While we are in the middle of the summer, summer moves are on the rise as residents are getting ready to settle into a new home before the new school year starts and before businesses start to pick up for commercial moves. Summer is definitely the most popular season to move as school is out and the weather is nice so there are no delays. While the summer weather is beautiful to be outside and get a move done, there are some preparation steps you should consider taking if you want to have a stress-free move. Below are seven great tips you should consider taking before you start your summer move.
Make Contacts In Advance
Whether you are using a professional moving service or getting help from family or friends, you should reach out ahead of time. This is extremely important for summer moves as this is a busy time for moving companies and spots could be limited. You will want to reach out early for friends and family as they have their own lives with activities they want to do so call them early to get penciled into their schedules. Even if you do not have an exact date you can give a date range for friends and compare quotes from different moving companies.
Have Refreshments Ready
Moving is hard in it of itself, but add a blazing sun and humidity and you have one sweaty and uncomfortable situation. Heat stroke is a real threat when it comes to picking up and moving heavy items from a moving truck to a new home, so make sure everyone is well hydrated. Whether you have professionals or friends, make sure there are cold drinks and snacks at the ready to ensure everyone is content during the moving process.
Get Kids Involved
If you have a family to move, this is a great opportunity to make moving a family activity. Figure out easy pieces for kids to move depending on their age. A good way to make your children feel a part of the move is to dedicate special tasks that they can take ownership of and be proud of. Having your kids pack their own belongings is a great starting point as they can pack certain items the way they want. They could also take care of packing up their toys or other items in different rooms such as a playroom.
Yard Sale Weather
A common occurrence during moves is that you end up realizing you have a lot of unwanted items that won’t be needed in your new home. A perfect way to dispose of these items without simply throwing them away is by selling them through a yard sale. Summertime is a perfect setting to host yard sales as you will have the immaculate summer weather to display your unwanted items without the risk of precipitation ruining anything. After you are done packing your belongings and have a pile of unwanted items, set a date before the move to have a yard sale to try to get rid of these items and make some money to put towards the move or savings.
Make Sure Utilities Are Set
The worst thing, especially during a summer move, is to get to your newly acquired home and find out that the utilities do not work like the air conditioning. Making the unpacking process uncomfortable with the summer heat and humidity. You will want to coordinate with the previous owners to make sure that all appliances are working properly. You will also want to make sure all of the intended utilities you have planned for your new home are set up prior to your move. That way the only thing you will need to worry about is unpacking once you arrive.
Protect Heat-Sensitive Items
When separating items to be packed, you should be wary of items that may be heat-sensitive and should be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle. These types of items such as aerosol cans, electronics, candles, etc. should be placed together in a box with a label letting either friends or movers know that they are to be transported with air-conditioning. Once you reach your destination, this box should be one of the first places in the house as they will sit in a cool room while you unload the rest of your belongings.
Make A Moving Day Kit
No matter if you are moving in the summer, fall, or spring you will want to have a box or bag set aside in which it will have all your necessities for when all the unloading is finished. Items such as toiletries, fresh change of clothes, and daily essentials should be kept with you during the move. Having this will avoid the hassle of unpacking multiple boxes to find the items you need to shower after the move is finished. The faster you can get to these items the more time you have to relax after moving heaving furniture all day.
If you have more questions about moving in the summer or would like to hire our movers for your next move, contact us today!