Blog

SUMMER MOVING CHECKLIST

April 3, 2024
Posted by:
Derek Showerman

Key Highlights

Introduction

Summer is coming and with it comes warmer weather, longer days, and the peak season for moving. Did you know that more than half of all moves in the United States take place during the summer months? It's no wonder that June 30th, July 31st, and August 1st are the most popular moving days. If you're planning a move this summer, it's important to be prepared and have a checklist of must-do tasks to ensure a smooth and successful transition to your new home.

Moving during the summer has its advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, the warmer weather and longer days make it more comfortable and convenient for the moving process. Plus, children are out of school for summer break, allowing for more flexibility in your schedule and no disruptions to school routines or activities. Additionally, summer is peak selling season, so if you're selling your home, you're likely to get more money for it and have an easier time finding a new place to call home.

However, moving during the summer also comes with some challenges. The increased demand for moving services during the peak season means you need to schedule your preferred moving date well in advance. The heat and humidity can make the moving process uncomfortable and even dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. And of course, moving expenses can quickly add up, so it's important to budget and plan accordingly.

In this blog, we'll provide you with an essential summer moving checklist to help you navigate the process and ensure a successful move. From scheduling your preferred moving date to taking care of delicate belongings, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your summer move a breeze. So let's dive in and get started!

Essential Summer Moving Checklist

Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but with the right planning and organization, you can make it a smooth and successful transition. Whether you're moving locally or long-distance, here's an essential summer moving checklist to help you stay on track:

By following this essential moving checklist, you'll be well-prepared and organized for your summer move. Now let's dive into the details of each item on the checklist to ensure a successful and stress-free move.

1. Schedule William C. Huff Early to Secure Your Preferred Moving Date

One of the first things you should do when planning a summer move is to schedule your preferred moving date early. The summer months are a popular season for moving, and there is increased demand for moving services during this time. By scheduling your move early, you can secure the services of William C. Huff and ensure that your preferred moving date is available.

Moving companies tend to book up quickly during the peak season, so it's important to plan ahead and make your reservation as soon as possible. This will also give you peace of mind knowing that your move is in good hands and that you won't have to scramble to find a moving company at the last minute.

When scheduling your move, consider factors such as the size of your home, the distance of the move, and any special requirements you may have. Providing the us with as much information as possible will help us better prepare for your move and ensure a smooth and efficient process.

2. Begin Packing Your House Ahead of Time for a Smooth Transition

Packing is one of the most time-consuming tasks when it comes to moving. To ensure a smooth transition to your new home, it's important to begin packing your house ahead of time. Start by decluttering and organizing your belongings, getting rid of anything you no longer need or want. Hosting a garage sale is a great way to get rid of unwanted items and make some extra cash to offset your moving expenses.

Once you've decluttered, start packing non-essential items first and gradually work your way to the essentials. Use sturdy boxes, packing tape, and packing materials such as bubble wrap and packing paper to protect your belongings during the move. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking.

Creating a moving checklist can be incredibly helpful in staying organized and ensuring that you don't forget any important tasks. Break down the packing process into smaller, manageable tasks and check them off as you go. This will help reduce stress and make the packing process more efficient.

By beginning to pack your house ahead of time and staying organized with a moving checklist, you'll be well-prepared for your summer move and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

3. Take Special Care of Delicate Belongings to Avoid Damage

During a summer move, it's important to take special care of delicate belongings to avoid any damage. The warm weather can be a challenge when it comes to transporting fragile items, such as glassware, artwork, and electronics. Here are some tips to ensure the safe and secure transport of your delicate belongings:

By taking special care of your delicate belongings and following these tips, you can ensure that they arrive at your new home in the same condition as when they were packed.

4. Use Coolers to Store Perishables During the Move

When moving during the summer, it's important to consider how to handle perishable items, such as food and plants, during the move. The summer heat can cause these items to spoil quickly, so it's essential to take steps to ensure their freshness.

One option is to use coolers to store perishable items during the move. Fill the coolers with ice packs or ice to keep the temperature cool and maintain the freshness of the items. This is particularly important if you're moving long distances or if there will be a significant amount of time between when you pack your perishables and when you unpack them.

Make sure to pack perishable items in sealed containers or bags to prevent any leaks or spills. Label the coolers clearly and keep them easily accessible during the move. Consider packing the coolers last so that they are the first items you unpack and can quickly transfer perishable items to the refrigerator in your new home.

By using coolers to store perishable items during the move, you can ensure that they stay fresh and avoid any unpleasant surprises upon arrival at your new home.

5. Regularly Check the Weather Forecast to Plan Accordingly

One of the advantages of moving during the summer is the generally better weather conditions. However, it's still important to regularly check the weather forecast to plan your move accordingly. Extreme heat and humidity can make the moving process uncomfortable and even dangerous, so it's important to take precautions to ensure everyone's safety.

If the forecast predicts excessively hot or humid conditions, consider adjusting your moving schedule to avoid the hottest times of the day. Plan to move in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. This will make the process more comfortable for everyone involved and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

In addition to heat and humidity, keep an eye on the forecast for any potential storms or extreme weather conditions. Disruptions due to bad weather can significantly delay your move and cause additional stress. Stay prepared and have a backup plan in case of any weather-related disruptions.

By regularly checking the weather forecast and planning your move accordingly, you can ensure a smoother and more comfortable moving experience.

6. Aim to Move in the Morning to Beat the Heat

Moving in the summer heat can be exhausting and uncomfortable, so it's best to aim to move in the morning when temperatures are cooler. By starting early in the day, you can take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and avoid the peak heat of the afternoon.

Moving in the morning not only helps beat the heat but also provides more daylight hours to complete your move. Daylight is essential for a smooth and efficient move, as it allows for better visibility and reduces the risk of accidents or damage to your belongings.

Make sure to plan your move schedule accordingly and communicate with your moving company about your preferred start time. By moving in the morning, you'll have a more comfortable and productive moving experience.

7. Make Arrangements for Kids, Pets, and Plants for Their Safety

Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for everyone involved, including kids, pets, and plants. To ensure their safety and well-being during the move, it's important to make arrangements in advance.

If you have small children, consider asking a family member or trusted friend to look after them on moving day. This will allow you to focus on the move without worrying about their safety or well-being. If possible, it's best to keep them away from the moving process to avoid any accidents or distractions.

Pets, on the other hand, may require special attention during a summer move. The heat can be especially dangerous for animals, so it's important to make arrangements for their comfort and safety. Consider boarding them or leaving them with a trusted caregiver until you're settled in your new home.

Finally, plants may also require special care during a summer move. Extreme heat can be detrimental to plants, so it's important to take precautions to ensure their survival. Pack them in well-ventilated containers and keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures during transportation.

By making arrangements for kids, pets, and plants, you can ensure their safety and well-being during the summer move and reduce additional stress and distractions.

8. Wear Season-Appropriate Clothing for Comfort and Safety

When moving during the summer, it's important to wear season-appropriate clothing for comfort and safety. The warmer weather can make the moving process physically demanding, so it's essential to dress appropriately.

Choose lightweight and breathable clothing that allows for movement and prevents overheating. Opt for light-colored clothing to reflect the sun's rays and keep you cooler. Don't forget to protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen and wearing a hat.

Wear comfortable shoes that provide support and cushioning to prevent foot pain and fatigue. Moving involves a lot of walking, lifting, and carrying, so it's important to protect your feet.

By wearing season-appropriate clothing, you'll be more comfortable and better prepared to tackle the physical demands of a summer move.

Pre-Move Preparations

Before you start packing for your summer move, there are a few pre-move preparations you should consider. These preparations will help ensure a smoother and more organized move:

By completing these pre-move preparations, you'll be well-prepared and organized for your summer move.

9. Declutter Your Home by Hosting a Garage Sale

Before you start packing for your summer move, take the time to declutter your home. Getting rid of any items you no longer need or want will not only make your move easier and more organized but also help reduce moving expenses.

One great way to declutter and make some extra cash is by hosting a garage sale. Gather all the items you no longer need or want and set them up for sale in your driveway or garage. Advertise your garage sale in advance to attract more buyers and make sure to price your items competitively.

Hosting a garage sale not only helps you declutter your home but also provides an opportunity to interact with your neighbors and community. Plus, the extra cash can offset your moving expenses and make your summer move more affordable.

10. Gather Necessary Packing Supplies Early

To ensure a smooth and efficient packing process for your summer move, it's important to gather all the necessary packing supplies early. Having these supplies on hand will save you time and stress as you start packing.

Some essential packing supplies include:

Create a detailed moving checklist to keep track of all the packing supplies you need and make sure to purchase them in advance. This will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute scrambling to find packing supplies.

By gathering the necessary packing supplies early, you'll be well-prepared for your summer move and ensure a smooth and efficient packing process.

Moving Day Tips

Moving day can be both exciting and stressful, but with the right tips, you can make it a successful and smooth experience. Here are some essential moving day tips to keep in mind:

By following these moving day tips, you'll be well-prepared and organized for a successful and stress-free move.

11. Start Early to Take Advantage of Cooler Morning Temperatures

When moving during the summer, it's important to start early on moving day to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. The summer heat can make the moving process physically demanding and uncomfortable, so starting early can help reduce the impact of the heat.

By starting early, you can also take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures to load the moving truck. This will make the process more comfortable and efficient for both you and the movers. Additionally, cooler morning temperatures can help prevent your belongings from being exposed to excessive heat for prolonged periods of time.

Make sure to communicate with your movers and agree on a start time that allows for an early start to the day. By starting early, you'll have a better chance of beating the summer heat and ensuring a smoother moving process.

12. Stay Hydrated and Take Regular Breaks

Moving day can be physically demanding, especially during the summer heat. It's important to stay hydrated and take regular breaks to avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Keep a water bottle handy and take sips regularly to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you further.

In addition to staying hydrated, take regular breaks to rest and cool down. Find shade or a cool area to relax and recharge. This will help prevent exhaustion and heat-related illnesses.

If possible, set up a designated area with shade and seating for breaks. This will provide a comfortable space for you and your moving team to rest and recover during the day.

By staying hydrated and taking regular breaks, you'll ensure that you have the energy and stamina to complete your move safely and successfully.

Post-Move Advice

Once you've successfully completed your summer move, there are a few post-move tasks and considerations to keep in mind. Here's some post-move advice to help you settle into your new home:

By following this post-move advice, you'll be well on your way to settling into your new home and making it your own.

13. Unpack Perishables First and Set Up Essential Services

After a summer move, it's important to prioritize unpacking perishable items and setting up essential services in your new home. This will ensure that you have the necessities in place for a smooth transition and comfortable living.

Start by unpacking perishable items, such as food and plants, as soon as possible. These items need to be stored properly to avoid spoilage or damage. Set up your refrigerator and freezer and transfer perishable items from coolers or storage containers.

Next, focus on setting up essential services, such as electricity, water, and internet. Contact the appropriate service providers to schedule installations or transfers. This will ensure that your new home is fully functional and ready for you to settle in.

By prioritizing the unpacking of perishables and setting up essential services, you'll be able to start enjoying your new home with minimal disruption.

14. Conduct a Final Walkthrough of Your Old Home

Before saying goodbye to your old home, it's important to conduct a final walkthrough to ensure that everything is in order and that you're not leaving anything behind. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your old home is in good condition and ready for the next occupants.

During the final walkthrough, go through each room and check for any belongings that may have been overlooked during the move. Open closets, cabinets, and drawers to make sure nothing has been left behind.

Inspect the walls, floors, and fixtures for any damage that may have occurred during the move. Take note of any issues that need to be addressed before handing over the keys to the new owner or landlord.

By conducting a final walkthrough, you'll ensure a smooth and complete move-out process, leaving your old home in good condition and ready for its new occupants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, summer moving requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition. By following the essential checklist items, such as scheduling your moving date early, packing ahead of time, and taking special care of delicate belongings, you can make the process more manageable. Remember to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and plan for the safety of your kids, pets, and plants. Moving in the morning and monitoring the weather forecast can also help you navigate the challenges of relocating during the summer months effectively. Implement these tips for a successful summer move!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is summer a popular time for moving?

Summer is a popular time for moving because it coincides with the school year break, allowing for a smoother transition for families with children. The better weather and longer days also make it more convenient and comfortable for the moving process.

How can I protect my delicate items during a summer move?

To protect delicate items during a summer move, wrap them in bubble wrap and secure them with packing tape. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to provide additional protection. Consider using climate-controlled transportation for sensitive items.

What are some tips for moving with pets in the summer?

When moving with pets in the summer, make sure to provide them with plenty of water and shade. Consider boarding them or leaving them with a trusted family member during the move to ensure their safety and well-being.

How do I ensure my plants survive a summer move?

To ensure that your plants survive a summer move, pack them in well-ventilated containers and keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures during transportation. Unpack them as soon as possible and give them proper care in their new home.

William C. Huff Companies is committed to simplifying the complicated maze of moving and storing your priceless possessions. With over 40 full-time, tenured, and highly trained staff, you can be assured that your move will be handled smoothly and professionally, from the first phone call until the last box is unpacked.