The summer is time to enjoy the warm weather and long sun-filled days. However, for many families summer is also the best time to move. Believe it or not, the summer season is the busiest time of the year for moving companies. Because of the pleasant weather conditions, and the fact that kids are out of school, it provides the smoothest transition possible.
There are considerable benefits and challenges that come with moving during the summer.
Benefits of moving in the summer
- Changing schools is easier for your children. They can adapt to the new house and make some friends before the start of the new school year. Also, your children's education will not be disturbed by the move, and they will not be forced to miss any school.
The challenge: Since the summer is the peak moving period, moving companies will have less availability. It's important to start your planning as early as possible and is not uncommon for movers to be completely booked for the season if you wait too long.
- Summer means manageable weather conditions. There's no snow or cold weather to impede the moving process. The days are also longer, which means that there is more daylight to complete the move.
The challenge: Due to the summer's hot conditions, your move can be even more tiring and exhausting than normal -- possibly even dangerous.
- It's the most popular time of the year to move for a reason. People tend to not be as busy in the summer. It won't matter if you are late in turning on things like the heat, because it's still warm outside. If your cable installation is delayed, you can spend time outside. It's also garage sale season, so you can sell unwanted items.
The challenge: Because of supply and demand, moving during the peak moving season will cost you. The more people move during the summer, the more moving companies will charge for their services.
Safety tips for moving in summer
Performing any kind of physical labor in hot weather conditions is extremely dangerous. Everyone who is subject to intense physical activity in the summer should take the necessary precautions.
- Dress in light-colored cotton shirts and shorts to keep cool. Dressing in lightweight clothes will make you feel a lot better during the strenuous parts of the move. Cotton clothing allows much better air circulation -- a critical part of preventing heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related ailments.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water during the move. Your body needs water to stay hydrated when working in heat. Drinking cold fluids will help keep your core body temperature where it needs to be. Keep yourself energized by drinking beverages with electrolytes. Supply drinks for your movers, family members or anyone helping you with the move.
- Remember to apply sunscreen lotions to your skin to protect from the sun. Wear a hat to protect your face, scalp and neck -- all significant absorbers of heat.
Booking your summer movers in advance
Peak moving season starts late May and lasts until late September. Everyone who wants to hire a professional mover or who wishes to rent a truck for a DIY move during this peak season should plan well in advance. Because of the high demand that typically accompanies the summer season, movers may charge you more for their services to capitalize on this demand.
- Get quotes ahead of time to avoid the rush. It is advantageous for you to compare rates between as many companies as you can.
- You will get much lower prices by booking in advance, and you'll save money that can be spent on other aspects of the move. Don't forget to ask the movers whether the quote they've provided you is a binding or a non-binding estimate as there are major differences between the two.
- Book your resources in advance as well and gather any moving supplies you'll need for moving day -- boxes, packing tape, moving blankets, etc. Because summer is such a popular season for moving, some of these supplies may be hard to come by.
Preparing for inclement weather during a summer move
Even if it's sunny with clear skies, there is still the potential for violent weather conditions that can jeopardize your move. Although you can't predict the weather when you're planning for your move months in advance, you can monitor it in the weeks leading up to the moving date by checking the forecast and planning accordingly.
- If the temperature is too hot on the scheduled move date, postpone the move. It's not worth the high chances of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Leave your schedule flexible to accommodate changes; some movers provide an inclement weather clause in their contracts.
- The best way to avoid the heat is to move in the early morning hours or in the evening hours when the sun is at the lowest. In addition to putting a strain on you, the heat can also cause the moving truck to overheat or break down due to the heavy load that it will be hauling.
- Other potential weather hazards that you might encounter include heavy rainstorms, thunderstorms, tornadoes or hurricanes. Don't put your life at risk just to move! Always have a back-up plan in these cases.