Tips to Beat the Moving Heat

Summer is in full swing and that means peak moving season for full-service moving companies like All My Sons Moving & Storage. With the kids out of school, the weather forecast predicting sunshine, and almost a full third of leases beginning or ending in summer, it’s no wonder All My Sons is busy with almost 80,000 local moves between May and August. 

Moving during summer means heavy labor in the blistering summer heat. July is the hottest month of the year in the United States, so if you’re doing a DIY move or hiring professional movers this weekend then these tips to beat the moving heat are just for you.

When the human body overheats, like movers might on a hot summer day, it can cause heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses water and salt faster than it can be replenished. Heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition where the body fails to regulate its internal temperature. 

Watch out for the following signs and symptoms in yourself and your movers.

• Headache and dizziness

• Extreme thirst and heavy sweating

• Confusion and delirium

• High body temperature

• Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these symptoms, relocate the affected mover to a shaded or air-conditioned area, give them cool water, and place cold clothes on the mover’s head. Call 911 if severe symptoms, such as delirium or loss of consciousness, appear.

As you pack your clothing for your move, be sure to leave out several weather-appropriate outfits for moving day. If you intend to do any heavy lifting yourself, you should wear a breathable shirt and sturdy pants. To help prevent moving injuries, you should wear closed toed shoes.

Protect your eyes and head from the sun’s rays too, and keep a pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat on your person. 

Add lots of water to your summer move packing checklist and remember to drink often. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink water, your body might already be in the early stages of dehydration. The Center for Disease Control recommends that you have at least one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes when you’re working a strenuous job in the heat like moving during summer.

Sports drinks can replace the body’s lost salt from sweating, which also makes them a preferred choice for keeping hydrated during a move. Avoid energy drinks and alcohol as these can dehydrate you.

While much rarer than heat exhaustion or heat stroke, consuming too much water within a single hour can cause water intoxication. If you have been drinking more than 3 or 4 liters per hour, watch out for symptoms like cramping, muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Call 911 if you suspect water intoxication.

The sun’s blistering UV rays can cause severe sunburns, and over time, increase the risk of deadly skin cancers. While people with lighter skin are more likely to see harsh red sunburns much sooner than others, UV damage and skin cancer do not discriminate. If you are moving during summer, all of your movers need to protect themselves from the sun.

Before you begin your move, apply sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin, including hard-to-reach places like behind the ears and on the back of the neck. Carry a bottle of sunscreen with you in your moving essentials bag, and remember to reapply every two hours.

Temperature conditions may be more favorable for your move earlier or later in the day. Check the weather report before you set out for your move. If you are moving on a day where temperatures are sky-high, you might be able to have an easier time moving if you avoid the hottest part of the day.

The hottest part of the day in your local area will depend on regional weather conditions. While the sun’s rays typically reach solar maximum at around noon, this is not the hottest part of the day. The ground absorbs sunlight and heat during solar maximum and then slowly releases it back over the afternoon, which typically makes the hottest part of the day between 3PM and 5PM. 

If you can move before the hottest part of the day strikes, you and your movers will have an easier time managing your move and the heat.

Some of your items will require extra protection from the summer heat. If you want these items to reach your new home intact and in pristine shape, they may need to be separated from the rest of your moving inventory. 

• Cosmetics: Soap, deodorant, makeup, lotions, and lip balm are best packed with essential bathroom items in your own air-conditioned vehicle. 

• Craft Supplies: Crayons, glue, sealing wax, and clay can all melt in your moving boxes on a hot truck.

• Electronics: Computers, TVs, radios, gaming systems, and other electronic items should be packed with anti-static bubble wrap or original packing materials. Remove all batteries before packing, and back up any critical data.

• Candles: Wax is susceptible to melting. If your move is long-distance, we recommend moving candles in your personal vehicle or selling your candles prior to your move. 

• Vinyl Records: Extreme heat can warp vinyl records. Records should be packed vertically in small boxes, preferably in their protective sleeves.

• Photo Albums: Photos and adhesives that are used to keep them in photo albums are sensitive to heat.

• Artwork: Place sheets of glassine over the faces of your artwork pieces. 

If you are putting items into storage during the summer, ensure that you choose temperature-controlled storage units to keep your more sensitive items in great condition during their stay.

All year round, All My Sons Moving & Storage helps businesses, individuals, and families make the transition into a new home. Our professional movers know how to beat the summer heat, and will take exceptional care of your belongings at the same time.

At All My Sons, we provide whatever level of support your move needs, from full-service packing to just the heavy lifting and loading. Move to a new home, apartment, or office with help from the company that aims to treat your prized possessions as if they belonged to our own family. Get a quote to start your next move.