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Moving in the mid-summer heat is challenging. Yet, summertime is the peak moving season—starting in April and running through September.
But moving during the summer adds additional challenges to an already stressful event.
Heat-sensitive electronics can get ruined. Not to mention, the people doing the moving can get overheated and risk heatstroke.
In this article, we’re going to share some quick tips for making your mid-summer move a little easier. These 6 packing tips will make your move a whole lot safer for everyone involved.
6 Tips for Moving in the Summer Heat
The single most important thing to keep in mind if you’re moving in the middle of the summer is safety. Summer heat isn’t just an inconvenience. It can be downright dangerous.
The following packing and moving tips will keep you and your family safe.
1. Start Early
Starting in the heat of the afternoon is the worst mistake you can make when moving in the summertime.
If possible, avoid loading or unloading your belongings between 10 AM and 4 PM during the summer months. That’s the time of day when it’s hottest and when the sun’s UV radiation is the strongest.
Spending time outdoors during this period increases your chance of sunburn and heatstroke. Instead, load your items in the early morning or evening, when temperatures can be much cooler.
If you plan to use professional movers, they may request an early start time. Be prepared to accommodate their wishes.
No matter what time of day you begin, be sure to apply–and reapply–plenty of sunscreen. The more often (and severe) you burn, the more likely you are to develop skin cancer.
2. Dress Appropriately
Lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics are your friends when moving in the summertime. Toss in a sensible and supportive pair of shoes and you have ideal moving attire.
The goal when moving is not to look cute. Instead, aim to stay comfortable and dry (since moving means a lot of lifting and sweating).
Avoid synthetic fabrics like rayon and polyester. They trap both heat and sweat against your body. Cotton and linen fabrics are good choices, as they help wick sweat away from your body and evaporate faster. Not only will that help you stay cooler, but it also will keep your clothes from becoming a wet, stuck-on mess.
Here are some more things to keep in mind when picking your moving day outfit.
Wear Light Colors
Black and dark-colored clothing absorbs more sunlight than white and neutral-colored clothes.
Grab Some Shades
Sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes against the glare of the sun.
Top It Off
Give your head and your face added protection from the sun’s harmful rays with a hat. A sun hat that shades your face and neck is your best option.
3. Stay Hydrated
You already know staying hydrated when it is hot outside is a must. When you add physical exertion to the mix, it’s critical you keep a water bottle handy. Sip from it frequently.
If you’re part of the moving crew that’s loading and unloading the truck, be sure to include some electrolyte-replacing drinks. Electrolytes help your body absorb more water.
4. Monitor for Overheating Symptoms
Dressing appropriately is important. So is recognizing the signs of overheating.
Keep a watchful eye on everyone helping. Look for these tell-tale signs of heat over-exposure:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle weakness and spasms
- Thirst
If you ignore these initial warning signs, you could be headed for a heat stroke. Severe symptoms include a drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and vomiting.
If anyone experiences these symptoms, immediately stop, get to a cool environment, and drink plenty of fluids.
Seek medical attention, too. It’s important to take a possible heat stroke seriously.
5. Protect Heat-Sensitive Items
Artwork, computer equipment, electronics, and plants are among the household items that don’t fare well sitting in the heat for hours.
If you start your move earlier in the morning, that can help with some of these issues. But you can also plan your packing to reduce the amount of exposure these items have to the heat.
Move as many of these items as possible in a personal vehicle, where they have access to air conditioning. For items that cannot be transported that way, load them onto the moving van last and unload them first to help limit their contact with excessive heat.
6. Hire Professional Movers
You can always save yourself the hassle and hire professional movers to handle the job. Just keep in mind this is not a magic cure-all moving in the summertime.
Professional movers follow the same rules to prevent heat exhaustion and heat damage to your items.
A Final Word on Packing Tips for Moving
The summer heat doesn’t have to spoil your move.
Follow these essential tips for moving in the heat:
- Start early
- Stay hydrated
- Protect your heat-sensitive items