Summertime Moving
Moving during the summer is difficult to say the least. If you cannot avoid moving between May and September, try to keep your wits about you. If it’s at all possible, don’t schedule a move for the summer. From May 1 to Labor Day (the moving industry’s definition of summer), things go crazy. That’s when parents with school-age kids move, and that’s when the military does their personnel moves.
Be realistic about packing.
Do you really think you can pack yourself? If you’re certain, fine. Just remember that if, right before a summer move, you decide you can’t and need help from the moving company, they may not be able to provide it. No matter how much you’re willing to pay, the moving company you hire might not have the crew to spare. Most people want to save money by packing themselves — they figure they’ll do it slowly, collect boxes, pack a few a day… but often, that doesn’t happen. Work obligations or illness get in the way. Life intervenes.
Be Flexible
Even if you’re moving within the same city, allow yourself time for something to delay the move. The possibilities are endless. There can be truck breakdowns, unforeseen personal circumstances can arise, and movers can call in sick on your scheduled day. Above all else, plan to take an extra day off from work. Have a Plan B and be mentally prepared to use it. Don’t lock yourself into a housewarming party for the day or two after your estimated arrival date. Warn the relatives that you may be staying a bit longer than anticipated. Make sure you can extend your car rental, etc.
Take extra care.
Certain items won’t fare very well in a hot moving truck and should be taken with you in the car, or packed extremely carefully. These items include candles which can melt in the heat and get wax all over your other items and music items, such as instruments, CDs, cassettes, and vinyl records, which could warp or get damaged under high temperatures.
