The dos and don’ts of Summer Moving

Summer moving is convenient for many people, including families with children and college students, but also for people who just want to move without worrying about moving in bad weather. On the other hand, the summer heat can make it difficult to move because sweat and exhaustion are usually a part of moving in the summer. Luckily, there are some simple tips to help you move during summer and have a stress-free relocation. The easiest way to move in the summer months is to hire professionals and let them take care of your entire move. However, if your budget doesn’t allow or you simply prefer to DIY, follow the dos and don’ts of summer moving.

The dos and don’ts of summer moving

Do turn the AC on in advance

If you’re moving nearby, visit your new place in advance and turn on utilities, especially the A/C to cool down space before you arrive. The last thing you want is to arrive on a hot day and have to unpack in an unbearably hot home.

Do protect yourself from the sun

When moving during the summer season, always protect yourself from harmful sun rays. Apply quality sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher and make sure to do so 30 minutes before going out. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat for extra protection.

Do expect higher rates

There’s no way around it – the summer season is the busiest and the most expensive season to move. Moving companies are usually booked in advance and high demand leads to limited choices and high prices. Besides families with children moving during school breaks and college students moving for college, most people find summer the best time to move. As the matter of fact, the majority of moves in America take place sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Given that summer is the most popular season to move, do expect high rates unless you book moving services way ahead.

Do start early

An early start is definitely a “do” when you’re moving in summer because the temperature tends to be lowest in the morning. Besides escaping the obvious heat, by starting early you’ll also escape traffic jams; just make sure to start before 8 a.m. If that doesn’t work for you, try an evening move after the temperatures cool down.

Do bring a portable fan

If you’re moving far away and can’t turn on the A/C/ in advance, it’s a good idea to bring a portable fan, just in case the air conditioning is not working. A portable fan will help you stay cool once you arrive and have to load and unpack all the boxes – just keep it near the entrance where most traffic will be happening. If you don’t have a portable fan, you can easily find an inexpensive one in Target, Walmart, or any other store near you.

Do keep electronics cool

Electronic components are extremely sensitive and can get damaged if exposed to heat, so be extra careful when moving them during summer. Hire professional packers or follow their tips on how to pack and move electronics like a pro. Consider packing all your smartphones, tablets, TVs, appliances, and other electronic equipment separately.

Don’t forget water

Water bottles are a must when you’re moving during summer, so make sure to pack plenty of water bottles for your moving day. Besides bringing enough for yourself, bring a few bottles for your movers as well, and don’t forget to offer water to each helper. Moving in the heat means everyone will be thirsty almost all the time, so add some extra water bottles for everyone.

Don’t wear uncomfortable clothing

If you wonder about what to wear on a moving day during summer, here are some tips. You should wear light, comfortable, and breathable clothes. Forget about being stylish and go for clothes that will allow you to move around, like comfy leggings, t-shirts, etc. Keep high heels and heavy fabrics for special occasions. You may have to pack, lift, and carry boxes, so it’s really important to be dressed appropriately. Don’t forget to protect your feet and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes with socks.

Don’t move during a holiday weekend

Even though summer is the busiest period for moving, some days are extremely busy and it’s hardly possible to move on holiday weekends. When moving during holidays, you can expect higher moving prices, traffic jams, and wasting a lot of time. Skip moving on the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and other summer holidays.

Don’t skip the prep

Each move requires some planning, especially if it’s during summer. Don’t underestimate the power of good preparation and start packing way ahead. Book movers in advance, at least three months before moving day, plan your tickets, hotels, and all other things necessary for a successful move. You can use one of the many free apps for your phone or tablet and download a move planner to make it easy and fun.

Don’t forget to cool your food

If you have plenty of food left, you can always give it away to charity and help people in need. But if you’re moving locally, you may not want to give up on your food and perishables, so don’t forget to use a cooler in order to keep your food fresh until you reach your new home.

The ultimate DO of summer moving is hiring a professional moving company. Summer heat is way easier if you have helpers to handle your move. If you’re hiring movers, make sure to go for licensed and reputable ones, so you can have peace of mind knowing your possessions are in good hands. Only hire a company that meets your needs and offers fair rates and a transparent pricing system. Dumbo Moving and Storage may be the best solution, so contact us to chat about your upcoming summer move. We’ll be more than happy to answer all of your questions, and we’ll provide moving quotes completely free of charge. Let’s connect!