Moving in the summer comes with its own set of obstacles. Make sure you and your family are ready for them ahead of time.
Moving at any time of year can be rough, but summer has some additional challenges.
First, it’s summer. The last thing you want to be doing is sitting indoors packing your belongings, especially if you’ve just been through a rough winter. So build time for summer activities into your move create a packing schedule that lets you and your family enjoy the summer weather and summer activities. If you’re moving with kids during the summer, try to get them into activities in both your old and new home town, especially if you’re moving halfway through the summer.
If you’re moving long distance and driving to your new home, take the time to play tourist during the drive. Depending on your delivery schedule, you may be able to work in a full vacation or just a handful of day trips. Either way, you’ll get a break before you have to worry about unpacking and settling into a new city.
Second, it’s prime moving season, especially for long-distance moves. Don’t wait until the last moment to plan your move, especially if you have a hard deadline for getting to your new location. The further out you book, the more likely you are to get the dates you need. Be ready for the truck; a last minute date change on your end could add up to a delay while waiting for a truck and driver to be available.
Prime moving season means more people are moving, and the systems are at capacity. While most moves hit their delivery window, a small percentage encounter longer delays. Contingency planning for delays will help you cope with them better. Think about the things that you can and can’t live without. Have a list of dollar store items you’ll need to get—inexpensive plates and utensils, for example—in case of delays. If your washer and dryer are on the moving truck, you may want to bring more clothes, towels, and bedding than someone who is moving into a home with a washer and dryer. Be sure that any item your children need to go to sleep, any medicines, your cell phone charger, etc., go with you and not on the truck. And when it comes to medicines, bring a supply to get you past the delivery window.
Third, it’s bound to be hot. Be sure that everything you pack on the truck can handle being in a hot truck for the length of time it will take to get to your new home. Anything that can melt (candles, records, frozen foods, etc.) or combust (lighter fluid, gas, paint, etc.) is better moved in an air-conditioned vehicle. For long moves, make sure you don’t include damp items that could mold and create a health hazard. And even on short trips across town, do not put live animals and plants on the truck.
Finally, remember that a move, like summer, is temporary. No matter how frustrating and endless it seems, you eventually get everything unpacked in a new home and settle in. Even if parts of your move are terrible, take the time to enjoy the good experiences, like exploring a new city, decorating a new house, and getting to know your new neighbors.