Summer Moving Tips to Keep You Cool and Organized
If you’re like most people, you want to get moved in as quickly as possible so you can start enjoying your new home. However, if you’re not careful, moving during the summer can be a disaster. Heat exhaustion, broken furniture, and missed deadlines are just a few of the potential problems. Read on for our summer moving tips that will help you stay cool, calm, and collected throughout the process of your relocation.
Summer moving tips:
Summertime moves come with their own set of challenges. From keeping your cool during the hot weather to staying organized while packing, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your move goes smoothly.
Here are a few dos and don’ts to help you out:
DO:
-Start packing early: The sooner you start packing, the better. This will give you plenty of time to sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need or want.
-Create a packing schedule: A packing schedule will help you stay on track and ensure that you don’t forget anything.
– Take breaks often. Drink lots of water and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.
– Be careful with your furniture. Don’t try to move too much at once. And be careful not to damage your furniture in the heat.
– Have a plan. Make sure you know what you’re doing before you start. That way, you won’t get too frazzled in the heat.
-Pack essentials in a separate bag: Pack a bag with everything you’ll need for the first few days in your new home, including clothes, toiletries, and medications.
-Label all of your boxes: Labeling your boxes will make unpacking a breeze. Be sure to include a list of contents in each box so you know what’s inside.
-Pack heavy items in small boxes: Smaller boxes are easier to carry and won’t strain your back.
-Make a plan for your pets: If you’re moving with pets, be sure to make arrangements for them in advance. This may include finding a pet-friendly hotel or making arrangements with a friend or family member to care for them during the move.
DON’T:
-Wait until the last minute to pack: Packing at the last minute will only add to the stress of moving.
-Pack without a plan: Without a packing plan, you’re likely to forget something important or end up with too many boxes.
-Pack fragile items in large boxes: Large boxes are more difficult to carry and are more likely to break.
-Forget about your pets: Pets can be easily forgotten in the midst of a move. Be sure to make arrangements for them well in advance.
-Try to do it all yourself: Moving is a lot of work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends.
Dress appropriately for a summer move
Avoid dark clothing. Wearing black or another dark color will only make you feel hotter since darker colors absorb more heat from the sun’s rays. If you must wear a darker shade, try to stick to light-colored fabrics that won’t hold as much heat against your skin.
Second, dress in layers. Even if it’s hot outside, you can still get chilled from the air conditioning in the truck or from being in and out of the house all day. Wearing layers will give you the option to remove a piece of clothing if you start to feel too warm.
Thirdly, protect your skin. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If you’ll be working outside for most of the move, consider wearing a hat or visor to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.
Finally, don’t forget about your feet. Wearing the wrong shoes can ruin your whole day. Avoid flip-flops, high heels, or any other shoe that doesn’t offer good support or breathability. Stick to sneakers or closed-toe shoes made of light fabric such as canvas. And if you can, bring an extra pair of socks in case your feet start to sweat.
Pro tip: Avoid synthetic materials, such as rayon and polyester. Also, keep to light-colored attire when packing for relocation. When it comes to staying cool in the scorching sun, whites and neutrals are the keys.
Connect utilities before move-in day
Turning on the power and water at your new home before you move in is crucial. You’ll want to make sure that everything is working properly so that you’re not without air conditioning or hot water during the summer months. Contact your utility companies a few weeks in advance to schedule a time for them to turn on your service.
It’s also a good idea to do a walk-through of your new home with the previous owner or property manager. This way, you can familiarize yourself with how everything works and identify any potential problems that need to be fixed before you move in.
Protect items from heat damage
Be aware that not all products can endure the heat. When packing up your things, keep in mind that not everything can sit in a hot moving truck for hours. Some of your items (anything that can melt) will not survive the summer heat. So, be sure to pack these things (i.e., electronics) separately and get them inside the air-conditioned house right away.
Summer moving timeline:
Planning an early morning move? Then be sure to:
-Get a good night’s sleep the night before
-Set two alarms (just in case one fails)
-Prepare breakfast and coffee/tea beforehand
-Give yourself enough time to get ready and eat without feeling rushed
-Double-check the moving company’s start time the night before
-Ensure that you have everything packed and by the door ready to go
-Make sure your pets are taken care of and out of the way
-Do a final sweep of the house to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important
On the day of your move, be sure to:
-Dress comfortably in light clothing
-Wear sunscreen and a hat
-Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
-Take breaks as needed and try to stay out of the direct sun as much as possible
-Help the movers as much as you can (within reason)
-Be flexible – things will inevitably take longer than you think they will
-Stay positive and try to enjoy the process!
After your move is complete, be sure to:
-Take a long shower or bath
-Unpack essentials first (clothes, toiletries, sheets, etc.)
-Get some rest – you’ve earned it!
-Start exploring your new neighborhood and city
-Plan a housewarming party to celebrate your successful move!
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a successful summertime move. Just remember to start early, stay organized, and be prepared for anything!
Moving by Design is the premier moving company in the Houston and Galveston area. Give us a call to schedule your summer move and let’s tackle the heat together!
