Tips for Moving in the Summer

Moving in the summer is not a fun time. It’s hot, sticky, sweaty, and often just miserable, but sometimes, you just can’t avoid it. So to help you survive the heat, here are our tips for moving in the summer. 

1. Get Started As Early (or Late) As Possible

If you’re not wanting to move during the peak of the summer heat, avoid the afternoon at all cost. Anything past 12 and you’re going to be the midst of the days’ highest temperatures. So we at Albuquerque Self Storage recommend you start as early as you can, or as late as you can. 

Something we’ve found successful if you don’t have a moving company is moving everything into your truck the night before and moving first thing in the morning, that way, you have the whole day to get situated in your new place without ever having to worry about the heat. 

If you have hired a moving company, most of them prefer to get started in the morning anyway. So give them a call and double check what time they’ll be at your place so you can be ready for them. 

2. Dress for the Move

When it comes to moving, expect to get dirty. When it comes to moving in the summer, expect to get sweaty and dirty. We recommend lightweight and loose fitting clothes, with sturdy shoes. No dresses, jackets, sandals, or anything that can get in the way of bending over, lifting, walking up stairs, or carrying heavy objects. You’ll want practical and functional over fashionable. 

If you can, stick to cotton to avoid heavier and slick material. 

Also, if you’re moving in the heat, try to wear light colors so your shirt doesn’t absorb more heat from the sun. And wear a hat for added protection!

And don’t forget about sunscreen!

3. Stay Hydrated 

Moving in the summer is strenuous on your body. You’re going to lose more fluids than if you moved in the spring or winter. Be sure to combat this by packing a day’s worth of water in an easily accessible area. Bonus points if it’s cold! 

You should provide water for your movers as well, as a sign of gratitude. To save money, you can also bring extra paper cups and ask everyone to utilize the tap water.

4. Turn On Utilities Before You Move

The best way to ensure you’re going into a cooler house or apartment is to make sure your utilities are activated before you move. Have the utility companies turn them on a day prior to your move and stop by your new place the night before, if you can. Turn on the air conditioning, and put some water in the fridge before you leave. 

By cooling down your house ahead of time, you’ll be able to better focus on the tasks ahead, instead of on that sweltering heat.

5. Be Aware of Overheating Symptoms

Remember that exposure to excessive heat can lead to overheating and dehydration, which is the last thing you want to experience before your move. 

Signs to look out for include: 

• Elevated body temperature
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Feeling faint (or actually fainting)
• General confusion
• Seizures

If you or anyone with you on moving day shows any of these symptoms, get yourself or them out of the heat and into the air conditioning as soon as possible. Those affected should drink plenty of cold water and lay down on your side. You can also have them take a cool shower or provide them with cold towels. 

6. Take Care of Your Belongings

Not every item in your house likes heat! Some of them should be exposed to air conditioning as soon as possible and not left to cook in your truck or van. These items include candles, musical instruments, plastic objects, CDs, cassettes, vinyls, and electronics. 

You should pack these items away and label them appropriately to avoid confusion. If you are able to, take these items over to your new place the night before you move, just to be safe! That way, they’ll be inside and in the air conditioning, and most importantly, safe. 

Be Prepared for Your Move

Being prepared for your move means more than having everything packed away by the time movers arrive. It means being ready to face the weather, the heat, and the stress that comes with moving homes. We know better than anyone how stressful moving can be, that’s why all of our units are accessible by truck or car, so you have one less thing to worry about when moving day arrives. 

If you’re in the market for a storage unit either before or after a move, we’re here to help too. Just give us a call and we’ll get you set up with the perfect unit for your needs.