Summer Moving Tips: How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year to move. With kids out of school, longer daylight hours, and more flexibility to plan around work and family schedules, it's easy to see why so many people relocate during the summer months. 

However, moving during the summer also comes with many challenges. In places like Arizona, Texas, Florida, and other southern states, extreme heat can quickly turn moving day into a physically demanding experience. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. With the right planning, protection, and the right moving truck, you can stay cool, protect your belongings, and enjoy a safer moving experience during summer.

Key Takeaways Plan around the heat: Start early, stay hydrated, and take regular breaks to avoid heat exhaustion during peak summer temperatures.   Prepare and protect in advance: Pack ahead of time, dress appropriately for sun exposure, and keep children, pets, and heat-sensitive items safe from extreme temperatures.   Move efficiently and safely: Use proper lifting and driving practices and choose a well-suited moving truck to reduce time spent in the heat and make the move more manageable.

Tips for Moving in Extreme Heat

1. Start Early to Beat the Heat 

One of the easiest ways to make moving day more comfortable is to start as early as possible. Morning temperatures are significantly cooler than the afternoon, which can help you avoid the hottest part of the day. 

Try to schedule your loading and unloading during the early morning hours whenever possible. This not only reduces your exposure to the sun but can also make lifting and carrying boxes much easier. 

IMPORTANT: Moving truck cargo areas, loading ramps, and metal surfaces can become extremely hot after sitting in direct sunlight for several hours. Starting early also helps you avoid working around these heated surfaces. Getting a pair of gloves to avoid touching hot surfaces is also a great way to stay safe on a hot moving day. 

For movers who want to avoid the hottest part of the day, Truck Share 24/7® offers added flexibility. While many U-Haul locations open as early as 7 AM, Truck Share 24/7® allows you to pick up or return your moving truck using the U-Haul App at a time that works best for you. Whether you prefer an early morning start before the temperatures rise or a late evening after the heat subsides, you can schedule your move around cooler hours for a more comfortable experience. 

2. Dress for Safety and Comfort 

What you wear can make a big difference when moving in hot weather. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that help keep you cool while still providing protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing is helpful because it reflects sunlight, whereas darker-colored clothing absorbs heat.  

While shorts and tank tops may seem like the obvious choice, long sleeves and lightweight pants often provide better protection from sun exposure and can help prevent sunburns. 

Most importantly, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Moving day often involves carrying heavy items, walking up ramps, and climbing in and out of a moving truck. Proper footwear helps protect your feet throughout the move. 

If you're moving during extreme heat, consider adding Moving Help® to your reservation. Moving Help can connect you with local labor providers who can assist with loading and unloading, helping you spend less time lifting heavy furniture and boxes in the sun. 

3. Bring the Right Heat-Fighting Accessories 

The right accessories can help you stay comfortable and reduce the effects of extreme heat. Before moving day, make sure you have the following supplies: 

• Sunscreen 
• Sunglasses 
• A wide-brimmed hat 
• Cooling towels 
• Extra towels for sweat 
• A portable fan  

4. Be Packed and Ready Before Moving Day 

The easiest way to stay cool during a summer move is to do as much preparation as possible before moving day arrives, and to do it inside. Having your boxes packed, labeled, and organized ahead of time means you'll spend less time loading and unloading in the heat. 

Create a packing plan, group similar items together, and make sure frequently-used essentials are easy to access. The more organized you are, the faster your move will go and the less time you'll spend outdoors in extreme temperatures. 

When you need an extra hand, Moving Help® can connect you with local labor-only movers who can assist with loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking, so you don’t have to do it yourself in the scorching heat.  

5. Plan Ahead for Kids and Pets 

Moving day can be hectic, especially when children and pets are involved. Loading ramps, moving equipment, and constant foot traffic can create safety hazards. Consider arranging a family member, friend, babysitter, or pet daycare to help care for children and pets during the move.  

If they will be with you, make sure they have access to plenty of water, shade, and cooling snacks throughout the day. Most importantly, never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle or moving truck, even for a short period of time. 

For more information on moving with kids and pets, check out these complete guides: 

• Moving with Kids: Tips & Advice for a Stress-Free Transition 

• Moving with Pets? Check Out These Tips from U-Haul 

6. Stay Hydrated Throughout the Move 

Staying hydrated is one of the most important parts of moving safely in extreme heat. 

Drink water consistently throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. By the time thirst sets in, your body may already be experiencing dehydration. 

Watch for common signs of dehydration, including excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. Sweating causes your body to lose important minerals, so consider replenishing your body with sports drinks or electrolyte packets. Water-rich foods like watermelon, oranges, grapes, and cucumbers can also help support hydration and be a great snack for everyone helping out with a move, especially kids. It's also a good idea to limit excessive caffeine and alcohol before moving day, as both can contribute to dehydration. 

Pro Tip: Bring extra water for everyone helping with the move. 

7. Know When to Take a Break 

Moving quickly should never come at the expense of your safety. Learn the warning signs of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms can include dizziness, confusion, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and excessive fatigue. 

If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, stop what you're doing and move to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately. Drink water, cool down, and give your body time to recover. Remember: a short break is far better than risking a heat-related emergency. 

For additional information, the CDC and Mayo Clinic offer resources about heat-related illness to familiarize yourself with before moving day. 

8. Protect Heat-Sensitive Items 

Moving truck cargo areas can become hotter than the outside temperature during the summer.  

To protect your valuable belongings, transport especially heat-sensitive items in your air-conditioned personal vehicle whenever possible. These include electronics, batteries, medications, vinyl records, candles, houseplants, artwork, and delicate fabrics. If you wouldn't leave an item in a hot car for several hours, it's usually best to avoid storing it in the cargo area of a moving truck. 

9. Drive Smart During Extreme Heat 

Long summer drives require additional planning. Before leaving, make sure you're comfortable with your truck's controls, mirrors, and air conditioning system. Choosing a well-maintained U-Haul moving truck with reliable air conditioning can make long summer drives more comfortable and help reduce fatigue. 

Keep extra water in the truck cab and schedule regular fuel and rest stops. Driving while tired can be dangerous, especially during long-distance moves. Pay attention to weather forecasts and road conditions before departure, and don't hesitate to take breaks when needed. If you're traveling with pets, remember that they should never be left alone inside a parked vehicle or moving truck. 

10. Park Smart During Stops 

Whenever possible, park in shaded areas during breaks and overnight stops.  

Shade helps reduce heat buildup inside the truck cab and makes it more comfortable when you're ready to get back on the road.  

Using windshield sunshades can provide additional protection during longer stops. 

For multi-day moves, choose secure overnight parking locations and try to avoid leaving heat-sensitive belongings exposed to prolonged high temperatures. 

Learn more about Where You Can Park a Box Truck Overnight

Make Your Summer Move Easier with U-Haul Trucks 

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year to move, which means moving trucks can book up quickly. Reserving your truck in advance can help ensure the size and equipment you need are available when moving day arrives. 

The right moving truck can also help make your summer move more efficient. With enough cargo space for your belongings, you can reduce the number of trips required and spend less time loading and unloading in the heat. Combined with the right moving supplies and moving support services, like Moving Help, you'll be better prepared for a safe and comfortable moving experience. 

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, U-Haul offers a variety of truck sizes to fit your needs.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Moving

Can I pick up a moving truck before the store opens or after the store closes? 

Yes. With Truck Share 24/7®, you can pick up and return your moving truck using the U-Haul App without needing to visit the rental counter during business hours.  

How hot does the inside of a moving truck get? 

The cargo area of a moving truck can become hotter than the outside temperature when parked in direct sunlight. On a 90°F day, temperatures inside the truck can easily exceed 110°F or more. Because of this, it's important to limit the amount of time heat-sensitive belongings spend inside the truck and to load these items last whenever possible. 

What items should not be left in a moving truck during the summer? 

Many household items can be damaged by high temperatures. Avoid leaving medications, electronics, batteries, candles, vinyl records, artwork, houseplants, and certain cleaning products in a hot moving truck for extended periods. When possible, transport these items in an air-conditioned personal vehicle. 

Is it better to move in the morning or evening during hot weather? 

Early morning is generally the best time to move during hot weather because temperatures are usually at their lowest. Moving in the evening can also help you avoid peak afternoon heat. If your schedule allows, try to do most of the loading and unloading before the hottest part of the day. 

What are the signs of heat exhaustion while moving? 

Common signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop moving immediately, find a cool or shaded area, drink water, and rest. Severe symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or a body temperature above 103°F may indicate heat stroke and require immediate medical attention. 

How do I protect furniture and electronics from heat during a move? 

Avoid leaving them in a parked truck for extended periods. Use furniture pads and moving blankets to provide an extra layer of protection from heat and sunlight. Electronics should be packed securely and transported in climate-controlled conditions whenever possible. If you're moving long-distance, consider loading heat-sensitive items last and unloading them first. 

Can I hire help if I don't want to move heavy furniture in the heat? 

Yes. Moving Help connects customers with local labor providers who can assist with loading, unloading, packing, unpacking, and other moving tasks. This can reduce the amount of time you spend lifting heavy items outdoors and make your move safer and more efficient during extreme summer temperatures.