Managing a Summer Move

June 9, 2022
Ella Martin
Ella Martin

It's no secret that summer is the most popular time to move. In fact, according to the American Moving and Storage Association, more than 50% of all moves occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While there are plenty of advantages to making a summer move – like better weather and longer days – there are also some challenges that come along with it. So here are our top dos and don'ts for your summer move: 

 

Do watch out for the heat. 

This is one of our top concerns and one reason people may feel deterred from moving in the hotter months. The heat can keep morale low when it comes to moving big boxes. Our advice? Create a hydration stand! One of the dangers of moving in the heat is dehydration. Keep cool water bottles handy on moving day, and maybe even encourage the kids to have a lemonade stand. Take frequent breaks and spend some time in the shade or indoors; having a designated area is always lovely—or room of AC to regroup in. 

Do get an early start. 

The earlier you start, the easier it will be. A key aspect to a successful move in the heat is beating those grueling afternoon hours by getting up around 6 or 7 for the more pleasant morning weather. 

Do take care of your pets. 

The last thing you want is your pet getting overheated and stir crazy. Please keep your pets in the shade or an air-conditioned area, ensure they have plenty of water, and practice general summer safety. Make sure your new place is fully set up with air conditioning before you move in – you don't want to be stuck in an unbearable heatwave without any way to cool down.

Do book movers ahead of time.

Unsurprisingly, summer is one of the most popular times to move. This means that everyone will be competing to move on the weekends and more convenient days, avoiding holidays, etc. So get in touch with us sooner rather than later to ensure you have the time that works best for you! It is recommended that you contact a moving company as much as 12 weeks in advance, if possible. 

Don't move during a holiday weekend.

If you're planning on moving during a holiday weekend, you may want to rethink your strategy. While it might seem like a good idea to take advantage of the extra days off from work, the reality is that most people are also trying to do the same thing. Unfortunately, this means that prices for everything from rental trucks to storage units will be at their peak, and availability will be limited. You'll also have to contend that many businesses – including banks and government offices – will be closed, which can make completing your move a lot more difficult.

Don't forget to put perishables in coolers.

If you have any perishable items that need to be moved, don't forget to put them in coolers. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from spoiling during the move. Be sure to pack the coolers with ice or freeze packs so that the food stays cold during transport. You may also want to consider packing a separate cooler for each type of food so that you can keep things organized and make sure everything stays fresh.

Don't wear dark and heavy fabrics.  

We recommend all things cotton and linen. These fabrics help reduce sweat and allow the breeze to flow through the material. Also, avoid black and other dark colors that increase heat. Opt for lighter-colored fabrics that reflect the sun's rays and help keep you cool. Sunglasses, hats, and sneakers are other summer moving must-haves.


And lastly, we recommend getting some high-quality sunscreen to protect your skin all day! 


Summer is a great time to relocate. The kids are out of school, getting time off work tends to be more manageable, and the longer days allow for full, productive days of moving/packing. At Imlach Group, our mission is to help you relocate summer or winter, rain or shine; if you need to move this summer, get a quote today! Moving in the summer can be challenging, especially if you have a family. However, with our tips, you can definitely make the process go more smoothly.