexible their schedule will become and the harder it will 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 no sense running the air conditioner. Most walkways aren't shaded either, so you’re going to spend most of the day in the heat and the 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 always a nice gesture to offer water to your moving team as well. No doubt they’ll have their own, but it’s always a good idea to have some on hand in case they run out. Dehydration saps strength and concentration, two important qualities for any moving crew.
Wear Sunscreen
For most people, walking back and forth from the moving van doesn’t seem like enough time to get a sunburn. But exposure doesn’t have to be continuous to be harmful and it only takes twenty minutes for burns to set in. While the risk is greatest during the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead, you can still get sunburned in the early morning or late afternoon ‒ even on cloudy days!
Always apply sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before you go outside, making sure to rub it into every exposed patch of skin on your neck, face, arms, legs, and ears. For the best protection, choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, is water resistant, and provides broad spectrum UV protection. Reapply every two hours or after any period of profuse sweating.
Dress in Loose Fitting Clothes
Tight clothes prevent air from circulating along your skin, an essential part of your body’s natural cooling mechanism. Loose clothing, on the other hand, allows your body to breathe. Airflow disperses excess heat, which helps keep you cool and comfortable while working in warm weather.
Start Early
Heat and humidity are lowest in the morning. Take advantage by starting work as early as possible. Temperatures peak between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to try and get your heavy items loaded onto the truck before then. If mornings aren’t convenient, schedule your move for late afternoon instead, when temperatures begin to fall again.
Take Care of Kids and Pets
Moving can be hard on kids and pets, especially during summer. It’s not only difficult to supervise them with so many people packing and carrying boxes out of your home, shutting off the AC means they’re often uncomfortable as well. So rather than look after them yourself, consider asking a friend or relative to look after them instead. They can spend the day out having fun while you’re busy getting everything loaded safely onto the truck. Then, once your belongings have been safely packed away, you can pick them up and start the journey to their new home.
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 go 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 have to worry about 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
Allied takes the stress out of moving. Our professional team members make sure your belongings are loaded, shipped, and delivered safely from your old home to your new one. We work with households of every size. There is no job too big or complex. Whatever you own, our agents have the training, experience, and resources to transport it safely. Contact us today for a free quote!