Moving is hard work. When you move during summer, it can be hot and humid hard work. Try these cool tips to put the chill on your moving day.
Beat the Clock & You’ll Beat the Heat
Start your move before the sun comes up. The temperature can be 10 or more degrees cooler.
Leave the Heavy Lifting to the Pros
If it’s in your budget, hire a professional moving company and let them do as much of the work as possible including lugging around the big, bulky stuff. You can also arrange for them to start early in the morning. But have a heart. Offer your movers cold water and, yes, it’s okay to tip them when they’re done.
Plan Ahead
Turn on the utilities at your destination before you move in and you can program the A/C to come on an hour or so before you arrive. There are lots of systems now that let you do that remotely from your mobile phone.
Keep Your Cool
Heat stroke is no joke. Drink plenty of water throughout the move. Have a cooler filled with ice on hand for your water supply and toss a few terrycloth towels to cool off with. Wear loose-fitting clothes made of breathable natural fibers clothing. When you’re working in the sun slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen (get the waterproof kind) and wear a hat, preferably one with a broad brim.
Eat
You’re burning up calories. Replenishing your fuel is just as important as staying hydrated. Avoid rich, heavy fare and opt for light protein-rich foods and a few salty snacks (they’ll make you thirsty so you’ll drink more water).
Protect Your Pets
Never, ever leave a cat or dog or any other living animal in a hot car. Even with the windows rolled down. Even for a few minutes. Board your pets, if that’s practical, and you won’t have to worry about them over-heating or getting lost or hurt. Otherwise, crate your critters and keep them in a cool, shady place. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and turn a portable fan on if you don’t have A/C.
Take Care with Your Stuff, Too
Art work, TV sets, computer equipment and plants can suffer from heat and sun exposure. Pack those things last and unpack them first.
Give Yourself a Break.
Take short, frequent time-outs. Stretch your muscles, sit down in the shade and chill out for a few minutes. The work will still be there when you get back from your break.
Pick a Place Where It’s Always Cool.
No, we’re not talking about moving to the North Pole. Start your new home search at Taylor Morrison and you’ll find move-in ready, ready-soon and to-be-built homes in communities with resort-inspired pools and other amenities designed to make hot weather more enjoyable. We also have plenty of places that are close to places to beat the summer heat like new Montebello near Austin’s Lake Travis, a popular place for swimming and boating.
Want Some More Good Advice?
Check out our blog post “The Zen of Moving to Your New Home” for planning and packing resources.
