Summer is the busiest time of the year for moving. More people relocate between May and September than at any other time. However, while the warm weather can make loading and transporting your belongings easier, it also comes with certain challenges. Stay safe and be prepared by following these tips for moving in the summer.
Reserve Your Truck Well in Advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your movers. In fact, as soon as you know you’re moving, they should be one of the first calls you make. It’s not uncommon for movers to be booked months in advance, so reserve your date as early as possible. The longer you wait, the fewer scheduling options you’ll have and the harder it may be to find the help you need.
Hydrate
It’s hard to escape the heat during summer moves. With so many people going in and out of your house carrying boxes, furniture and other items, there’s no sense in running the air conditioner. Most walkways aren’t shaded either, so you’re going to spend much of the day out in the heat and sun.
Stay safe by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Early signs of dehydration can appear in as little as forty-five minutes and moving is a strenuous activity, even if you’re not the one loading the boxes. Carry a water bottle with you or buy a case of bottled water and leave it out so people can grab one as needed. It’s also a nice gesture to offer water to your moving team. No doubt they’ll have their own but it’s always a good idea to keep some on hand in case they run out. Dehydration can sap strength and concentration, two important qualities for any moving crew.
Wear Sunscreen
Many people don’t think they’ll get sunburned while moving because they’re only spending short periods of time outside. However, sun exposure doesn’t have to be continuous to cause harm and it can take as little as twenty minutes for a burn to develop. While the risk is highest during the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead, you can still get sunburned in the early morning or late afternoon—even on cloudy days!
Always apply sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before going outside, making sure to cover every exposed area of skin on your neck, face, arms, legs and ears. For the best protection, choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that is water-resistant and offers broad-spectrum UV protection. Reapply it every two hours or after any period of heavy sweating.
Dress in Loose-Fitting Clothes
Tight clothing can restrict airflow against your skin which is an important part of your body’s natural cooling process. Loose-fitting clothes, on the other hand, allow your body to breathe more easily. Better airflow helps disperse excess heat, keeping you cooler and more comfortable while working in warm weather.
Start Early
Heat and humidity are usually at their lowest in the morning, so take advantage by starting work as early as possible. Temperatures tend to peak between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to get your heavy items loaded onto the truck before then if you can. If mornings aren’t convenient, consider scheduling your move for the late afternoon instead, when temperatures begin to drop again.
Take Care of Kids and Pets
Moving can be tough on kids and pets, especially during the summer. Not only is it difficult to keep an eye on them with so many people packing and carrying boxes out of your home but turning off the AC can also leave them feeling uncomfortable. Rather than trying to look after them yourself, consider asking a friend or relative to take care of them for the day. They can spend the time having fun while you focus on getting everything loaded safely onto the truck. Then, once your belongings have been packed away, you can pick them up and begin the journey to their new home.
Be Careful with Heat Sensitive Items
Summer heat can damage your belongings if you’re not careful. Moving vans aren’t climate-controlled and temperatures inside can rise quickly. Heat-sensitive items should be the last things loaded onto the truck before departure and the first things unloaded when you arrive. CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, makeup and latex are just a few of the items that can be affected by high temperatures. Electronics and medications also require special attention. These should be packed separately and transported in your car rather than placed on the moving truck. Anything that can melt, such as candles and crayons, should be discarded and replaced after you’ve finished moving in.
Finding Help During Moving Season
Moving can be a lot to handle, but STI Moving & Storage is here to make the process easier. As a leading moving company in Chicago, we take care of loading, transporting and delivering your belongings safely from your old home to your new one. We help households of all sizes, and no move is too large or complicated. No matter what you need to move, our team has the experience, skills and equipment to get it there safely. Call 847-675-1223 today or request a free online moving quote to get started.
