Summer Moving Tips

Streamlined and Cool

By Katrina McDowell on Jun 30, 2024 in News

Summer is the peak season for moving since children are out of school, and parents want to move before the next school year starts. Here are some moving tips for staying cool and organized this summer.

Stay cool. First and foremost, staying hydrated and cool is crucial when moving in the summer. Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte drinks is of the utmost importance. Dress appropriately when moving in the summer, such as in lightweight clothing and a hat to protect from the sun. Use sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt. Schedule wisely and move in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler. Plan regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to prevent heat stroke.

Checklists. Checklists are the next important thing to have for a smooth moving experience.

• Preparation phase (eight to 12 weeks before): Declutter the home and donate or sell unwanted items. Research and book a moving company or rental truck. Start collecting packing supplies.
• Packing phase (four to six weeks before): Begin packing non-essential items such as paintings and wall art. Label boxes with their contents and destination room. Arrange for utility services to be transferred or set up.
• Final weeks (two to three weeks before): Confirm moving details with the moving company. Pack essential items and valuables in a separate box to keep close by. Clean the current residence and perform any necessary repairs.
• Moving week: Finish packing and label boxes. Defrost and clean the refrigerator. Prepare a box of moving day essentials such as tools, snacks and cleaning supplies.
• Moving day: Perform a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Supervise the loading of the moving truck. Double-check that all windows and doors are locked.

Look into various checklist apps to help stay organized, such as Sortly, a visual inventory app to help organize and label belongings, or TaskRabbit, which hires help for tasks like packing, loading, and furniture assembly. These apps can be your best friend during the moving process, empowering you to stay organized and in control of every step.

Professional services. Watch out for scammers! Unfortunately, in the world we live in today, there are millions of scammers, and once you sign up for a website, a plethora of scammers will call from all over the country with services. Summer is peak moving season, so book movers well in advance. Get multiple quotes and compare prices and services from different moving companies to find the best deal. Ensure the moving company is licensed, insured and has good reviews. Inquire if the company has particular policies or rates for summer moves. Always verify and choose a company experienced in handling summer moves and be aware of the challenges involved, especially if moving across the country. Understand and review the contract and terms, including cancellation policies and liability coverage. My Move is an app that compares moving companies, gets quotes and accesses moving resources.

Eco-friendly options. Save the planet and opt for reusable plastic bins, suitcases and laundry baskets instead of cardboard boxes. If boxes are still needed, go to the grocery store or liquor store and ask if you can get any empty boxes. Liquor or wine boxes are great for packing glasses or even shampoo bottles! Repurpose household items such as towels, blankets, and oversized jackets to provide padding for fragile items. Rent or borrow moving equipment instead of purchasing it. Plan the move to reduce the number of trips needed to reduce fuel consumption. Donate or recycle items no longer needed instead of throwing them out. Some moving companies are going green and using eco-friendly practices and materials.

Pets and plants. Moving with pets and plants can be a bit chaotic. Keep pets in a cool, quiet room during the move process to reduce stress. Ensure they have plenty of water and are in a comfortable place to rest. Never leave them in a hot car or van alone. Update pet identification tags and microchip information with the new address. Water plants well before the move and place them in plastic pots to prevent breakage. Pack plants in open boxes to allow airflow and cushion them to prevent tipping. Avoid leaving the plants in the car for extended periods, especially in extreme heat. Gradually acclimate plants to their new environment by placing them in light conditions like their previous location. Plants may be shocked but will be okay after a week. Also, check outdoor plants for unwanted guests, like a snake who might slither out of the pot in the middle of the move!

Remember that moving is one of the most stressful times in a person’s life, and your well-being is a top priority, but these tips will help you stay cool and comfortable during the moving process. So, keep the good music flowing and reward yourself with self-care and a long bubble bath when the final box has been moved!