It doesn’t matter if you’re a student, a busy businessman, or relocating with your family, moving in the summer will probably be the most convenient option for you. The summer period is almost always the busiest time for many relocation companies. But even though changing homes in the summer is very convenient for many reasons, it can also be very dangerous because of the hot weather. However, there are some tips on how to overcome the heat and turn your summertime move into an enjoyable effort for everyone involved.
One of the most important tips for moving in the summer is to get started as early as possible. The sun is the strongest from around 11 pm to 4 pm, so you should avoid this time of the day at all costs. Getting started at 8 amwould be the best advice, and if that’s not suitable for you, then you should consider leaving the relocation for the late afternoon or early evening to avoid the hottest time of the day.
You will have to plan ahead before you make any other decisions, so check the weather at all times and be sure that no heat-related hazards are coming your way. The day could get more hot and humid in the blink of the eye, and you won’t even know about it before it’s too late.
Avoiding any accidents and injuries should be your number one priority with any relocation, and even more so when it comes to moving in the summer. Don’t underestimate the effects and consequences that a heatwave can have on anyone. The infamous Chicago heat wave in 1995 was very detrimental, so if you’re hearing about any heatwaves coming your way, it may be for the best to cancel and reschedule your move. Remember one of the most important tips – safety when moving should always be your number one concern.
Whether you’re hiring professional movers with packing services or relocating by yourself, you will probably spend a good part of the day of the move outside your home. So don’t forget to apply sunscreen at least half an hour before you get started. Using high-quality, water-resistant sunscreen is one of the best tips, and you should apply it to any parts of the body which will be exposed for longer periods of time.
As mentioned before, safety should be your number one concern when relocating in the hot weather, especially if you’re moving with kids. The hot weather will make you and your dedicated movers sweat, no matter how big a portion of the workload you’re handling. So lots of bottled water should be prepared and on the menu, both for yourself and your movers. However, keep in mind that no matter how vital it is, water is among the most commonly forgotten things to pack when relocating.
Use the Right Clothes for the Warm Weather
Wear something light and loose-fitting. Your goal is to avoid overheating, which can be a big problem when relocating in the summertime. Light-colored clothes are key to staying cool, as black and dark-colored clothing absorbs more sunlight and will make you hotter, in a bad way. Another important piece of advice would be to bring sunglasses and hats to help with the blazing sun.
It’s up to you to get everything ready for the relocation. Besides packing and transporting your items, you should get your new home ready for the move too. Learn how to deal with utilities at your new home before you get started. Having electricity to cool off your new place in advance will make the relocation process much easier, and your movers will appreciate it.
Do keep in mind that you’ll have to be extra careful when packing your items if you’re moving in the warmer parts of the year. Some of your belongings won’t be easy to transport in the sweltering heat. This can be a problem not only when it comes to preparing electronics for the move, but it may be hazardous for your other belongings. So keep this in mind as you’re packing your belongings – you don’t want your candles melting all over your other possessions.
Take the time to review your inventory and take notes beside your belongings if you think any will need to be packed separately or handled differently, considering the hot weather. If you haven’t already created an inventory list, it should be among your priorities as it can make the whole process that much easier.
When relocating cross-country, you might need to leave your perishables behind. If you have coolers that can keep your food items fresh during the move despite the weather, then you won’t have to worry about this. Otherwise, you should keep in mind that some important choices while packing will have to be made.
It often happens that people are left with a lot of belongings which they have to part with when relocating, or put in storage. This is usually the case when downsizing, but in this instance, it might just be because you’re moving in this part of the year. But remember that you don’t have to throw away your food while packing – you can donate it instead, just like you can donate clothes for the homeless.
Some items can make a summer move easier for everyone involved. One of the best tips is to always have a portable fan at hand. They can be very affordable, and if you don’t have easy access to electricity in your new home, you can get yourself a battery-operated one.
Using cold towels is also among the more popular tips for handling the hot weather. You can fill a cooler with ice and put some towels in a couple of hours before the movers come around.