Planning On Moving This Summer?

Tips On Moving During Summer

Summer presents a popular time for a fresh start, and with it comes the bustle of moves. Although the season offers advantages like good weather and school breaks, it also has unique challenges, particularly the heat. To make your summer move as smooth as possible, here's a collection of valuable tips to beat the heat, navigate logistics, and ensure a successful transition.

Planning: The Cornerstone of Success

• Book Early: Summer is synonymous with high demand for moving companies. Secure your preferred moving date and the best rates by booking reputable movers well in advance. Early action also minimizes the risk of last-minute scrambling and potential price hikes.
  
  
• Choose Your Day Wisely: If possible, schedule your move for a weekday and aim for early morning or later afternoon hours to avoid the peak midday heat. This will protect you, your helpers, and potentially heat-sensitive belongings.
  
  
• Declutter Ruthlessly: Don't waste time and energy packing items you no longer use or need. A move is the perfect opportunity to purge possessions. Donate, sell, or discard excess belongings to lighten the load and potentially reduce moving costs.
  
  
• Prepare a Timeline: Break down the mammoth task of moving into manageable steps. Create a comprehensive timeline spanning several weeks, outlining tasks like packing, updating your address, transferring utilities, and researching your new neighborhood.

Packing for the Heat

• Prioritize Heat-Sensitive Items: Identify things susceptible to heat damage like candles, electronics, vinyl records, medications, and cosmetics. Pack these separately, ensuring they are well-protected and transported during cooler hours, or preferably in your own climate-controlled vehicle.
  
  
• Sturdy Boxes Are Key: The summer heat can compromise the integrity of flimsy boxes. Invest in good-quality moving boxes and reinforce the bottoms with extra tape. Avoid overpacking boxes, as this increases their susceptibility to damage in transit.
  
  
• Label with Care: Clear labeling is always crucial, but in summer, it gains added importance. Indicate boxes containing heat-sensitive items and mark them "Fragile" as needed. This ensures proper handling and avoids unpleasant surprises when unpacking.
  
  
• Pack an "Open Me First" Box: Include essential items for your first night in your new place, like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic tools, medications, and snacks. This eliminates the need to rummage through multiple boxes after a long, hot moving day.

Beating the Heat

• Hydration is Paramount: Pack a cooler full of water, sports drinks, and ice for easy access throughout the moving day. Encourage frequent drinking for yourself, your helpers, and any family members involved. Dehydration can quickly lead to exhaustion and heat-related illnesses.
  
  
• Dress for Success: Opt for light, breathable fabrics like cotton that will help you stay cool. Wear a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, and don't forget to slather on sunscreen throughout the day.
  
  
• Take Breaks in the Shade: Listen to your body. Even with hydration and appropriate clothing, frequent rest breaks in shaded areas are crucial. Schedule these breaks into your moving timeline to avoid overexertion.
  
  
• Cool Down Techniques: Keep cooling towels on hand, which can be soaked in cold water and draped around your neck for relief. A portable fan can also help when a cool breeze is nowhere to be found.

Caring for Others (and Yourself)

• Professional Movers are Worth It: If your budget allows, professional movers can take a significant load off your shoulders. They come equipped with experience and the right tools and are better acclimated to intense physical work in the summer heat.
  
  
• Kids and Pets Need Special Care: Make arrangements for childcare or pet boarding on a moving day. The chaos and heat could prove overwhelming for them.
  
  
• Don't Neglect Self-Care: While focusing on the move seems paramount, don't ignore your own needs. Ensure you get enough sleep the night before, eat nourishing meals, and take short breaks to de-stress throughout the process.
  
  
• A Helping Hand Goes a Long Way: Enlist the support of friends and family if possible. Moving is easier with help, and it can be an opportunity to create lasting memories before transitioning to your new life.
  
  
• Contingency Plans Matter: Summer plans can be disrupted by unexpected weather or other unforeseen events. Have backups, like alternative moving dates or short-term accommodation options, to minimize last-minute panic.

Additional Tips for a Seamless Move

• Timeline: Create a realistic, week-by-week timeline outlining tasks like changing your address, setting up utilities in your new place, packing, and saying goodbye to old neighbors.
  
  
• Contingencies: Prepare for unexpected delays or minor hiccups. This could include having backup movers in case of emergencies or having alternative accommodation ready if your new home isn't immediately available.
  
  
• Don't Forget Your Pets: Make arrangements to keep your furry friends comfortable, hydrated, and safely out of the way during the bustle of moving day.

Remember, a move is just a logistical event, but a home is where memories are made. Embrace the transition, plan carefully, and remember that some hiccups are inevitable. With the right strategies and a focus on comfort, your summer move can be a successful step towards settling into your new abode.

If you’re looking for a new home and would like the support of professionals, the easy choice today is the right choice – contact Cornerstone Home Group at 616.341.7231!