Whilst it is true that moving in the summer is more convenient since you won’t have to worry too much about extreme weather conditions like heavy rains or snow, a lot of people also have the same idea. Moving companies are very busy during this time of the year and charge peak season rates.
Whether you’re hiring professional removalists near you to help you move or you’re moving on your own, here are some of the things you need to remember if you’re moving during the summer:
Plan ahead
Just like any other move, there are a lot of tasks you need to accomplish to prepare for the move. In addition to these tasks, you need to consider the availability of the services you require. As mentioned above, removalists are usually fully-booked during this time. Hence, it is crucial that you find a reliable moving company and reserve a moving date as soon as possible.
Aside from getting a better grasp on your moving timeline, booking in advance will allow you to get a better offer and avoid additional charges for last-minute bookings.
Wear comfortable clothes and footwear
Wear appropriate clothes for moving, ideally breathable, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothes. Wearing such clothes will allow you to work comfortably even as the temperature rises throughout the day. As much as possible, avoid wearing clothes that will restrict the movements of your arms and legs, especially when lifting and carrying your packed items to or from the moving vehicle.
Wearing appropriate and comfortable footwear is also important, especially if you’re moving on your own. Walking barefoot may be tempting, but it compromises your safety, especially when lifting heavy items and going up or down stairs. Wear appropriate shoes so you won’t slip or lose balance as you move around the place carrying heavy or bulky items.
Avoid last-minute packing
The temperature gets higher during the summer which can make it more difficult or uncomfortable to move around the house to pack your belongings. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you start packing as early as possible. Once you have decided on a moving date, start sorting your belongings and choosing which items you will take with you and which items will be sold, donated, or disposed of.
After sorting your belongings, you can start packing seasonal items and other things that you don’t intend to use before or immediately after the move. Pack rooms and other areas little by little every day until everything is packed and ready. You can also start dismantling some of the appliances, but if you’re not familiar with the proper process for dismantling furniture and electronics, it’s best to ask for assistance from professionals or someone who knows how to do it properly to minimise the damage to the goods.
Move on a weekday
If your schedule allows it, opt to move on a weekday. Some moving companies tend to charge extra for moves that are performed during the weekends. Moving on a Friday might sound convenient since you can immediately work on unpacking your belongings during the weekend. A lot of people are also opting to move on this day so it might be difficult to find a moving company who will be available on this day. If you’re hiring removalists to assist with your move, they are less busy on weekdays so they can cater to your requirements without rushing.
Prepare for delays
Whether you’re moving on your own or you’re hiring professionals to do the work, prepare for delays. Accidents and other unfortunate events may occur throughout the moving process that may affect the delivery of your items. If you’re hiring removalists and have scheduled for later delivery, pack an essentials bag so you have enough supplies for a few days or until your goods arrive. If you’re moving on your own, prepare emergency supplies and tools that you can use in case your vehicle breaks down or you encounter any issues along the way. Keep emergency contacts handy so you can easily call for help if you need any.
Protect electronics and accessories
When possible, keep all electronics and other items that are sensitive to heat in your car. If you are planning on packing them with other items in the moving vehicle, make sure they are properly packed for transportation. It is highly recommended that you load them last and unload them first to minimise exposure to extreme heat.
Look after yourself
Moving around whilst being exposed to high temperatures may lead to dehydration and other health issues. No matter how hectic your schedule is on your moving day, drink plenty of water and eat your meals on time. If you start feeling unwell, take a break and grab a healthy snack to replenish your energy.
Apply sunscreen before you start working to protect yourself from the sun, especially when you step out of the house to load/unload your items to/from the moving vehicle. Re-apply as needed throughout the day for further protection. It is also recommended that you use a non-greasy formula that won’t make your hands slippery when handling different items.