Summer is in full swing! For us at Alliance Moving & Storage, that means our busiest season has begun. It's no secret that summer is peak moving time, especially for local moves. But what makes summer the preferred season for relocating? Are there better times to move? And are there times to avoid?
While there are many benefits to moving in the summer, it's important to remember that it might not be as simple as you anticipate. Some say summer moves can be even trickier than winter ones. But with the right moving company by your side, a smooth summer move is absolutely achievable.
Tips for Moving in the Summer
Now that we know that summer is a good time to move, make sure to implement the following tips.
1. Find Movers in Advance
While tackling a move yourself might seem like a budget-friendly option, it can quickly turn into a sweaty, stressful ordeal. Hauling heavy furniture and boxes can take a toll on your body and even risk damage to your items, especially in summer or in winter.
Here's where our expertise comes in! If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional moving company like ours. We'll handle the heavy lifting and ensure your belongings are transported safely and efficiently, leaving you with more time and energy to enjoy your new space.
When looking for residential moving help, start your search sooner rather than later. As the summer is already a popular time to move as it is, you’ll want to call ahead of time to secure your movers so you are on their schedule.
2. Be Careful When Packing
Of course, think about packing. It’s possible to save money by packing your household items on your own. For items such as knick-knacks and other personal items, make sure to compile moving supplies such as cardboard boxes, plastic wrap, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
When it comes to larger items like furniture or delicate pieces, professional packing services can be a lifesaver. They have the expertise and specialized materials to ensure your belongings are packed safely and securely for transport.
And don't forget about your electronics! They're particularly sensitive to summer heat, so pack them separately in padded boxes and keep them cool until moving day. It's also a good idea to load them onto the truck last and unload them first to minimize their exposure to high temperatures.
You can also consider investing in a storage unit for the summer that will store some items during the summer months. Always make sure that it's a climate-controlled storage unit and has the ideal features for your needs.
3. Protect Your Delicate Belongings
Extreme temperatures can damage fragile items. Use high-quality packing materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts to secure valuables. Pack them in separate boxes clearly marked "fragile" to ensure gentle handling during transport.
4. Keep Your Electronics Cool
We all know how important our electronics are, so keeping them safe during a summer move is crucial. Laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices are sensitive to heat and can easily get damaged if left in a hot truck or storage unit. To avoid any mishaps, pack your electronics in well-padded boxes and keep them in a cool, shaded area until it's time to load them onto the truck.
Load electronics last and unload them first to minimize their exposure to heat. Consider using waterproof bins or bags to provide an extra layer of protection. And don't forget to back up your data before the move, just in case!
5. Plan Your Move Early in the Morning
Summer temperatures can soar, so outsmart the heat by starting your move early in the morning. The coolest, most comfortable moving conditions are typically found in the early hours before the sun reaches its peak intensity.
Not only will an early start help you beat the heat, but it can also help you avoid the worst of the morning rush hour traffic. Aim to begin your move by 7 or 8 a.m. for optimal results. If mornings aren't your thing, consider moving later in the evening when temperatures have cooled down.
6. Beat the Heat for Kids and Pets
Create a cool zone for your little ones, among other things when moving with kids, as well as moving with furry companions. Set up a shaded play area with plenty of water and activities to keep them entertained. Consider boarding pets if the move is going to be long, and ensure they have proper identification.
7. Keep Food Fresh
Perishable food items are particularly vulnerable to spoilage in the summer heat. Invest in a high-quality cooler and pack it with plenty of ice to maintain a safe temperature for your food and drinks. Plan your packing strategically, leaving perishables for last to minimize the time they spend outside of refrigeration.
8. Use Sunscreen
Moving day is no time for sunburn! Before you head out, generously apply sunscreen with a high SPF and remember to reapply throughout the day, especially if you're loading and unloading in direct sunlight. Provide shade for yourself and your helpers whenever possible. Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight, breathable clothing for added protection.
9. Avoid Heat Exhaustion
Summer heat can quickly zap your energy and lead to heat exhaustion. This is especially true for people who are not accustomed to working in hot weather. Keep an eye out for warning signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, and muscle cramps.
If you or someone you're helping experiences these symptoms, take immediate action to cool down and rehydrate. Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area, loosen clothing, and sip cool water or a sports drink. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention immediately.
10. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Another tip for the summer moving season is to make sure that you’re wearing a comfortable pair of shoes. It may seem straightforward to mention this tip, but you’d be surprised how many people make the mistake of wearing uncomfortable shoes!
Wearing the right shoes is particularly important if you are going to be doing the move on your own without hiring a professional team as you will be on your feet all day. The right type of shoes will be lightweight and breathable. If possible, they will be neutral in color (except black) to avoid attracting too much sunlight and heat. Naturally, you should also wear light clothes.
11. Have Plenty of Water Handy
Moving in the summer heat can quickly deplete your fluids. Make sure you have plenty of water on hand throughout the day, even if you've hired professional movers. Keep a cooler filled with chilled water bottles and encourage everyone to take regular hydration breaks.
Start hydrating a few days before your move to ensure your body is well-prepared for the physical exertion. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and dizziness, so staying hydrated is key to a smooth and successful move.
12. Turn On the A/C in Your New House
Here’s another summer moving tip you won’t want to ignore. There’s nothing worse than putting in a long day of moving only to walk into your new home and realize it is sweltering hot. If possible, turn on the air conditioning in your new home before moving day so you can step into a cool and comfortable environment.
Coordinating this beforehand can make your transition that much easier. If you're moving outside of the city or over a longer distance, make sure to flip on the air conditioner as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Benefits of Moving in Summer
Thinking about relocating this summer? Great choice! Moving during the warmer months has a host of benefits, making it a popular time for individuals and families alike.
Let's dive into the advantages of a summer move:
1. Summer Weather Is Great
Winter just makes everything harder when it comes to moving. If you have moved during the wintertime, you’ll understand the challenges that come with moving in the cold. Icy walkways, slipping and sliding on the roads, dealing with snowbanks when trying to pull up close to the curb, etc. And of course, the freezing hands and feet while lugging item after item to and fro.
Summer, on the other hand, offers warm, dry weather that makes moving a much more pleasant experience. It’s the peak moving season. You won't have to worry about your belongings getting wet, moldy, or frozen, which is especially important if you have antiques or other sensitive items.
2. Great Time for Garage Sales
Besides being moving season, summer is also garage sale season. It's just a North American thing – people love to go to garage sales in the summer, so it’s the perfect time to host a yard sale. Why not make some money while getting rid of unwanted items? It'll surely help with the expense of moving.
3. Good Time to Sell Your House
Summer (and fall) is also when houses start to sell. Selling and moving are two sides to the same coin. You sell, so you move. Or you decide to move, and so it’s time to sell. However it turns out, the stats are there to prove that houses (and people) move the most during summer.
4. Summer Break at School
Is summer or winter better for a move? After all, moving is all about timing. The school year starts in the fall, so if there's moving to be done, you should try to move before the new school year starts. Uprooting them mid-semester can be unsettling, but moving during their break allows them to start fresh with their new school and classmates in the fall. They'll have the entire summer to adjust to their new surroundings, make friends, and feel more at home before the first day of school.
5. Moving for Work
People find seasonal work in the summer, and some of them may be forced to relocate, if only temporarily. While hiring tends to not happen in the summer as much as other times of the year, people still choose to move during the summer for an upcoming fall move.
6. Students Are Moving to College
Summer is also the time when students leave their homes to go to college, perhaps moving out of state. Even high-school graduates who decide not to go to college, or to take a year off, are also moving out of home in the summer.
With so many people relocating during this time, it's no surprise that summer is the peak season for moving. So don’t forget that if you do have to move during this busy season, allow for the fact that movers and trucks will be in demand.
Get a Free Quote Today
Moving in the summer can seem daunting, but with the right team by your side, it can be a breeze. Our calendars are filling up quickly as peak moving season approaches, but we still have availability to help you with your upcoming summer move!
We are passionate about helping with a range of moving services and treat all property as if it were our own. Contact us today and take advantage of our free quotes.
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