Moving in the summer may seem much simpler than in the winter. You don’t have to worry about snowstorms, getting stuck, icy walkways or anything else cold or snow-related. But believe it or not, moving in the summer isn’t all sunshine and smooth sailing. Just like winter, it too imposes its own moving challenges on families and moving crews. While these challenges don’t involve shovelling 2ft of snow or digging your car out in below zero temperatures, they are things you should be aware of to ensure your moving day goes as smoothly as possible.

Check out our list of summer moving tips for overcoming these challenges below. And if you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email and we would be more than happy to answer them for you.

1. Beating the Heat

It’s no secret that summer provides us with some warm temperatures. If your moving day presents a warmer than usual temperature we recommend following these tips to ensure you, your family and your movers stay as cool as possible during your move.

• Wear proper clothing – Try to wear clothing that is lightweight, breathable and loose fitting to stay as cool as possible on your moving day. Linen or cotton are two materials that check a lot of these boxes.
• Start early – Summer temperatures rise as the day progresses so try and start as soon as possible to keep your exposure to the heat and sun to a minimum. However, don’t start too early as to wake up your neighbours. The last thing you want is to annoy your new neighbours on day one.
• Use lots of sunscreen – Be sure to cover your face, shoulders, arms, nose and ears with sunscreen throughout the day. This can be the difference between a painful and pain-free following day.
• Drink lots of water – With the warmer temperatures, you’re bound to sweat more. Try and stay as hydrated as possible to minimize your risk of injury, dehydration and overheating.
• Turn on the AC – Even though doors will be propped open, turn on the ac to help everyone involved stay as cool as possible.
• Use fans – Whether your air conditioner is running or not, use fans to spread cold air and cool down warm individuals.
• Keep cold towels on hand – Using washcloths or dish towels, soak them in cold water and then place them in a cooler with ice. These will act as a quick way for anyone to cool down.

2. Properly Pack Heat-Sensitive Items

Just like how a tv left in a truck for a while in the winter may not fair too well, specific items may not handle the heat of summer well. It’s important to take extra precautions when packing your belongings for a summer move to ensure everything arrives in the same shape it was packed in. Things like candles, DVDs, CDs, video games, and items made from thinner plastic should be packed last or in a way so that they aren’t exposed to extreme heat for too long.

3. Beware of Rogue Movers

As sad as it is, many moving companies take advantage of the influx of families looking to move in the summer by increasing their rates to insane amounts. Rest assured, at Deluxe Moving our rates stay the same whether it’s the middle of June or the middle of January. We charge by the hour with no starting flat rates, hidden costs or any other surprises. And if you choose to trust someone else with your move, please do your research beforehand. This can help save you money and ensures you don’t trust your family’s belongings to the hands of amateur movers looking to make a quick buck.

4. Be Cautious of Overheating

Overheating is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. On days when the temperature is high, and the sun is shining we recommend you keep a close eye on any family, friends or individuals who may be helping you with your move. Common symptoms of overheating include headaches, dizziness, weakness, fainting, muscle cramps, confusion and seizures. If you spot any of these signs, stop immediately and seek medical help.

As we mentioned above, summer moving may seem a lot simpler, but it too poses its own risks. However, keeping these four things in mind can help you and your family have a smooth and safe move. If you have any questions about topics not covered above, whether or not something should be packed in the heat or would like an honest, upfront moving quote, we encourage you to contact us by phone or email, and we would be more than happy to help you.