The days are longer, the weather warmer, and school is finally out. For these reasons and more, summer is by far the most popular time of year to buy a home. While the summer market might be slightly cooler, the temperatures outside are just starting to heat up. While this likely doesnt have much effect on the buying process, the moving process is a different story.

Packing up and moving into a new home during the heat of the summer season may be more convenient than other times of the year, but it is definitely not the most enjoyable. Luckily, there is no need to sweat (figuratively or literally!). If there’s one thing our team at SimpleShowing knows how to do well, it’s how to keep things simple. Here are 5 ways to simplify your summer move.

1.) Hire Movers Well in Advance

May through September is the peak home buying season. Therefore, it is also the peak moving season. While you likely have some family or friends helping with your move, don’t just rely on them. Having some professionals to help with the heavy lifting and transporting will help everyone out and move things along quicker.

With so many other new homebuyers scheduling their moves, moving companies are likely to fill their schedules quickly. If you already know what day you plan to move into your new home, it’s time to start calling the movers. If possible, hire movers at least three weeks before your move if not sooner to secure your spot on their schedule.

Due to the high demand for moving services during the summer months, the prices will also be higher than usual. Be sure to factor this price hike into your moving budget. If you are planning to move on a weekend like most people, expect an additional price increase. If you want to save money and have a better chance of securing movers, plan to move on a weekday when availability is higher and prices are lower.

2.) Consider the Heat While Packing

If you think it’s hot outside, just imagine how hot it is inside the back of the moving truck. During the hot summer months, you will want to take extra consideration of how you pack your belongings. Not all of your belongings will tolerate the heat well. Here are a few items you may want to take special care of:

• Electronics- Laptops, tablets, phones, and other electronics devices are very sensitive to heat. If possible, try to pack your electronics in their original packaging. This will provide the best protection and ventilation. Instead of putting them on the moving truck, set them aside and carry them in your car to the new location.
• Media Disks- CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records become easily warped when exposed to hot temperatures. Like electronics, pack any media discs in your own car to provide a more controlled environment. Be sure to also back up any important information either online or to an external hard drive just in case they don’t make the move.
• Plants- Unfortunately, most plants don’t survive the shock of a hot van. Most moving companies refuse to transport live plants for this reason. If you have live plants that you plan to move with you, pack them all up as carefully as you can. Wait until the last minute to pack up your plants so that they will have as little heat exposure as possible.
• Candles- If a flame can melt a candle, so can a hot moving van. While the candle will eventually go back to its solid form once out of the van, there is no guarantee that the candle won’t jostle around in the back of the van. The last thing you want is to find candle wax melted all over the rest of your belongings. To avoid these damages, pack candles with you securely in your own car.
• Random Household Items- There are many smaller household items that also don’t do well in heat. Items you may overlook include batteries, cosmetics, medicines and art supplies. Look over labels for warnings on how the product reacts in heat. When in doubt, use your best judgment. If it has the potential to melt, catch on fire, or lose its effectiveness, don’t put it in the truck. Pack the item in your car, toss it, or donate it instead.

3.) Beat the Heat With an Early Start

If possible, aim for an early move. While waking up early may not seem ideal, you will thank yourself later. Moving early allows you to do most of the work during the coolest past of the day and avoid the extreme heat of the afternoon. In fact, most movers will recommend you to schedule as early as possible as it is more ideal for them too.

UV rays are strongest between 11a.m. and 3p.m., so plan to schedule your moving truck to arrive well before that time period. So that you don’t waste time in the morning, have as much of your belongings packed  and ready to go the night before. That way once the movers arrive you are not shuffling around putting things away in boxes. You and your movers can pack everything up and head to your new place quickly before the sun gets too intense.

4.) Stay Hydrated and Protected

You might not realize it, but the moving process can be physically exhausting. In the hot summer months, staying hydrated is key to moving successfully. Without proper hydration, you can very easily find yourself feeling dizziness, fatigue, confusion, irritability, and rapid heartbeat. Faiting can also occur if you are not careful.

Moving is already a difficult process. There is no need to add the unnecessary difficulty of dehydration symptoms. Make sure that you have a cooler full of water or electrolyte drinks for you and your family, as well as for the movers helping you. This will ensure everyone is feeling their best throughout the move.

In addition to keeping everyone hydrated, it is also important to keep skin protected. During your move, you will be spending a good amount of time outside transporting items in and out of the moving truck/vehicles. Put sunscreen on any skin that isn’t protected by clothing. You don’t want to move into your new home with a painful sunburn.

5.) Turn on Utilities Before Moving Day

When moving during the summer, you will want to make sure your utilities are set up and turned on before moving day.  Moving into your new home is much more enjoyable when the home already has the air conditioning running. After you’ve put everything into the home, you can enjoy cooling off as you begin to unpack.

Schedule your utilities to be turned on at least three weeks before your moving day, preferably right before you move in. The day before your move, visit the home to make sure everything is tuned on properly. This way you can move right in with peace of mind knowing you have a cool and functioning home.

BONUS TIP: Simplify with SimpleShowing!

While we might not be able to help you simplify your summer move, our team at SimpleShowing can surely help you simplify home buying through our streamlined buying process and buyer refund incentive. Book showings online, work with an experienced local agent, and get an average of $5,000 towards closing costs.

Ready to simplify your summer move and home purchase? Get in touch with an agent today to learn more!