Moving is considered to be one of the most stressful events in one's life, according to 45 percent of adults. This is especially true if you move in the summer, as there’s an added layer of difficulty.
With high temperatures and unpleasant humidity, the last thing you want is to be overwhelmed by heatstroke during the moving process. But fear not; there are ways to keep your cool and stay comfortable during a summer move.
In this article, we’ll share seven tips to help you beat the heat and make your summer move as smooth and stress-free as possible. From planning ahead to staying hydrated, these tips will help you keep your cool and stay on track during your move.
1. Plan ahead
Planning ahead is absolutely essential when moving in the summer to keep your cool. Moving during this time can be challenging and even dangerous with high temperatures and humidity. By planning, you can avoid the hottest parts of the day and schedule your move during cooler times.
You can also create a detailed moving plan and moving checklist to ensure you stay organized and on track. Taking these steps can reduce stress and minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses. Planning is the first step towards a successful and comfortable summer move.
2. Pack Smart
Packing is one of the most important parts of any move, and doing it smartly can help alleviate stress and ensure a successful transition. One key aspect of smartly packing is labeling all of your boxes, making it easier to find specific items when you unpack. This can also help you track what you've packed and what needs to be done.
Organizing smaller items into containers or bags can also make them way easier to pack and unpack, which will help prevent them from getting lost or damaged during the move.
3. Take Care of Yourself
Moving can be a stressful and physically demanding process regardless of the time of year, so taking care of yourself during this time is crucial. First and foremost, stay hydrated and nourished by drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious meals — be aware of the symptoms of dehydration and take care of yourself if you start to notice any of them during the move.
Get enough rest and sleep to keep your energy levels up and avoid burnout, which includes taking breaks often and stretching your muscles to prevent injury and fatigue. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family and delegate tasks to reduce your workload.
You should also consider prioritizing self-care activities like meditation, yoga, or taking a relaxing bath to manage stress and maintain your mental health. Taking care of yourself during the moving process can ensure a smoother transition to your new home and reduce the risk of physical and emotional exhaustion.
4. Declutter Ahead of Time
Decluttering your belongings before moving is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free moving experience. Clutter can make packing more time-consuming and expensive and add unnecessary weight to your belongings.
To declutter effectively, start early and sort items by category — consider using the "one-year rule" and getting rid of items you haven't used in over a year.
You can donate or sell items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your life. It's important to dispose of items that can't be donated or sold properly by recycling or disposing of them in accordance with local regulations.
5. Protect Your Belongings
Protecting your belongings during a move is crucial to ensure that your valuable items remain in the same condition throughout the process. This involves using high-quality packing materials, such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes, and labeling your items to make unpacking easier.
It's important to use furniture blankets and pads to protect larger items like sofas and dressers during transport — taking the necessary steps to protect your belongings is an easy way to alleviate stress and anxiety during the move. Knowing that your items are secure and protected can help you relax and focus on everything else that needs your focus.
6. Get Professional Help if Needed
Getting professional help for relocation can greatly alleviate stress and ensure the process goes smoothly. This is especially true when moving larger items such as furniture and even your car. Professional movers have the equipment and expertise to safely transport these items, saving you the hassle and risk of trying to do it yourself.
Hiring professional movers can save you time and energy, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move. With insurance options and the added peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are in good hands, hiring professionals for your move can be well worth the investment.
7. Alert the Necessary Parties
When moving to a new location, it is crucial to inform all necessary parties about your change of address; this includes your bank, cell phone company, utility company, and any other relevant institutions. Make a list of all important contacts and update your information at least a month before your move.
This will ensure that all billing statements, important mail, and services will be directed to your new address, which will help you avoid the potential headache of tracking down important documents sent to the wrong address. Failure to update your address can result in late fees, missed payments, and even identity theft.
In Conclusion
Moving during the summer can be challenging, but proper planning and preparation can be a smooth and stress-free experience. From decluttering your belongings to protecting them during the move and taking care of yourself throughout the process, there are many steps you can take to ensure a successful move.
Whether you hire professional movers or do it yourself, it's important to stay organized and have a clear plan. By following these tips and planning ahead, you can make your summer move a success and start enjoying your new home in no time.
Sources:
Heatstroke | Cleveland Clinic
Moving Stress and Anxiety | Life Storage
Illnesses and Conditions - Dehydration | NHS Inform
