The Best Tips for Surviving a Summer Move
Summer is here! And while for some, it means enjoying the dog days of summer and relaxing by the pool, for others, it’s time to get a fresh start before fall. By and large, summer is the most popular season for moving, and it’s easy to see why.
For families, school is out, and children won’t have to change schools in the middle of an academic year. There isn’t the threat of icy roads delaying a move like there are in the winter. And, generally, everyone just has more flexibility during the summer months. The US Census Bureau estimates that a whopping 27.3 million Americans moved homes in 2022.
An old adage is that moving is the second most stressful life event, preceded only by a relative’s death. Thankfully, that myth has been debunked, but moving into a new house can still be incredibly stressful if you aren’t prepared for the big day. So, what can you do to prepare yourself, your family and your pets for this exciting next step? Here are our best tips to help you prepare for a summer move:
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1. Make contacts well in advance
Reach out to moving companies and friends ahead of time! If you ask friends for help, do so months in advance. Summer is peak moving season, so if you’re using a moving company, you will want to reserve your spot as soon as possible. Even if you don’t have an exact date just yet, contact companies and start getting quotes to save yourself the headache of comparing prices and services down the road.
2. Be a gracious host.
Moving is hard, sweaty work, which is only made worse during the sizzling heat of summer. Every year, summer gets hotter, and the average temperature has increased annually. Heat stroke can be a real threat, especially when you’re doing the heavy lifting, so make sure that everyone — family, friends and hired movers alike — is well hydrated and taking breaks to cool down. If you are making several back-and-forth trips, stock cooled drinks and snacks at both houses. Everyone will thank you, and you’ll be the MVP for moving day. Bonus tip: If you are recruiting friends to help with a move, be sure to provide dinner and beer as a thank you. They deserve it.
3. Get the kids involved.
If there are children in the household and they are able-bodied and old enough, let them help out with the moving process. First, don’t let idle hands go to waste. But, more importantly, getting your kids involved in the move can help with the transition to a new place. Assign the kids a task they can take ownership of, like packing their favorite toys or books into a box or packing a backpack with their essential hygiene products so they can easily access that first night in a new space. Assure them that while moving may seem scary, it is an exciting opportunity for the entire family, including them. If the kids cannot help with the move, ask a friend or family member to watch them for the day so that you can focus on moving efficiently and safely.
If you’re moving with a pet, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Here are our best tips for getting your pet ready for a move.
4. Set up utilities in your new home before the big day.
Can you imagine anything more frustrating than lugging a new sofa inside from the 90° heat only to realize you forgot to turn on your utilities? It can be an unpleasant surprise to arrive at your new home only to discover that the air conditioning is broken or the water’s been shut off. Coordinate with the previous owners or your landlord to check that appliances are functioning, and if you want them to leave the utilities on, be sure to communicate this. The last thing you want to worry about during a move is where the nearest appliance store is.
5. Protect your heat-sensitive items.
Spend some time researching what items can be transferred in the back of a moving truck and which things should go with you in the air-conditioned car. For example, wax candles, aerosols and electronics should not be boxed up in the sweltering heat for hours at a time. Sort through your items, put them into a separate box, and clearly label them so you know to transport them in the car the day of. As soon as you reach your destination, bring the boxes indoors. You’ll save yourself the time and money of having to replace your entire candle collection.
6. Come prepared with a Moving Day Kit.
After a long, grueling day of moving boxes and furniture, there is no doubt that you’ll want to unwind and clean up with a shower. Keep daily essentials, like toiletries and a fresh change of clothes, in a backpack or suitcase so you won’t be forced to dig through piles of boxes for a fresh towel when you’re most tired. Think about the things that are most comforting to you and try to bookend your day with those little luxuries. For instance, stop in for an early breakfast at the beloved diner by your old place. Then, as you settle in that night, order your favorite takeout. Try to keep some semblance of a new routine for yourself as you embark on a new chapter.
Moving is known for being stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You just have to be prepared. With careful preparation and good organization, you can anticipate any scenario that may come your way this summer.
