Moving in the Summer: Five Tips for Beating the Heat
July 2024
TThe summer months bring longer days and warmer temperatures. It's the season for backyard BBQs, outdoor gatherings with friends and family, vacations, and more time for relaxation. Additionally, it's one of the busiest times for relocation.
Moving safely and soundly during summer becomes more complex as temperatures rise. As such, careful planning and practical precautions are needed to reduce the risks of a summer move.
Whether you're relocating across town or the country, the summer heat doesn't have to dampen your spirits or your moving experience. Careful planning and preparation are essential for making the transition to your new home as safe and efficient as possible.
We asked our relocation experts here at King Companies for essential tips that can help you beat the heat and make your summer move as cool and stress-free as possible, and they offered these simple but effective tips:
- Pack your items carefully. Some items may not withstand high temperatures, especially in extreme summer heat, and require special handling:
- Electronics: When moving, taking good care of your electronics is important. Keep them in their original packaging and ensure they are well-ventilated to protect them from heat. Transporting them in your car rather than the moving truck is best. This way, you can guarantee they arrive at your new home safe and sound.
- DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records: These items, especially, are sensitive to heat and can warp. To safeguard your important information, consider storing it in a climate-controlled environment. Also, it is important to back up all your electronic data using an external hard drive or a secure cloud storage service.
- Household essentials: Candles, crayons, art supplies, batteries, cosmetics, and medicine can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. Don’t leave boxes or containers with these items in the sun or an unairconditioned building or vehicle.
- Plants: Most relocation firms will not move plants because they are unlikely to survive the shock and heat. It is best to pack plants and transport them with you in a strong box featuring ventilation holes. Keep plants inside your home for as long as possible to protect them from harsh sun and outdoor heat.
- Stay Hydrated. Hydration is crucial when dealing with high temperatures. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your move. Avoid beverages like caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you. Consider keeping a cooler with bottled water and sports drinks readily available.
- Use Sunscreen. Sunburn can add to the discomfort and health risks of moving in the heat. To protect your skin from sunburn, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+, and be sure to reapply every couple of hours.
- Plan for Early or Late Hours. The temperature peaks in the middle of the day, so it’s wise to plan your move for early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. Avoiding the hottest parts of the day can mitigate the risk of heat-related illness impacting you or your movers.
- Keep utilities turned on. Remember to keep the utilities running at your old home when you start moving. Also, arrange for the utilities to be turned on at least 24 hours before you reach your new home. This way, you can enjoy the comfort of air conditioning at both locations throughout the move, ensuring a much cooler and more pleasant experience for you and your movers.
Moving in the summer is not without its challenges, but with proper planning, you can maximize your relocation's efficiency and reduce the heat.
