Whether it’s across the country or just the next city, town, or state over, planning a move takes lots of preparation. One of the main factors to consider when planning the move is the weather. Would you prefer to move during the hot summer months or the cold days of winter?
It actually doesn’t matter too much which end of the spectrum you prefer. You’re going to end up dealing with the weather one way or another. So how should you handle it? What steps should you take to prepare? Depending on what time of year you’re planning to move, the following tips will be beneficial.
Tips for Moving in the Heat
It’s tough to move during hot days. Below are some suggestions that could make your move during those higher temperatures a little more bearable.
Wear the Right Clothing
Cotton or linen breathe more easily than other materials, so stick to clothing items made of those—they’ll absorb sweat well. We also advise going with lighter colors that will help to repel sunlight. Dark colors will always attract it, making you feel hotter. Minimize the sunlight exposure in any way that you can—such as with sunglasses or a hat.
Start Early or Plan on Packing up in the Evening
Don’t move during the afternoon if you’re trying to avoid the summertime heat. The best times for moving when temperatures are high are early in the morning or later at night after the sun has set.
Be Aware of Signs of Overheating
Know what your body tells you. Watch out for signs that you or those helping you might be overheating, such as:
- Muscle cramps
- Elevated temperature
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Dizziness
The best move should you be experiencing any of these symptoms is to get out of the sun and into an air-conditioned area quickly.
Have Lots of Water On-Hand
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Not only is it hot, but you’ll also be doing a lot of heavy lifting and exerting yourself—the perfect recipe for sweating. Replenish your body’s water supply to avoid dehydration and all the unpleasantness associated with that.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen can shield your skin from the heat and from being burned. Keep applying every couple of hours throughout the moving process.
Turn on Utilities
Keep your movers, including yourself, happy by offering at least some relief from the heat with air conditioning inside your home. We suggest making sure the air conditioning is on well in advance so that it can provide cool air for your moving team during the actual event of moving.
Take Care of Items That Don’t Do Well in Heat
Some items won’t be able to sit inside a hot moving truck for hours at a time. Be aware of such items and pack them separately so that they’ll be put somewhere special or that it’s known they need to be placed in an air-conditioned location quickly.
Use Fans
Fans will keep air flowing and circulating during a hot summer move. Set them up in locations throughout the house, in the garage, and even around the moving truck if it seems appropriate.
How to Move in the Cold
In a lot of ways, our tips for how to move in the cold parallel suggestions for summertime moves, but there are some particular things to notice about cold weather that you won’t experience in the heat, including:
Clear Walkways First
Should your walkways be covered in either snow or ice, you’re going to want them cleared away in time for your move. Be sure to shovel, sand, or salt them before you get started.
Dress for It
Moving during the cold calls for more layers, more accessories like gloves, hats, and blankets, and something warm to be near or eat, such as the warmth of the house or some hot chocolate.
Protect Floors from Ice, Snow, and Salt
Movers are going to track a lot in and out with their shoes. Be sure to protect your flooring with canvas tarps so that nothing messes up your floors.
Turn Utilities on Early
Be sure that the heat has been turned up and is ready to go for the day of the move. Movers are going to need a warm place to defrost in between carting items to the moving truck.
Be Aware of Temperature-Sensitive Items
Some items won’t do well sitting outside in cold weather for hours at a time. Things can even get more brittle being in the cold and therefore break more easily. Use bubble wrap and thick wrapping paper to protect any possessions that might be more susceptible to damage in cold temperatures.
Consider Hiring Professionals
Use Colonial Van Lines when planning a move. Our team of professional movers have years of experience and are ready to help you make your move as smooth and seamless as possible. Contact us today to learn more.
