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Moving in the Summer? Here’s How to Prepare.

Summer is the busiest moving season. The long days provide plenty of daylight, and for many families, this is the time kids are out of school. While summertime is one of the most convenient seasons, it is also susceptible to hazards that can complicate the moving process on short notice. But this doesn’t have to deter you from planning your summer move! At Atlas® Van Lines, we’ve been helping people move across the country for decades, winter or summer, rain or shine. Today, we’re taking a closer look at our top considerations for moving in the summer and how to ensure you plan the best move possible.
 

Moving in the Summer Heat

One of the greatest challenges of moving in the summertime is the heat. No matter where you are located in the United States, you are almost guaranteed to run into sweltering days with a high temperature (or heat index) that requires special care and consideration. Spending a long time outdoors in these temperatures is a risk on its own, but when you add carrying heavy loads or other forms of physical exertion into the mix, you create dangerous conditions. If you are scheduled to move this summer, here are some ways to combat the heat:
 

• Get an early start. Plan to start your day first thing in the morning before the temperatures start climbing. Not only does this help reduce the likelihood of heat exhaustion, but it gives you a reason to get up and get going to get the most out of your moving day. 

 

• Wear lightweight, comfortable clothes. Light and loose clothing is always a safe bet for heavy activity in the summer heat. When you are packing up, make sure to leave out some comfortable fabrics for moving day, like cotton, chambray, and linen. Opt for lighter colored fabrics that reflect the sun’s rays and help keep you cool. Sunglasses, hats, and sneakers are other summer moving must-haves.

 

• Take frequent breaks and hydrate. One of the dangers of moving in the heat is dehydration. Keep cool bottles of water handy on moving day, even if that means leaving out a designated cooler in your last-minute items. Take frequent breaks and spend some time in the shade or indoors. Some healthcare organizations recommend a 15-minute break every 20-30 minutes. Don’t wait until you feel unwell or begin to experience symptoms of heat exhaustion. 

 

• Plan for pet care. In addition to making sure your family and your children are well taken care of, you will want to make proper arrangements to keep your pets well in the summer heat. Keep your pets in the shade or in an air-conditioned area, make sure they have plenty of water, and practice general summer safety. 

 

• Remember your movers.  If you are hiring a moving company to help with your local or cross-country move, you will want to also consider them when you are planning out moving day. Keep extra bottles of water on hand and be vigilant for signs of heat illness or exhaustion. Although movers are experience professionals with working in all types of conditions, it is always nice to make sure your movers and packers are well taken care of. 

Planning for Severe Weather

Throughout much of the United States, summertime means severe thunderstorms and other inclement weather, like floods, hail, damaging winds, or even tornadoes and hurricanes in some areas. Have a plan in case a pop-up thunderstorm shows up on short notice, or if you are facing a long, rainy day where rescheduling isn’t an option. 
 

General Summer Moving Tips

Beyond accounting for the weather, there are other considerations that can complicate moving in the summer. If you are planning to move over the summer, you will also want to bear these tips in mind:
 

• Book your movers early. Moving companies want to be able to accommodate you, but sometimes resources are limited. Summer is the most popular time to move, which means everyone will be competing for the same time slots. Get in touch with your local moving company sooner rather than later to ensure you get your first choice moving time and date. The less flexible your moving window is, the earlier you should plan to schedule a moving date. It is recommended that you contact a moving company as much as 12 weeks in advance, if possible. 

 

• Turn your utilities on. While this is generally good practice, it’s easy to forget. Making sure your utilities are set up and turned on is especially important in the summer. Water, electricity, and cooling are necessities for summer moves.

 

• Consider both locations. It can be easy to forget that there are two locations to consider in your summer move. If you are moving across the country, you will want to take the weather at your origin and your destination into account. If you are moving to a rainy area, leave out rain ponchos in your overnight bag. Likewise, make sure you have water and light snacks handy. 

 

• Get help with specialty items.  Need help relocating your vehicle or specialty items like pianos, antiques, golf carts, and more? These items can be tricky on their own, but moving in the summer can further complicate the moving process. Movers and packers are expertly trained to handle your specialty items in all weather conditions. Even if you think you might be able to move these items on your own, enquiring the help of professional movers may be worth the peace of mind. 

Find a Moving Company for Your Summer Move

Make the most of your summertime move with the help of a professional, cross-country moving company. Whether you are moving to the next city over or are hauling your household from New York to Idaho, movers and packers are here to make your life easier and your move stress-free. Have questions? Give us a call at 800-638-9797, or fill out our quick form to receive a free, no-commitment moving quote.