Summer Moving Tips: How to Move in Extreme Heat

Summer is considered “moving season” for many reasons. The kids are out of school, the weather is typically on the nicer side, and moving equipment rates are at their lowest. It really is the best time to relocate in most cases.

However, for some parts of the U.S., moving during the summer months means moving in extreme heat. Arizona, Texas, Florida, and other parts of the southern U.S. are no stranger to triple-digit days, where sweltering heat and high humidity can make moving not only uncomfortable, but downright dangerous as well if you aren’t careful.

So, how can you take advantage of the convenience of moving during the summer while staying not only cool, but safe as well? Here are 10 tips for moving in the summer heat.

1. Start Early

The sun may be brightest from mid-morning to early afternoon, but the hottest part of the day in terms of temperature is usually between 3 and 6 p.m. That's because the Earth’s surface absorbs the radiation from the sun throughout the day, only to re-radiate into the atmosphere later (usually a few hours after 12 p.m.).

That’s why we recommend doing as much as you can in the early morning – to avoid those scorching afternoon temperatures. In fact, we created U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 so can pick up your moving truck anytime, day or night, so there’s nothing holding you back from starting your summer move as early as you want.

2. Dress for the Occasion

When most people think of warm weather attire, they picture tank tops, shorts, and sandals. That might be fine for a day at the beach, but for summer moves, your outfit should look a lot different.

Think about landscapers, construction workers, and other folks who work outside during the day. What do they wear? Long pants and long-sleeved shirts. It may seem counterintuitive, but protecting your skin from the sun’s rays can help you stay cooler better than short-sleeves and shorts.

So, don’t be afraid to wear something with a lot of coverage, like a T-shirt and cargo pants. Just be sure to wear light colors and a breathable fabric, like cotton. Don't forget closed toe shoes!

3. Bring Some Accessories

It’s not enough to wear the right outfit. You also need the right accessories. A brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves. You may also want to bring some towels – some for wiping away sweat and others for wetting and draping over the back of your neck to regulate your body temperature.

4. Be Packed and Ready Before Moving Day

The easiest way to stay cool? Do less work by having your things packed and ready to go so there’s less to do on moving day. This will help minimize your workload so you can finish up before the hottest part of the day strikes. Plus, the better you pack your boxes, the fewer trips you’ll have to make. To ensure you pack like a pro, look at our guides for packing boxes and the different rooms in your house.

5. Plan for Pets and Kids

Moving day can be a crazy scene with boxes everywhere, people coming and going, and furniture all over the place. It's easy to lose track of little kids and pets in all the chaos. This is especially worrisome when it's super-hot outside, as heat exhaustion can sneak up on you in just a few minutes.

Keep your family safe by planning for your small children and pets. Ask a friend or family member to babysit or look into a local doggy daycare for your furry pals. That way, you can focus on the task at hand without worrying about them being safe and comfortable.

6. Stay Hydrated

This may seem obvious, but it’s more important than ever to stay hydrated when you’re doing strenuous work when it’s hot outside. Here are some hydrating tips:

• Listen to Your Body – Pay attention to signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, and reduced urine output.
• Balance Your Hydration – Take small sips periodically rather than taking large gulps all at once. The latter can lead to “water intoxication” which causes vomiting.
• Get Those Electrolytes – consider consuming sports drinks that contain electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to replenish minerals lost through sweat.
• Don't Forget to Snack – Certain foods can give your body a hydrating boost as well. Fruits, salty snacks, and some vegetables have high water and electrolyte content.

7. Pack a Cooler for Perishables and Snacks

You're not the only one who needs to keep cool during the move. Don't forget about the perishables in your fridge and freezer! If you bring them with you, they'll need to stay cool too. Make sure to pack a cooler with ice to keep your refrigerated items at the right temperature until you reach your new home. And if you have some extra space, throw in some snacks and water for the journey ahead.

8. Take Heat-Sensitive Items in Your Personal Car

Some items in the house can't handle high heat. As you're packing up, make sure to take note of anything that you think might not survive in the back of a hot moving truck. It's better to bring these items with you in your personal vehicle.

For example, this could include electronics, vinyl records, delicate clothing, indoor plants, batteries, and candles. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn't want to leave something in the garage during the summer, then it's best to bring it with you in the car.

9. Plan Your Utilities Accordingly

If possible, we suggest making sure the electricity is turned on at your new home before you move in and keeping it on at your old home as you leave. This way, you can keep cool by running the air conditioner or using portable fans as you load and unload. This will also ensure that your refrigerator is powered up and ready for your perishable items.

10. Know When to Take a Break

During hot weather, heat-related illnesses are common. It's important to be aware of the signs, like feeling dizzy, confused, or nauseous, which could indicate heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. The government has a webpage all about these illnesses and their warning signs.

But not every bit of discomfort means you're facing a serious heat-related illness. Sometimes your body just needs a breather. It's super important to pay attention to what your body is telling you and take breaks when needed. Find some shade, grab a drink of water, and let your body cool off. Taking breaks is the best way to avoid getting hit with a heat-related illness.

Plan Your Summer Move with U-Haul

Hopefully, with this guide in hand, you’ll have a safe and comfortable summer move. Another way to make your move successful is to use the right resources. U-Haul has you covered. Whether you’re looking for a truck rental, portable storage container, or a helping hand, you’ll find all the moving and storage resources at uhaul.com.

Start a reservation today!