Most people move during the summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Schools are out, and that makes it more convenient for families with children. Many college students also move in and out of dorms during the summer, and the likelihood of no rain makes it easier as well. Summer weather can be unbearable, however, so it’s important to know what to expect and to plan ahead.
If you’re planning on moving in the summer, it’s crucial to be prepared. Moving on a hot summer day can be challenging and exhausting. Taking a few easy steps, however, will help ensure your moving day is as easy as it can possibly be. Our Santa Clarita movers at Affordable Quality Moving and Storage have gathered tips on what you should do during a summer move. If you want to avoid the heat and the trouble of moving, contact our team today at (661) 622-2636! We provide a variety of moving services, including packing and unpacking, transportation, and storage, and we offer free in-home estimates. Our services can be customized to your needs, giving you the best summer moving experience possible.
Here’s what you can do to prepare if you’re moving in the summer:
Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things you should do when moving in the summer is to stay hydrated. Your moving day will include long work hours, heavy lifting, and lots of walking. Keeping yourself hydrated will help reduce fatigue, improve morale, and regulate your heart rate and body temperature. Cool water is best, but you can also drink unsweetened iced tea, sports drinks, or other beverages with electrolytes to mix it up a bit. When it’s hot, you sweat, and you need to replace the fluids you’ve lost. So, drink up, and drink often!
Dress Lightly
We recommend you dress lightly if you plan on moving during the summer. Instead of wearing heavy, dark clothes, you should wear lightweight clothing that is comfortable but will still protect you from the heavy-duty work you will be doing. Cotton or performance fabrics are great, plus closed-toe shoes with socks. You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible if you’re moving boxes, walking from room to room, driving, and doing all the other things you need to take care of on moving day.
Start Your Move Early in the Day
The best time to start a summer move is early in the morning before temperatures and humidity levels begin to climb. You can also avoid some traffic by starting early. We recommend getting started by 8:00 am or even earlier, if possible! Get up early and get the job done, and you’ll have more time later to get settled. If you can’t move in the morning, choose the late afternoon or early evening, when temperatures begin to cool down and you’re not battling with the blazing sun all day.
Apply Sunscreen
Don’t forget the simple step of applying sunscreen throughout the day. Make sure to completely cover your face, neck, ears, shoulders, legs, and all other exposed skin. You should apply water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before heading outside and every 2 hours thereafter. You might not be thinking about sun exposure while you’re busy with your move, but applying quality sunscreen will prevent you from suffering from painful sunburns the next day.
Watch for Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Exposure to high temperatures can be dangerous, especially if you are doing the heavy lifting and other tiring work. Even if you’re not moving boxes and furniture yourself, standing in the sun and moving around in the heat can be enough to cause problems. It’s important to be aware of any signs of overheating.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Feeling faint
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling weak
- Weak and rapid pulse
- General confusion or anxiety
If you start to feel these symptoms or notice them in someone else, act fast. Get to a cool, shaded area as quickly as possible and drink plenty of water or a sports drink with electrolytes. You can also apply a cold washcloth or compress to the neck, forehead, and wrists. A cool shower can also help. If symptoms worsen, seek emergency medical care. Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a potentially deadly condition.
Turn on the AC at Your New Home!
Nothing could be worse than arriving at your new home with all your belongings, only to find that it’s 80+ degrees inside. If possible, go to your new home the evening before and turn on the air conditioning so it is cool and comfortable when you get there. It will make moving your furniture and other belongings that much easier, plus offer a space where you can sit and cool down for a bit before continuing. If you can’t go the night before or the morning of your move because the new house is too far away, you can at least be sure to turn on the utilities at the new house so you can turn the AC on when you arrive.
Get Help from Friends & Family
Moving at any time of the year can be difficult. When you’re moving in the summer, the heat can make it unbearable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family members, even if it’s just to watch your dog for the day or to take your children so they are occupied while you finish packing. Every bit of help can go a long way in making your summer move as stress-free as possible.
Consider Hiring Professional Movers
If you have the budget to hire a moving company, this is one of the best ways to take the burden of moving in the summer off your shoulders—quite literally. Instead of worrying about moving everything on your own, you’ll have professionals who do this every day. With Affordable Quality Moving and Storage, you’ll have Santa Clarita movers who know exactly how to pack, load, transport, and unload your belongings, keeping them safe and secure. We even offer storage solutions if you need a secure place to keep certain items for a time.
Moving in the Summer? Call Our Southern California Moving Company Today!
Avoid the trouble and risks of moving on a hot summer day—leave it to our team of Santa Clarita movers at Affordable Quality Moving and Storage. We help individuals, families, and businesses across Southern California and the entire U.S., whether it’s a local, long-distance, out-of-state, or international move. We work to completely relieve you of the pressure of moving and assure you that your belongings will arrive safely.
Contact our Southern California movers for a free in-home estimate today! We have offices in Burbank, Temecula, Santa Clarita, and San Diego for your convenience.