While moving to a new home can take place at any time of year, there is, in fact, a busy season.
“Most Americans move between May and September, so if you’re looking for options, the best time to move is probably going to be during the spring and summer months,” says Niccole Schreck, from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, moving companies often reach “pandemonium” levels of busy between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
This time of year is so popular because it presents a lull for many people where it’s easier to move. Recent high school graduates are moving to college housing for the first time, and younger children are on summer break. Moving now won’t interrupt the academic year. The weather is also usually better, making it a more preferable time to be outside. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when things can get dangerously hot.
1. Avoid peak times of day
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the hottest time of day is actually 3 p.m. Temperatures hit a higher level later in the day because heat builds up throughout the early afternoon. As the day gets later, the heat begins to drop and things cool down. Too much exposure to this stockpile of hot weather can lead to some serious issues, including:
- Heat rash: Appearing as red clusters, pimples or small blisters, heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped under your skin. The rash often develops where skin naturally creases or folds. Treat heat rash by keeping the area dry and cool.
- Heat exhaustion: Caused by excessive sweating, heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses too much water or salt. There are an array of symptoms associated with heat exhaustion, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, thirst and heavy sweating.
- Heat stroke: A potentially life-threatening illness, heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. It occurs from a rapid rise of your temperature into dangerous levels. Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, fainting, hot or dry skin and seizures.
Source: Science Care
Start your move as early in the morning as possible to avoid these heat-related illnesses. Try to get as much moving out of the way before the late afternoon hits.
2. Focus on continual hydration
Moving requires a lot of exertion. Even if you’ve hired a moving company, you can still spend most of the move running around, going up and down stairs and transporting small items. You’re working hard, and in the summer heat, that means sweating.
Moving can demand the same exertion as a heavy workout, where it’s recommended you drink two to four glasses of fluids each hour. Since it can be easy to lose track of time while moving, make sure to watch out for signs of dehydration: fewer trips to the bathroom, very dry skin, dizziness, rapid heartbeat or breathing and sleepiness.
Make sure you have a lot of water or non-sugary sports drinks on hand. Toss a cooler of beverages into your trunk for easy access. As long as you’ve turned on the water in your new place by moving day, you can also keep a water bottle accessible to refill.
3. Protect yourself from the sun
Most tips for moving focus on how to safely lift boxes to protect your body, but when moving in the summer, you also need to protect your skin. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and your skin needs protection during this period.
Sunscreen is your best option, especially if it’s too hot to cover up with long sleeves or pants. Select a broad-spectrum, sport or sweat-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and don’t forget to reapply.
Pay special attention to sensitive areas like the tops of your ears and your scalp, along with hands and feet. Also, don’t forget to protect your eyes from the sun with sunglasses. Eyes are especially sensitive to sun damage, and too much exposure can lead to serious issues.
4. Keep away from excessive heat
Certain items transfer better from one home to the next when kept out of extreme heat. This can mean really hot temperatures, as well as long exposure to more moderate heat.
Remember, moving vans have no ventilation. They can get hot. Too much heat can lead to warping, melting or even a decrease in a product’s effectiveness. Specific items that don’t do well in the heat of a move include:
- Wooden furniture
- Electronics
- Photos and documents
- Artwork
- Candles
- Medicine
- Batteries
To keep these items safe, reduce the time they’re outside or in a hot moving van. If you can transport anything by car, do so since you’ve got the power of an AC to protect your things.
Additionally, make sure the AC is working in your new home before you arrive. You can also purchase a few portable box fans, too, if you’re concerned about temperatures in your new place.
Stay safe during your summer move
Moving in the summer is usually your best bet to find a home that’s affordable and available. Taking the proper precautions to keep yourself healthy and your stuff protected, no matter how high the thermometer rises, is essential to having a successful move.
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Source: apartmentguide.com