It’s summer, it’s very hot, and you’re ready to make a major move. The level of stress and anxiety is maximum because you must be aware of many details simultaneously. For example, what should you do with your children and pets, utilities, how far in advance you should hire the moving company, where to start, what you should pack, throw away and donate, etc. But don’t worry, there are a few ways to make the moving process smoother and a lot less stressful.
1. Start Early
In summer, you have to be very aware of the forecast to avoid rainy days or days that reach high temperatures. It is best to start your move in the early hours of the morning, as this is the time of day when the temperature and humidity are at their lowest and take a break when they peak.
2. Utilize a Cooler
Hydration will be your best friend on those moving days amid the oppressive heat of summer days. Even if the work is done in the early morning, the possibility of dehydration and some symptoms is very high. Heat strokes, exhaustion, or cramps can appear much easier during the summer months.
Therefore, you must stay hydrated and fresh. You should have plenty of water on hand, preferably in a cooler filled with ice, and be sure to offer it to the moving workers and anyone else helping you with it. If you live nearby, the cooler will also help you keep those foods that need refrigeration, such as milk and juices, and avoid having to throw them away.
Staying cool is also important, so be sure to wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Have a portable fan installed, both in your new place and the one you leave, near the area where workers will load and unload your things. Don’t forget to turn on the air conditioning in your new place because the last thing you want is to get to a place unbearably hot.
3. Get a New Mattress
The mattress is one of the more uncomfortable pieces of furniture to move. They are heavy, flexible, and hard to move through narrow hallways. You will have to find a vehicle big enough to transport it.
The best time to choose to buy a new mattress is when you move. Why pay for the transportation of one that you need to change anyway? There are several signs that you need to buy a new mattress. One of them is the presence of deformations—sagging in the center or the corners, the imprint of your body from the night before, lumps everywhere, and the presence of unevenness.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, insomnia, indigestion, or another condition causing nighttime wakefulness and wake up very frequently and sleep better in other beds, it might be time to change your mattress. Fortunately, there are different mattress types for every need. You can even find a mattress for hot sleepers so you can stay cool during the summer months
4. Prepare Your Items
Heat can damage certain belongings, and you must be vigilant to avoid irreparable damage. Select those most valuable to you, which may be sensitive to heat, and try as much as possible to transport them yourself. Label the rest that warns the movers of their sensitivity to heat.
Electronic items, candies, chocolates, candles, vinyl records, and CDs, among other articles, should be put last in the transport vehicle so that they are the first to be unloaded. Candles, for example, often melt onto other belongings and cause permanent damage.
5. Take Breaks
Breaks become essential as the move progresses and temperatures reach their highest values. It is good to have cold, wet towels available for everyone involved in loading and unloading tasks. Light snacks are recommended to regain strength.
Avoid a Stressful Move
Every move is stressful and can turn into a negative experience if you don’t take the necessary precautions and plan the entire operation well in advance. Summer adds stressors such as high temperatures and sweltering heat. However, with the right planning, you can make the move a breeze.
