Don’t get burned: Your guide to moving during the summer

While summer moves may be easier, with the longer days and the kids out of school, the heat can also bring its own set of problems. And if you’re planning to pick up soon and put down roots elsewhere this June, July, or August, it’d be a smart move to plan ahead so you don’t get burned. With our quick tips guide, you’ll be more than ready to keep your cool throughout your move.

Beware the busy season

According to the 2011 U.S. Census, more than one-third of all moves happen during the summer months. With these months being the most popular for moving, many companies such as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® are booked solid for weeks in advance. If you can, start looking for moving companies at least 6-8 weeks before the date you’d like to move, and book one not long after you’ve found your favorite company. It’ll make your movers happier and your own stress subside.

Things that melt

No matter how large your moving truck may be, some things just aren’t meant to be stowed back there in the summertime. And that’s because, as you drive them on over to your new home, they’ll either melt or get damaged by the heat that’s trapped inside your big metal box on wheels.

When you’re packing, be sure to leave some cool space inside the car for things like candles (which will melt); CDs, videos, and cassette tapes (which will warp); and any items pressurized inside of cans, such as sodas and hairspray (which could burst). Also, furniture upholstered in leather will “sweat” if wrapped in plastic, so be sure the company you’ve hired to move you uses furniture pads under their stretch wrap to keep furniture protected.

Stay hydrated

When you’re in the thick of moving, it’s easy to shrug off the small things – like drinking enough water. In the heart of summer, that’s a dangerous choice. Instead, you have to be smart about keeping the heat of your movers in mind.

If possible, either schedule your move early in the morning to get a jump on the day, or late in the evening to avoid the heat of the high-noon sun. Beyond that, have cold water and sports drinks readily available for both your family and the moving crew. Respect their needs to take breaks from being beneath the blaze of the summer sun. And, if it’s financially feasible for you, buy lunch for the whole crew as well. Since it’s the busy season, your moving guys have probably been working 14 days straight (or more) throughout the summer, and a little kindness and consideration can go a long way here.

Also, be sure to keep an extra eye on the kids and pets, as they aren’t as good as keeping their cools as you are.

The cost of being cool

Moving always comes with a number of financial costs – whether that’s having to pay a moving company, asking for days off of work, or connecting home utilities and services in your new place. But the cost most folks forget, especially in the summer, is the cost of cooling when moving.

Even if you remember to turn the A/C off completely when you leave your old place, and turn it to a moderate, chilled temperature at your new one, the bill’s always higher than you’d expect. Here’s why:

• Your new home likely didn’t have the air conditioning turned on before you moved in, so it’ll need to do a lot of cooling just to get caught up.
• The doors to your home will be open for extended periods of time as people walk in and out moving your belongings, making it harder for your home to retain the cooler air.
• You’ll have a number of sweaty people moving hot boxes and warm furniture into your new place, transferring all that heat inside along with it.

If you’re moving in the summer and would rather not be swimming in sweat the entire time, then you’ll want your A/C up and running. Just be sure to keep in mind that you’ll be paying for this cooling cost so you may prepare your wallet accordingly.

Even before you bring that first box outside, remember to apply sunscreen, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and drink plenty of water. Moving is more marathon than sprint, and you’ll want to make sure you make it to the end to enjoy the cool fruits of all your summer labors inside your new home.

Author: Rob Caiello is a Vice President of Marketing over at Allconnect. Since 1998, Allconnect has simplified and expedited the purchase and setup of home utilities and services (like Internet, TV, and Electricity) for millions of movers relocating all across the United States.