For many families and students, moving during the summer months is usually the most stressful time to relocate. However, moving during the summer can come with its own set of challenges, especially if you live in a region with high temperatures and high humidity. That’s why it’s important to pay a little extra attention to the ins and outs of a summer move. With these helpful tips in mind, it can be as easy as a summer breeze!
Why is summer the most popular time to move?
School's out!
Most families with school-age children are reluctant to move in the middle of the school year. Moving across the country with children is a big change—and for some children, the disruptions to their daily routines can be difficult to navigate. For this reason, many families will wait until school is out to minimize the impact children may experience during the transition.
More daylight
Let's face it: the moving process takes time, and moving day can be a real pain. Whether you're moving yourself (DIY) or hiring a professional, moving company As Verhuisbedrijf Direct hires to do it for you, any natural light is a welcome help. In most parts of the country, the days are longer in the summer, so you can get more out of your moving and relocation timeline.
Manageable weather
If you’re moving in the summer, you don’t have to worry about unstable weather conditions like snow, ice, or sleet affecting the roads and travel. You also don’t have to salt the paths or wade through muddy snowdrifts while loading and unloading your belongings.
Appearance
More “Sold” signs mean more planned moves. The best time to sell a home is usually late spring to early summer. Selling a home when the weather is nice helps to highlight the landscaping and enhance the curb appeal of a home. A front yard full of green grass and colorful flowers is much more appealing to potential home buyers than bare trees and empty window boxes. Plus, more people will attend open houses and look for homes when the weather cooperates.
The best tips for moving in the summer
Request moving quotes well in advance
Summer is often referred to as the “peak season” for most moving companies. If you’re considering hiring a professional moving company for your long distance summer move, it’s best to start collecting moving quotes at least eight weeks in advance of the date you plan to move. The earlier you book your moving services, the better your chances of securing the day and time of your choice. Which brings us to our next tip…
Plan your move early in the morning
Generally speaking, the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 4pm, so moving in the middle of a summer afternoon is not ideal, especially if you live in a hot or humid climate. If you hire a professional moving company, most will take the heat factor into account and recommend the best times for your move in your particular area. However, if you can’t book the early morning hours and you know it’s going to be scorching hot, you may want to consider another moving date.
Moving your own belongings? Imagine the effort and physical stamina required to carry and move heavy furniture and boxes up and down the stairs and into and out of the moving van. Add to that the possibility of quite high temperatures. If you are not used to exerting yourself in warm temperatures, it is wise to err on the side of caution and start your move in the early hours of the morning, when the temperatures are a bit cooler.
Make sure you have enough H2O on hand
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. Yet it’s often overlooked when it comes to simply replenishing your body with that most essential nutrient, water. Moving can be stressful enough. The last thing you want on moving day is to suffer from nasty symptoms of dehydration or heat stroke.
The night before, plan to have a cooler full of water bottles. The day of the move, have ice ready to fill the cooler and let anyone helping with the move know where to find the cooler. You may also want to consider offering your moving team some hydrating frozen popsicles. There is an abundance of delicious, healthy, and hydrating popsicles on the market today. Your moving team will appreciate the gesture!
Another cool tip is to roll up some wet towels in the ice filled cooler and let them chill for a few hours. There is nothing better than an ice cooled towel on a fiery forehead. Finally, take the cooler with you so that everyone can access it at their new destination.
Clothes to stay cool
Light, breathable clothing is a must when it comes to moving in the summer. Cotton is always the best fabric for a cool, airy feel as it allows for plenty of air circulation. Make sure your clothing is loose fitting on moving day and try to find clothing that wicks away sweat and moisture.
Avoid dark colored clothing that absorbs heat. Instead, wear light colored clothing, including white and neutral tones. And while summer is the season for flip-flops, this is not the day to show your toes! Wear closed-toe shoes that are comfortable and breathable. Finally, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Turn on the air conditioning in your new home
Turn on the utilities a day or two before you move. If you can’t be there in person to turn on the air conditioning, you can contact your realtor or property manager to do it for you. Placing fans at your entryways is another good way to alleviate the heat. Don’t make the mistake of not cooling down your new home before the big day. Walking into a cool home on a sweltering day can make the difference between a smooth transition and a sticky one.
