Stress — that’s what moving means to many people.
In fact, some people stay in locations they can barely stand for years on end simply because it’s easier than moving. Besides taking about two to three months of planning just to execute a (relatively) painless move to a new location, the actual moving logistics can be tremendously tough to deal with. And it doesn’t end there. Months after the move, most people are still sorting through their boxes, bags, and unpacked articles and finding a spot for them in their new locations.
Whew!
Now, add to stressful situation the fact that you have chosen to move during the summer, and without even realizing it, you have just complicated your moving tasks and increased the cost of the move. Why? There are several reasons.
May 1st through Labor Day is the busiest time of the year to move. Due to the increased consumer demand, a shortage typically exists in the supply of available moving staff and drivers. This helps to elevate costs and means that most moving companies will have their resources stretched to capacity. All this adds up to using seasonal help that might be less experienced as packers and drivers — adding to your already heightened stress levels. Additionally, you may have problems when it comes to adding extra services on the day of your move. If you’re looking for flexibility, moving in the off season may be a better idea.
Not only do you have to pay more for moving help in the summer, you may actually get less service in the bargain due to the seasonal demands that summer puts on the industry. What can you do to alleviate the stress of an already less-than-ideal situation? Follow these tips!
1. Prepare your stuff for the heat.
Remember, the hot weather will conspire to make your move much less merry. Make sure items like candles, DVDs, and CDs do not melt in the moving van en route to your new home. Not only can the heat destroy certain items, melting items can also destroy items that surround them. Keep these items in their own special boxes and wrap them throughly. Better yet, store them with you in your air-conditioned car and move them into your new home first.
2. Hydrate and cool down.
Provide water and sports drinks for yourself and your helpers. Most professional moving teams will have an adequate supply of drinks, but if you’re not using pros, it might be a good idea to have something available for them. Buy a pack of water and put it in your new home’s fridge before you move so you’ll have refreshments on hand with minimal effort. Be sure to dress for the weather and check that the air conditioning is working in both your current home and destination home. Staying hydrated and having readily available cool environments will make the move much less grueling for everyone.
3. Think of the children (and pets).
Planning for the comfort of your kids and pets is probably a no-brainer, but in the rushed atmosphere of a move, it’s easy for them to get lost in the shuffle. The best plan is to let your youngsters and animal kingdom family members just completely sit out the move. After all, they probably will be more comfortable if they aren’t actively involved with all the hardships and heat a summer move can bring.
If you’re planning to move over the summer, make sure you contact a reputable moving company and do your due diligence when it comes to researching their reputation. Make sure you look for reviews that were written during the summer as well so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
