A summer move is great, but can be very stressful with the heat. Here are a few ways to ensure your summer move goes to plan, without anyone boiling over into a stressed heap.

Warmer weather is the perfect time for a move. Ice, snow and rain can be really annoying and sometimes dangerous in winter, which is why so many people move in the warmer months. The kids are off school as well which is really helpful in terms of logistics and ensuring they settle in.

The problem is, a summer move can present a whole heap of different problems like heat stroke, exhaustion, dehydration and of course, tempers boiling over. Those looking to move house in summer are advised to do everything possible to ensure their move is as safe and smooth as possible.

Here are some top tips to help:

Reduce How Much You Are Moving

Try to lighten your load so you physically have less to move. Sort all your items into four different sections, which you could label to be extra organised. The four categories should be throw (or recycle), give to charity (or friends), keep and store.

• Throw – Anything that is of no use to anyone else. Recycle anything you can like paper or wood and plastic
• Give to charity – anything that is in good condition that you know could be sold on for money. If you have the time to sell it yourself go online for higher value goods, or sell at a carboot for lower value goods. Either way, either your family, or a charity make some money and items go to a good home which is great.
• Keep  – Everything you want to take with you to your new house
• Store in cheap self storage – Items you might want to sell in future, business stock, seasonal items, sports equipment etc. Just make sure your compare personal self-storage unit sizes, prices and features to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Get Help With Your Summer Move

If you have cheap self storage the likelihood is the unit have moving services you can pay for. This could be a great option, especially if you already know and trust the staff. Having help on the day will be a great relief and leave you to have to oversee and get used to your new home – no stress, no fuss.

Alternatively you could hire a moving company, or even just ask friends and family to help. Get tons of drinks, crisps and biscuits in to keep everyone happy and pay in favours to them next time they need a hand.

Have Help Keeping Cool

Have fans going in your new home, have hand held fans for the kids, have a cooler box with water and ice packs in, have cooling spray – whatever you can use that provides relief from the heat, invest – everyone will be thankful.

Stay Safe

Priorities should revolve around safety in the heat. Remember to:

•  Ensure your family is dressed for the weather – prepare the clothes before moving to ensure they don’t get lost and the only options are unsuitable.
• Stay hydrated – you might want to reach for caffeine to keep you going, but what your body needs in this heat is water.
• Avoid moving midday if you can – that is when the sun is at its hottest.
• Have regular breaks.
• Wear sun cream.

Keep Pets Away

Usually animals can be moved with the family, however in serious heat you must check they are safe. To do this, consider putting them in temporary kennels or housing them with a friend, just until you can quickly take them into the new home.

Remember…

When it’s hot and you are moving home, use every available convenience to make life safer and easier. Use fans, self storage, friends help, beverages, frequent breaks – anything it takes to ensure the move is smooth and safe.