Are you planning on moving to a new house this summer? It’s a great time to move because the kids are out of school, the summer days are long, and you don’t have to worry about freezing weather like in the winter. One main problem is that everyone else has the same idea. Summer is the busiest time for people to relocate and if you haven’t scheduled time with a moving company yet; you might find that they are all booked up. No fear though, most people move on the weekends so they don’t have to miss work; so your best bet is to move during the weekdays.

Start the Day Early to Avoid the Heat 

When moving in the summer it’s best to start your day as early as possible to avoid the summer sun and humidity. Get as much done before the intense heat of the afternoon is upon you. You and the moving company will appreciate the cooler mornings.

Certain Items Shouldn’t Be Loaded into the Moving Truck

Carry items with you in your own vehicle that can be ruined by excessive heat. CDs, DVDs, stringed musical instruments, and anything made of thin plastic can become warped in a hot truck. Candles and kid’s crayons will melt and cause a terrible mess. Also, any pressurized aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, and propane tanks can explode if they get too hot. These items are probably safer traveling with you in an air-conditioned car. Furniture will have to go in the moving truck but make sure the movers use furniture pads/blankets instead of plastic to wrap leather furniture. Leather has the tendency to sweat in extreme heat and its finish will be ruined.

Keep Electronics Cool

Electronic items and appliances are other items to be careful with when moving during the summer. Televisions, computers, stereos, kitchen appliances, and other electrical items can overheat and stop working. Make sure these items are the last things to be loaded onto the truck and the first things to be unloaded when you reach your destination.

Turn On Utilities Before Your Arrival

Turning on the utilities before you arrive at your new home will make the transition and the move much easier on everyone. Turn on the air-conditioner at the new home the day before moving. You can do it yourself if you live close to the new home. If you don’t live close by then maybe you can make plans with the realtor or a neighbor to turn it on for you. A nice cool house will make a huge difference when you begin to unload the moving truck. Make sure your water is turned on as well. A working bathroom and kitchen is a high priority.

Make a Plan for Kids and Pets

If you have kids that are too young to help with the move; you’ll have to make plans for their care beforehand. You don’t want them running around the day of the move because it can be dangerous for them and a distraction for you. See if you have any family or friends that can watch them before and after the move. If not, then see if you can hire a babysitter that can watch them at her place. You can also keep them at home if you have no other option. Just make sure to keep them in a single room with snacks, drinks, and activities to keep them busy; the same thing goes for the family pets. Keep your dogs and cats inside the house. They don’t know the new neighborhood yet and you don’t want them running off and getting lost or scrambling under the movers and tripping them.

Keep Perishables in an Ice Chest

Keep your refrigerated food in an ice chest instead of disposing of it if you’re not moving too far away. Have two ice chests/coolers; one will be for meats and frozen foods. Keep this cooler well iced and closed the entire time until you get to the new home and can refrigerate it. The other cooler should be iced as well but contain snacks and drinks. You’ll appreciate having this on a hot summer day.

Take Care of Your Movers

Take care of your movers. It’s a nice thing to do and they’ll be thankful. They’ll be doing a lot of heavy lifting quickly throughout the day and will become dehydrated and overheated easily. Having cold water bottles and healthy snacks for them will be greatly appreciated. You don’t want them to be fatigued or have a heat stroke. Be understanding if they need to take reasonable breaks or need to use the bathroom. We all need to take care of each other.

At the end of the day you’ll finally be in your new house or apartment and hopefully these tips will have made the move easier on you and your family. Enjoy your new home!