8 Essential Packing Tips for a Summer Move

People move all the time, whether to enjoy a better lifestyle or start a new job. Some move because they want to travel to new places, while others move for their health. Either way, 60% of moves happen during the summer because it is safer (weatherwise) and school’s out. It is also the best time for students to move for college because the academic year starts in August. 

If you are planning a big or small move during the summer, keep some crucial factors in mind for everything to go smoothly. For instance, moving services are in high demand during summer, so you must book several months in advance. Moreover, the humidity and heat can make the moving process sluggish and uncomfortable. 

Fortunately, there are some ways to get around these issues if you use the following essential packing tips for a summer move:

8. Decide When You Want to Move and Book a Moving Company

Sometimes, the decision to move comes about spontaneously. If this happens during the summer and you want to move immediately, you will likely pay a higher rate. Otherwise, if you can wait a week or two, schedule your moving date and book the moving company. Also, set up a moving timeline with daily or weekly goals so you are not overwhelmed on moving day. 

7. Throw Out Whatever You Have Not Used in Three Months

Moving when it’s hot means you will be more easily frustrated than during the cold months. Wiping away sweat while packing and carrying boxes is just not ideal. However, if you declutter before packing the first box, you can make this process much smoother. Work through one room at a time and throw out everything you haven’t used or looked at in three months. The same goes for the kitchen. Get rid of everything that has expired or is close to expiring, as well as old appliances and cutlery. Doing this will keep the work on moving day to a minimum and even save you money on moving costs.

6. Pack for the Season

Even if you are moving to a cooler or milder state, it will still be hot where you are moving from. Heat and humidity can damage and even destroy some of your belongings, so it is crucial to pack smartly. If you have medications, cosmetics, and other personal items to pack, do this last and preferably in a cooler with ice packs. Heat is also bad for electronics, so pack them with enough cushioning and ensure they are placed at the back of the moving truck. When unpacking, you should unpack electronics last to reduce exposure to high temperatures. If you are moving your furniture on an open truck or if they will be standing outside for a while, cover them with protective wrap or fabric.   

5. Create a Box of Essentials

Keep one box aside for your car. Pack all the essentials you will need when you arrive at your new place. This may include a change of clothes, extra shoes, and pajamas. You can pack chronic medication and toiletries, as well as phone chargers. If you do not want to cook on your first night in a new house, add a couple of paper plates, cups, and napkins for takeout. Remember to put all your important documents in one place but not necessarily inside the essentials box. You can use a small folder and stick it inside a backpack or laptop bag. 

4. Pack Boxes Properly

When it’s hot out, the last thing you want to do is pack and repack boxes. Ideally, you want to pack them properly the first time around. Fill boxes tightly, even if you have to stuff packing paper on the sides. Doing this will prevent your items from shifting. But don’t overload them. Use lighter items to fill large boxes and heavier ones for small, sturdy boxes. Pack the heavy ones at the bottom if you mix heavy and light items. While you’re busy packing, leave the windows open in each room. This will prevent the house from getting stuffy and making you feel even hotter. 

Also, don’t forget to label your boxes. While you are busy packing and decluttering, you may forget which items went into which boxes. Keep a permanent marker handy and label each box as soon as you finish packing it. Doing this will make it easy for the moving company to know where to offload the boxes, and you will have an effortless time unpacking.

3. Use Technology

Technology like apps and online tools can help you organize your summer move. You can create your moving checklist and timeline using an online calendar. You can download an inventory app to keep track of what you pack and unpack. There are also a couple of apps to notify the post office and other essential services about your new address. You can even use a tracking app to track the moving truck, which is especially helpful for long-distance moves. 

2. Take Care of Yourself and Those Helping You

When you get very busy sorting and packing, you may forget to drink water or take a break. Not drinking enough water is especially dangerous during hot weather. Moving is physically exhausting, so have a bottle of water available throughout the day and while on the road. Encourage everyone helping you to do the same. Put the air-conditioning on while working indoors or leave fans running throughout the house. Take breaks often to avoid heat exhaustion. 

1. Anything Can Happen on the Road

Hot weather may lead to thunderstorms later in the day. Create a backup plan should you be on the road to your new home and get caught in bad weather. Also, keep a first-aid kit handy in case of an accident, and make sure you have emergency contact numbers ready on your phone. 

Enjoy a Stress-Free Summer Move

Summer is always going to be hot, and the sun will not wait for you to move before shining at its brightest. The best thing you can do for yourself and those helping you is to make the most of these tips to ensure your summer move goes as smoothly as possible.