Moving home is never easy but the whole thing can be more difficult when it is boiling hot outside. Here are some tips on how to handle ‘moving day’ in the summertime, particularly when the temperature is a lot higher than you expected.

Plan an early move

If you are able to, plan to move everything as early as possible as it will be cooler then.

When you are in a chain, you have to wait till the vendor has given the keys to the estate agents, so this is not always possible. In this case, you might want to wait until the early evening, as this is when the temperature will have dropped slightly.

Opt for a midweek move

Another tip is to ask to move in the middle of the week, as opposed to Friday or the weekend. This is because lots of people like to take advantage of the good weather and go away for the weekend, particularly during the summer school holidays. 

Therefore, you might find yourself or the house removal van getting stuck in lots of traffic with all your belongings, which is the last thing you want in a heatwave.

Consider transporting heat-sensitive items, such as electronics, perishable items and plants, yourself to make sure they remain protected. 

Pack summer essentials

It is always a good idea to have a box of items you will need access to straight away, such as a kettle, snacks, and a toothbrush. During the summer months, however, it is sensible to add some summer essentials to the box.

These include a microfibre towel that you can dampen to cool you down; a spare change of clothes so you can feel fresh; portable fans; suncream; and a wash bag.

Drink plenty of water

You should also make sure you have plenty of water to hand, so fill lots of bottles for yourself and the removal team to prevent anyone becoming dehydrated during the move. 

It can be really physically tiring moving boxes from the house to the lorry and back into another property, especially in the heat, so make sure everyone is replenishing themselves and staying hydrated.

Wear the right clothes

Even if it doesn’t feel particularly hot outside, after lugging boxes about all day, you are sure to feel the heat. Therefore, it is wise to dress in cool, light, breathable clothing for
‘moving day’. 

Loose-fitting outfits, shorts, and lighter materials are a good idea, so you don’t end up sweating too much or feeling overheated. You should also wear sunglasses and a sunhat as you will be in and out the whole day.

Consider pets and children

Pets and children find moving day difficult as it is, but they’ll struggle even more when it is scorching hot outside.

Therefore, it is a good idea to get someone else to look after them if you can. This will ensure they are kept in cool and shaded areas, hydrated and well-fed, and aren’t left to stand outside during the hottest part of the day. 

It will also mean you can get more done to make the house feel comfortable when they do get there.

Set up cooling solutions asap

As soon as you have the keys to your home, make sure to make it as cool as possible. Open the windows and doors, close the curtains if there are any, and set up any fans or air conditioning units, particularly in children’s bedrooms and living spaces.