Moving in the summer may seem more appealing than moving in winter, especially here in Wisconsin. But thanks to the heat and humidity, summer moving comes with its own challenges. 

Beat the Heat Summer Moving Tips

Careful planning, strategic packing and hydration are key to a successful summer move. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for moving in the heat and feel free to reach out if you are in the Lake Country area and would like our professional moving help.

Protect Heat-Sensitive Items

Things that can melt such as candles, crayons, cosmetics, vinyl records, and certain medications should not be packed onto your moving truck or POD. Keep them with you in a personal, temperature-controlled vehicle, along with rare or antique books, fragile artwork and electronics with temperature sensitive components. Other items like clothing, linen and most books that are susceptible to moisture damage should be clean and dry and packed into breathable cardboard boxes with a desiccant. Food and plants should be packed in a cooler with ice.

Use Weather-Resistant Packing Materials 

For short distance moves cardboard boxes are generally safe. However, for long-term storage in humid conditions cardboard can absorb moisture and weaken, and you might be better off using plastic bins. Plastic bins, however, can trap moister, so whether you use plastic or carboard be sure to use a silica gel, baking soda packet or other desiccant inside each container to reduce dampness. It is also recommended to use packing paper rather than plastic bubble wrap since it’s breathable and can help reduce moisture buildup.

Strategically Load Your Moving Truck

Heat sensitive items should be loaded last that way they spend the least amount of time in the hot moving truck or POD and are easier to unload first. If possible, you should also place them in the center of the truck where it is generally cooler. 

Get An Early Start

Try to time loading and unloading as well as most of your travel during cooler times. If possible, load the truck the night before or early in the morning before it starts to heat up. If day-time travel can’t be avoided, consider expedited shipping for any items that are extremely heat sensitive or possibly parking the vehicle in the shade during the hottest part of the day. 

Pre-Cool Your New Space

Make sure your new home is cool for your arrival. It will make unloading and unpacking much more pleasant. If you can, head to your new home the night before moving day and turn on the air conditioner. That way your new home will be cool and humidity free when you start bringing in your items. 

Stay Hydrated 

Packing, loading, moving and unloading is hard work. You can always hire someone to do the heavy lifting for you. But if you are doing it yourself, make sure you stay hydrated and keep yourself cool as best you can. Sip water throughout the day, replenish your electrolytes with a sports drink and keep a cooler with ice or a chilled towel you can drape over the back of your neck for a quick cool down. 

Unload Promptly  

While it can be tempting to put off unloading and unpacking, in cases of high heat and humidity, it’s important not to delay too long. You’ll want to get everything off the truck to get it out of the heat and out of its packing in case there is any dampness as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew.  

Get Professional Help for Your Summer Move 

Don’t sweat a summer move. Make it easier, faster and safer with a Couple More Guys®. Our two-person insured crews are experienced when it comes to lifting, moving and loading with precision and care, even during a hot and humid Wisconsin summer. We can help with small local moves or be your labor only movers helping to load and unload moving PODs, trucks and more. Leave your heavy lifting to us. Schedule a moving crew online.