If you need to move house during the summer, it’s important to spend some time, money, and energy preparing appropriately. This allows everyone involved to stay cool and safe, while you get your belongings moved from your old home to your new home. Try these tips to make sure that you, your movers, and your family stay cool in the summer heat.

Turn on Your Utilities Before the Move

Contact your water and power companies before move-in day to make sure that your utilities will be turned on and working. Visit your new home before your move-in date and set the thermostat, turning down the HVAC system to a comfortable temperature. This allows everyone to be more comfortable throughout the move and makes sure that you won’t have to wait for the overall temperature to cool down on moving day.

Apply Sunscreen

Keep sunscreen on hand and remember to apply it throughout the day, as you’ll be in and out of your home moving your belongings and may be exposed to the sun all day. Consider putting the sunscreen in a central location so that the movers can access it throughout the day, as well. Select a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every 2-3 hours. Remember that sunburn can increase the risk of future skin cancer, so it’s important to protect your skin. Also, the last thing you want to deal with is a nasty sunburn along with the stress and fatigue of moving house.

Book Your Moving Company Early

Summer is a popular season for moving, so be sure to book your moving company as early as possible. Otherwise, you may get ready to book your movers only to find that they’re already scheduled, delaying your project. Call several weeks ahead of time to schedule your movers. In addition, you’ll also want to purchase boxes, tape, and packing materials well in advance, to make sure that you have everything you need. This helps limit stress and ensures that your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Provide Water

Summer heat makes it very easy to become dehydrated, often before you even recognize the symptoms. As you move house, consider purchasing several cases of water and putting them in the fridge or on ice in a cooler. Providing water for movers and helpers can help keep everyone safe and hydrated throughout the day. This will help to avoid heat-related illnesses, too. Make sure you explain to the movers that you’ve purchased water for their use, as well, and show them where it is so they can access it as needed throughout the day.

Set Up Cold Towels in Advance

Consider purchasing some small hand towels and putting them in a cooler of ice water, so that movers and family members can use them to regulate body temperature on especially hot days. This is an especially useful tip if you’ll be moving into a house or apartment with no air conditioning. You can also set up boxes or window fans in the windows in advance so that the house is cooler overall. These methods can help movers keep their body temperature within a normal range no matter the ambient temperature.

Know the Symptoms of Overheating

When you’re moving house in the summer, it’s also important that you know the symptoms of overheating and heat-related illness. If you or anyone involved in the moving process develops dizziness, headache, clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, or seems unable to regulate their body temperature, they may need to take a break. If the symptoms don’t improve after rest and hydration, they may need to visit a doctor to get their symptoms under control.

Moving can be a stressful experience and is especially difficult during the summer months when you’re also dealing with high temperatures. Follow these tips to stay cool and hydrated throughout your move. Educate yourself about these symptoms, and do your best to keep everyone comfortable so that you can minimize stress throughout the process. Work with your movers to provide water and keep their temperatures regulated to avoid heat sickness. Make your summer move your best move yet by keeping everyone safe and comfortable.

Simple Tips for Moving Safely During the Summer