Summertime Moving Do's and Don'ts

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Summer Moving Do's

• Book As Far Ahead as Possible
• Pack Slow or Hire Packers
• Stay Hydrated
• Wear Sunscreen and a Wide-Brimmed Hat
• Ask Plenty of Questions

What should you do when planning a summer move? As moving professionals, we know all the best practices to make sure your summer move is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Book Ahead

Summer is a packed time for moving. Weekends are often booked months ahead of the actual moving season and even weekdays can get booked up. If you want to work with a quality local mover, let them, know your moving plans and approximate move-out date as long before your relocation as possible. This way, you're most likely to get moving dates that work well with your schedule.

Pack Slow

Don't rush yourself when packing. Give yourself plenty of time and don't overheat while loading boxes. Get help stacking heavy boxes and disassembling furniture, if necessary, and don't take on two-person jobs on your own. Summer is a time when people often move in a frenzy, but it's not worth your toe bone or your grandmother's credenza to go fast.

Stay Hydrated

Remember to drink plenty of water when packing and especially on moving day loading or unloading the truck. Keep a water bottle on you and refill it often. It's also nice to provide fresh, cool water for your professional movers in the summer. Movers usually bring their own water, but a cooler or a palette of bottles in the fridge is good for you, your family, and the movers alike.

Protect from Sunshine

Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat if you will be overseeing the truck loading in full sunshine. Stick to the shade when possible and avoid over-exposure. People often don't realize just how much sun they're getting when caught up in moving day activities, so be careful with yourself and keep an eye on sunburn with your relatives.

Ask Questions and Coordinate

Don't forget to ask plenty of questions. Ask how the truck is being packed from back to front and bottom to top. Ask about the route and how you will coordinate arrival with the truck at your destination. Ask about your fragile items, about furniture packing, and anything else you might be worried about. An informed customer is a good customer.

Summer Moving Don'ts

• Delay Utility Transfers
• Forget to Make Special Plans for Kids and Pets
• Wait Until the Last Minute
• Let the Stress and Heat Get to You

What shouldn't you do during a summer move? What choices or actions should you avoid to have the best experience?

Set Up Your Destination House

Make sure your destination house is ready. What is the one thing you'll want to experience after a long trip arriving at the new house? A blast of AC and a cool fridge for drinks. So, make sure your utilities are already set up in your name and turned on. If you have an agent or the house is nearby, have the lights and the AC turned on the night before you are scheduled to arrive.

Take Care of Kids and Pets

Children and pets need special care during a move, especially in the summer. Make sure pets have a carrier with everything they need kept somewhere cool during the move. Have an overnight bag with play supplies for children who are moving with you, and keep both out of harm's way while boxes and furniture are being moved.

Book Ahead, Book Ahead, Book Ahead

Don't wait until the last minute to book your moving company or your personal travel plans. Either plane tickets or hotel rooms on the road trip will go up in price during the summer, but early purchases get a better selection and often find a discount.

Catch a Breath in the Shade

Finally, don't let the heat and the moving stress get to you. Moving is stressful enough as-is without the heat of summer intensifying the feeling. Heat can make you drowsy and anxious on a big day, so be sure to monitor your own stress and catch a few minutes with a cool drink in the shade if you start to overheat either physically or mentally during a summer move.

Moving in the summer is a big experience, but you can enjoy a smooth and easy move with just a few best practices. A-1 Freeman Moving Group is here to make your summer move simple and fun. Plan ahead and keep a cool head to enjoy your summer relocation. Contact us today to get started on your move.