Summer is usually a very good time to move. The days are longer, the kids are out of school, and time off from work is easier to get. So, it’s not surprising that about half of the moves take place during the summer months. Then again, summer moves are usually hot and tiring. These things pile stress on top of stress.
Summer Moves – How To Do It Right?
At Green Van Lines, our core values of cost-effectiveness, green efficiency, and relationship-building permeate every relocation we handle, and not just during the busy summer months. In terms of cost-effectiveness, some companies make big promises and fail to deliver. We simply promise to show up on time, work hard, and keep our costs low. Furthermore, with every relocation we handle, we do our part to make our world a better place. Finally, we do not just want to be a one-time answer. We want to be your long term provider for all your moving and storage needs.
DO Expect to Pay More
Most movers, including Green Van Lines, hire additional crews during the summer months. Additionally, when demand is high, the rules of economics dictate that prices go up.
Some moving companies take advantage of these things to drive up their prices. As a matter of fact, for some moving companies, the summer months are like the Christmas season for retailers. Most retailers make most of their money during the fourth quarter, and many movers make most of their money during the summer.
But unlike some other companies, at Green Van Lines, we work to keep summer moving costs as low as possible. We don’t depend on summer moves to make money, because when you offer a quality service as we do, the demand is always there.
DO Remember Water Bottles
Most people should drink about 64 ounces of water on a normal day. A summer moving day is far from a normal day. That means both you and the movers need even more water to help erase the effects of physical and emotional stress. Frequently, the water is off at both your old place and new place during at least part of moving day. And there almost certainly is no ice. So, put plenty of bottles in a cooler the night before the move. You and your crew will appreciate that effort.
DO Start Early
Heat and humidity are usually lowest early in the morning. And, during high summer, the sun usually comes up about 6. Start with the heavy stuff early, and the rest of the move will be much easier.
DO Turn On the AC
Speaking of non-working utilities, make sure the electricity is on at your new place. That won’t solve your lack of water problem, but it will keep you and your crew much more comfortable. If possible, head to your new place the night before the move and turn on the air conditioner, so the house cools all night. Do not be afraid to crank it up. We’re pretty sure that the old twenty-degree rule (never set the thermostat more than twenty degrees below the outside temperature) doesn’t apply on moving day.
DO Apply Sunscreen
This tip might be the most important one. Sunscreen is not about comfort. It’s about your health. And, even if it is cloudy outside, you could quickly get a very bad sunburn or the beginnings of skin cancer. The sun’s radiation, and not the sun’s light, cause these things. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses. Be sure the sunglasses are not too dark and explicitly say they block UV rays.
DON’T Wear Heavy Clothes
Moving day is no time to hide your gut or look good. Do not wear go-to-work clothes, and do not even wear everyday casual clothes. Instead, pull last year’s workout clothes out of the drawer and put them on. Most people also skip their showers on moving day. After a few hours of hauling items, a morning shower won’t mean much anyway.
DON’T Move on a Holiday
As mentioned, summer moves are already more expensive. The conveniences of moving during the summer usually justify the slightly higher cost. But a Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day move throws everything out of balance. Due to a shortage of crews and trucks, holiday prices are much higher. Also, events like block parties and community parades usually mean street closures. That means unwanted detours and delays.
DON’T Fly by the Seat of your Pants
Especially regarding relocations, a stitch in time saves nine. About three months before the move, research, interview, and select a moving company. Start packing at least four weeks before moving day. Do not leave anything until the last minute.
DON’T Overheat Items
We have discussed some ways to keep yourself and your moving crew cool and comfortable, or at least cooler and more comfortable. The same things apply to many household items, particularly electronics.
Computers, televisions, speakers, and other such items are not designed for extreme temperatures. They are designed to be used in climate-controlled areas. So, keep these items inside for as long as possible. If they are the last thing on the truck, they will also be the first thing off the truck. Even if the indoors is stuffy, it’s not nearly as hot and humid as the inside of a moving truck.
DON’T Forget to Put Perishables in Coolers
This last point goes back to some we have already talked about. Many people have perhaps a hundred dollars’ worth of perishable items, such as milk, fruit, vegetables, juice, and ice cream in their refrigerators or freezers. Instead of throwing this stuff out, if your move is a local one, pack it in a cooler. If you thought electronics were sensitive to the heat, that’s nothing compared to a gallon of milk. Sure, these things are okay in your trunk for a couple of hours, but they are not okay in the back of a truck for that long.
Contact us for more ways to help ensure that your next relocation is also your best relocation.
2 Bonus Tips:
Pests
During the summer, with all that warm weather and moisture in the air, various creatures and critters come crawling around. There are many invasive species, including beetles and ladybugs, that may make your move downright troublesome. If you’re deadest on moving during the summer, we recommend inspecting your belongings and boxes for any unwanted guests sooner rather than later.
Packing Your Clothing
Lastly, if you’re in the process of packing all your clothing, remember to keep a few sets out for the summer weather. You do not want to try packing and loading a truck in tight, hot clothing. Instead, opt for loose, breathable clothes and have plenty of water nearby.
To make your summer move extraordinary, contact Green Van Lines. We have experience helping homeowners relocate during the summer heat. Give us a call at 888-770-4733!