Summer is one of the most beautiful seasons in Oregon. It is also one of the busiest times for moving! The weather is reliable (for the most part) and kids are out of school, which makes it the easiest time to get settled into your new home before fall rolls around. However, there are some downsides to moving in the summer. Extreme heat can make moving dangerous for you, your pets, and your movers. Also, due to the busiest of the season, you might not be able to get the exact moving dates you were hoping for. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of summer moving tips to help get you prepared and keep you cool for your move!

Plan Ahead: While the summer may be the most convenient time for you to move, it’s also the most convenient time for everybody else. Not everyone knows when they will be moving due to a couple reasons. Selling a house is uncommon or difficult. Also, by the time you are ready to move, you may not be as ready as expected! As soon as you know when you will be moving, secure your dates with your moving company no later than 4 weeks before your move. Part of planning ahead also includes doing your research on moving companies even before you start the moving process. That way when the time comes, you’ll already have your trusted movers already picked out, you just need to schedule the day!

Temperature Check: If you know that the temperature on your moving day is going to be scorching hot, plan to have your movers there as early as possible to get the truck loaded while the weather is still manageable. That way everything can start to get unloaded at the new house before the afternoon heat swelters in. Try to avoid the heaviest lifting/unpacking during the hottest part of the day for your safety and your movers’ safety!

Heat-Sensitive Items: Be cautious of what you plan on moving in boxes for your warm summer move! Items like candles, food, makeup, wine, etc., can all be affected quickly by the heat and can all have disastrous results. This is especially the case with electronics since they quickly become overheated. Best option for items like these is to put them in the moving truck last so that they can be unloaded first, or to transport them yourself in your air conditioned car!

Air Conditioning: Even though you may want to have your air conditioner running while you are moving, this may not be the best financial option. Doors are left open all day to make bringing stuff in and out much easier. Your air conditioner will have a hard time keeping up with the outside temperature raising the inside one.

Pets: With the stress of moving, and working on getting all of your stuff from your old home and into your new home, you don’t have time to watch your animals. With movers in and out of all doors and the backyard, you don’t want to risk the chance of them running away or getting in the movers’ way. It’s also important to think about the heat and not being able to keep them in a nice, cool area. Ask friends to watch them for the day or take them to a pet daycare facility where you can pick them up after the movers are gone!

Stay Hydrated: It is very important to remember that even though you want to get your move done quickly and efficiently, you need to stay hydrated. On hot summer days, the physical labor of moving, lifting, and going up and down stairs can be very taxing on both you and your movers! Have cold water available for everyone, as to avoid any heat induced illnesses like heatstroke or lightheadedness.

Moving into a new home can be a very exciting time, no matter what time of the year you are moving! If you are moving in the summer, it is important to plan ahead and do your research when it comes to hiring a moving company and planning when your move will be. With summer just around the corner, we hope these moving tips help make your move easier and less stressful.