Feeling the heat of summer move planning? Don't sweat it! Whether you're gearing up for a local transition or a cross-country relocation, our expert tips will help ensure your move stays cool, calm, and stress-free.
When it comes to a summer move, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is the mover dilemma: should you tackle the relocation yourself or hire professional moving services?
A DIY approach might be the most cost-effective option if you're a seasoned mover with a modest amount of possessions and a short distance to cover. However, if you're facing a long-distance move with a substantial amount of furniture and boxes, enlisting the help of professional movers can save you time, energy, and stress.
If you decide on a DIY summer move, here are a few things you may want to do beforehand.
As mentioned above, you should confirm whether your new home requires movers with a COI, or certificate of insurance. A COI shows that movers have insurance coverage in the event of a major incident, whether it’s a physical injury or damage to goods being moved.
If you’re moving into a single-family home, you may not need a COI. However, many condominiums, especially high-end ones with doormen, will be sticklers about requiring movers with a COI.
The best-case scenario is that your building will allow your movers to enter the building but will impose a fine. The worst case scenario is that you and your movers will be turned away at the door and forced to reschedule your move for another day.
Moving fewer items is not only a smart strategy for reducing shipping weight and moving costs but also an opportunity to declutter your living space. Before your summer move, take the time to sort through your belongings and determine which items are essential and which can be donated, sold, or discarded.
Benefits of Decluttering Before a Move
A few ways to get rid of items that won’t be moving with you are:
One way to make packing and unpacking your wardrobe a breeze is to use wardrobe boxes for everything currently hanging in your closet vs. folded up in your dresser.
Wardrobe boxes can also help protect more delicate clothing, such as cocktail dresses, suits, and coats.
If you’re using a professional moving company, ask whether they offer wardrobe boxes. It helps to let them know how many garments will need to be moved in wardrobe boxes vs. regular boxes. If you’re worried about the weather on the day of your move (humidity, rain, etc.) you can also ask them to bring plastic coverings that go over your hangers to add extra protection for your clothing.
The last thing you want to do after a hard day of moving is rummage through various boxes to find your essentials. Pack a separate box or suitcase with essential items you'll need immediately upon arriving at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and bedding. This will help you avoid searching through multiple boxes to find what you need.
The Essentials List
Choosing an advantageous move-out date can significantly impact your moving costs and overall experience. When planning your summer move, consider the following factors:
Weekdays vs. Weekends
Moving on a weekday can often be more cost-effective, as demand for moving services is lower than on weekends.
Mid-Month vs. End-of-Month
Scheduling your move for the middle of the month can also result in lower rates, as most leases begin and end at the month's close, leading to higher demand and prices.
Early Morning vs. Late Afternoon
To avoid mid-day heat, consider scheduling your move for the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.
By selecting a strategic move-out date and timing, you can save on moving costs and ensure a more comfortable overall experience.
Even if your new place has air conditioning, it will likely take some time to cool down as you move in. Thus, you may want to consider purchasing or bringing a fan so that you can plug it in by the entrance and cool down immediately. Also, pack a cooler with water bottles so you and your movers can stay hydrated throughout the day. Even if your movers are professionals, they will surely appreciate the extra thought and consideration.
If you’re moving locally, consider setting up an appointment with your internet provider beforehand so that Wifi is immediately available when you move in. It can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient to deal with delays in getting your internet set up and potential interruptions to working from home, on top of having to clean and unpack your boxes.
Internet Moving Checklist
Electronics are particularly vulnerable to damage from the summer heat. Overheating can cause permanent damage to your devices. When packing electronics, use plenty of padding and insulation to protect them from the heat. Set them aside so your movers can load them into the moving truck last. Ideally, your movers will know that heat-resistant items, such as outdoor furniture, tools, dishware, and silverware, can be loaded up first.
Heat-Sensitive Items
Not all professional movers will offer the same moving experience. Look for a company with years of expertise in summer moves and a track record of exceptional service. By handling the heavy lifting and transportation, movers will allow you to focus on other aspects of the move. Book your movers well in advance, as summer is their busiest season.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Professional Mover
The most important tip for a seamless summertime move is to consider safety first. Stay hydrated, wear SPF, and take breaks when necessary.
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