Summer is one of the most popular times to move—and for good reason! The warmer weather, school vacations, and larger housing inventory make it one of the best times to move. But moving in the summer also comes with unique challenges, from soaring temperatures to higher demand for moving services.
Whether you’re planning a local move or relocating across the country, having a clear summer packing checklist and following smart moving tips can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from hiring movers early to staying cool and organized during your summer move.
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Is Summer the Best Time to Move?
Wondering if summer is the best time to move? You’re not alone. Many people choose to relocate during the warmer months for good reason. Moving in summer comes with several benefits: the weather is generally more predictable, school is out, and there’s a wider selection of homes available. These advantages make summer the peak season for moving, but that also means higher demand for movers, trucks, and rentals. If you decide that a summer move works best for your schedule, planning early will help you avoid the seasonal rush.
The Best Time for A Summer Move
Choosing the best time to move during the summer can make your experience much easier. Since summer is the peak moving season, try to schedule your move on a weekday or mid-month when demand is slightly lower. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal times to avoid the midday heat. Avoid weekends, holidays, and the beginning or end of the month, as these are the busiest times for movers and often come with higher prices. August 1st is always the busiest day of the year for movers, so avoid it if possible.
Preparing for A Summer Move
Preparing for a summer move in advance can make all the difference! From beating the heat to staying organized, we’ve compiled key tips to help you navigate your summer move efficiently and stress-free.
Tips for Hiring Movers
Since summer is the peak moving season, it’s important to plan ahead, especially when hiring movers. Moving companies book up fast during this time, so try to schedule your move weeks in advance to ensure availability. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get your preferred date and time.
Because demand is high, summer moving often comes with higher costs. Expect increased rates for services, trucks, and supplies. To keep your summer move within budget, compare quotes from different companies, ask about flat-rate versus hourly pricing, and consider moving earlier in the month or on a weekday.
There are different types of movers to choose from based on your needs. Full-service movers handle everything from packing to transport, while labor-only movers assist with loading and unloading. You can even hire movers to handle fragile or heavy items. Do your research and choose the option that fits your budget, timeline, and the level of help you need.
Summer Packing Checklist
Preparing a summer packing checklist might be obvious for a fun summer outing, but it’s also the key to a smooth summer move! When packing for hot weather, think beyond just boxes. Include items that help you stay comfortable and protect your belongings from the heat. Also, pack important items like medications, phone chargers, and important documents so they’re easy to find. Having these essentials on hand will help you stay comfortable and organized during your summer move, even if you’re planning on hiring movers.
Protect sensitive items like electronics, candles, and toiletries by packing them in insulated or moisture-resistant containers. For food and beverages, use coolers or insulated bags to keep everything fresh during the move. Label boxes clearly and try to pack early in a cool, shaded space to avoid heat damage. Being organized with a hot weather packing list helps you stay on track and reduces stress on moving day.
Here are some essentials you should include on your summer packing checklist:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Closed-toe, comfortable shoes
- Reusable water bottles
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Portable handheld fan or cooling towel
- Healthy snacks and electrolyte drinks
- Moisture-resistant bags or containers for heat-sensitive items
- Coolers or insulated bags
Preparing Your New Home for a Summer Move-in
Getting your new home ready before moving day can make all the difference when preparing for a summer move. Try to set up cooling systems such as air conditioning or fans in advance to help keep your space comfortable as you unpack. If possible, close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day to reduce indoor heat buildup.
Unpacking strategically also helps during hot weather. Prioritize setting up essential rooms like the kitchen and bedrooms first so you can quickly get back to normal routines. Use your summer packing checklist to keep important items handy, and try to unpack in cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, to avoid peak heat. With a little planning, you’ll create a welcoming, cool environment that eases the transition and helps you enjoy your new home even during the hottest months.
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Summer Moving Day Tips
Moving in summer comes with its own set of challenges, from soaring temperatures to increased fatigue. To make your summer move safer and more comfortable, it’s important to plan and take steps to stay cool and protected throughout the day. Starting early, staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, and protecting yourself from the sun are all key parts of a successful move during the hottest months.
Start Early
Plan to start early in the morning when temperatures are lower. The later it gets, the hotter it will be, so a summer move should start as early as possible in the day.
If possible, move the heaviest and largest items first. This way, the hardest part will be done by the time the sun is directly overhead, helping you avoid the worst of the heat. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and keep plenty of cold water on hand to stay hydrated.
Stay Cool
Staying cool during your summer move is crucial to avoid heat exhaustion and stay energized. Use cooling accessories like portable fans, cooling towels, or misting sprays to beat the heat. If possible, set up air conditioning or fans at your new home before moving day.
Dress for the Occasion
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes that fit well to protect your feet while moving heavy boxes and furniture. Avoid sandals altogether—they don’t provide enough support or protection, and wearing them while moving increases your risk of injury and painful sunburn on your feet.
Avoid heavy fabrics like jeans or sweatpants when moving in summer. The process is already tough and sweaty—wearing lighter, breathable clothing helps you stay cooler and reduces the risk of heat exhaustion, which is especially high during hot weather moves.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential when moving in hot weather. Bring plenty of water for everyone—there’s no such thing as too much when battling heat and humidity. Even with breaks, the summer heat can take a toll, so keep water easily accessible throughout the day. Remember, having water available isn’t always enough! Encourage everyone to hydrate regularly and take frequent breaks to stay safe and energized.
Apply Sunscreen Regularly
Don’t forget sun protection during your summer move! Use sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, or other gear to shield yourself from the sun’s rays. Apply sunscreen before you start and reapply every 30 minutes to an hour to stay protected while moving in the heat.
Conclusion
Moving during the summer comes with unique challenges, from battling the heat to navigating higher demand for hiring movers and services. However, with careful planning, a detailed summer packing checklist, and smart strategies to stay cool and organized, your summer move can be smooth and even enjoyable!
Remember to start early, stay hydrated, protect your belongings from heat damage, and choose the right moving help for your needs. By preparing ahead and following these tips, you’ll not only survive the peak moving season but thrive in your new home with less stress and more confidence. Embrace the season and make your summer move a fresh start!
FAQs
Summer offers warmer weather and school breaks, making it a popular choice, but it also means higher demand and costs. Planning ahead can help you navigate the busy season smoothly.
Use insulated or moisture-resistant containers for sensitive items like electronics, plants, and perishables, and avoid packing in direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid the peak heat of midday, helping you stay cooler and more comfortable.
Because summer is peak moving season, it’s best to book professional movers several weeks in advance to ensure availability and better rates.
Besides essentials like clothes and kitchenware, include sun protection, hydration supplies, cooling towels or fans, and moisture-resistant packaging for heat-sensitive items.
Skylar Sanders is an Atlanta native and earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University in 2022. She is currently a graduate student at GSU studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies. In her free time she enjoys being in nature, volunteering, creating digital art, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.
