10 Hot Tips for Moving in the Summer

Highlights

Moving during the summer can be both advantageous and disadvantageous at the same time.
Summer is the peak period of the moving season so there are super-important things that you must know before your summer move takes place.
Follow these 10 practical tips for moving in summer to have a safe, cool, and stress-free move during the hot (warm) months of the year.

Summer Moving Guide: Tips for a Stress-Free Relocation

It’s no surprise that summer is the most popular time of the year to move. The warm, dry weather, flexible vacation schedules, and children’s summer break make it a convenient choice for many families.

In fact, nearly 70% of all household moves occur during the 5-month peak moving season from May to September.

But while summer offers many advantages for moving, it’s not without its challenges.

Scorching temperatures can make the process physically demanding.
Higher moving costs arise due to increased demand.
Limited availability of top-rated movers, as the best companies are often fully booked months ahead.

With over 10 years of experience in the moving industry, I’ve seen firsthand how planning ahead can make all the difference. A summer move can be both rewarding and challenging, but the right preparation ensures a smooth experience.

We’re here to help you navigate the busiest moving season with ease.

Check out these 10 essential tips for a successful summer move, and enjoy a seamless relocation despite the heat, higher costs, and tight schedules.

Your smooth summer move starts here!

1. Solve the DIY vs. MOVERS dilemma

The very first thing you need to do when you learn that you’ll be moving in the summer is to decide whether you’ll attempt to move by yourself or whether you’ll hire a licensed and reputable moving company to help you move your belongings to the new place.

If you’re unsure which way you should go, then the following pointers can help you make the right choice:

Consider organizing a DIY summer move when

You have previous house moving experience;
You’re moving locally – within a radius of 100 miles in the same state;
You’re not taking too many household items with you;
You know you can rely on your good friends to come on Moving day and give you a hand. This is especially important if you’re moving heavy furniture as well.
Hire one of the best moving companies in your city when

You’re moving out for the very first time (zero relocation experience);
You’re moving across the country and will be crossing multiple states along the way;
You don’t really have any friends whom you can ask to help you move;
You’re taking quite a lot of things with you, including some specialty items such as a piano, a pool table, or a grandfather clock.

2. Start working on your summer move immediately

Planning a successful summer move requires more than just strategic planning and organization – it hinges on one crucial factor: effective time management.

The moment you know a move is on the horizon, start preparing immediately. Early planning gives you the maximum amount of time to tackle every task leading up to Moving Day, ensuring you’re fully ready to make the transition.

Here’s how good time management sets the stage for a smooth summer move:

Reduce stress levels: With ample time, you can tackle your to-do list systematically, keeping the notorious stress of moving in check.
Stay on top of packing: Packing is time-consuming, but a solid schedule prevents you from falling behind.
Recover from mistakes: Time buffers allow you to fix any hiccups caused by inexperience or unexpected delays.
Choose the right mover: Thorough research requires time, ensuring you hire a reliable moving company that meets your needs.

In the hustle and bustle of summer moves, every day counts. As soon as your move is confirmed, dive into your moving checklist and start early. By managing your time wisely, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free, successful transition into your new home.

3. Create a summer moving checklist

Summer moves tend to be a bit chaotic.

The fact that most people choose to move in the summer results in a much higher demand for reputable moving companies, which in turn increases the standard movers’ rates.

But this is only one side of the relocation story – the other notable difficulty when moving house is that too many tasks will often need to be completed in a limited amount of time.

Too many things to do and too little time to do them – this definitely sounds like a recipe for a house-moving disaster.

Starting early on your preparation will give you more time… but what are you supposed to do with this time? This is exactly when a moving checklist should come in to save the day.

A moving checklist is simply a detailed to-do list that’s customized to your house-moving needs. It lists all the tasks that you have to do for a smooth and problem-free move in the summer.

As a bonus, it’ll also tell you when to finish those jobs for maximum efficiency.

With a super-detailed moving checklist by your side, you will never lose any precious hours or even days in complete inactivity, wondering what you should do next.

4. Choose an advantageous move-out date

In general, yes—moving during the summer often comes with higher costs.

The main reason for this price increase is the high demand for professional moving services during the peak moving season (June to August). With so many people relocating during this time, the best moving companies tend to get fully booked, which drives their rates up.

But don’t worry—there are smart ways to lower your moving costs. One of the most effective strategies is carefully choosing your move-out date. Here’s how:

Move on a weekday: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the most popular days to move, so prices are often higher. Opting for a Monday through Thursday move can save you money.

Avoid the start or end of the month: Many renters move during these times because of lease terminations. Choosing a mid-month date can help you snag a better deal.

Move later in the day: Morning moves are in high demand, which often means higher rates. Scheduling your move for the afternoon or evening can be a more budget-friendly option.

By planning your move strategically, you can reduce costs and make your summer relocation more affordable.

5. Secure top-notch professional moving services

Once you’ve chosen a moving date that aligns with your budget and schedule, the next critical step is securing the services of a reliable, top-rated moving company.

Here’s what you need to know:

Since summer is peak moving season, prices tend to be higher compared to the off-season. While you may not score a wintertime bargain, your focus should be on hiring a licensed, reputable, and experienced mover who prioritizes the safe and efficient handling of your household belongings.

Finding cheap yet dependable movers during the summer can be challenging, but professionalism and expertise should always take precedence. The good news? With a few simple steps, you can identify a mover that meets your needs:

Use our Moving Cost Calculator: Quickly get estimates from the best movers in your area.

Request an in-home estimate: Invite movers to assess your belongings in person for accurate cost calculations.

Discuss your specific needs: Share your relocation requirements and ask about additional services you might need.

Check reviews and ratings: Research the online reputation of potential movers to ensure they have a track record of excellent service.

Choose your mover: Select the company that best aligns with your priorities and trust them to handle your summer move.

6. Use free packing supplies when moving on a budget

One of the best pieces of advice for a summer move is to minimize your moving costs as much as possible. While this might seem challenging, careful planning can significantly reduce your expenses.

During the peak moving season, moving companies charge their highest rates due to increased demand. If you’re working with a tight budget, make it a priority to implement proven strategies to cut your costs.

Here’s a simple yet effective tip: Avoid buying brand-new packing materials. Instead, explore free alternatives like cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper. By sourcing free supplies, you can save hundreds of dollars without compromising your packing needs.

Where to Find Free Packing Supplies

Friends and coworkers: Reach out to your network through social media or personal connections to see if they have spare boxes or materials they no longer need.

Online platforms: Websites like Freecycle and Craigslist often list free packing supplies in your area.

Local retail stores: Many large retailers are happy to give away leftover boxes. Call or visit stores nearby to ask if they have any to spare.

7. Move fewer items to lower your moving costs

A detailed moving checklist is your ultimate tool for planning a successful summer move. One essential task on that list? Taking inventory of your belongings and decluttering.

Here’s why this step is crucial: the fewer items you take with you, the lower your moving costs. Moving companies calculate their prices based on the total weight of your shipment, so trimming down your load can lead to significant savings.

Follow these tips to streamline your belongings:

Create an inventory: List everything in your home and assess each item’s usefulness.

Let go of the unnecessary: Leave behind anything that’s broken, worn out, outgrown, or simply unwanted.

Be selective with furniture: Moving furniture, especially cross-country, can often cost more than buying new pieces after your move. Choose wisely!

Use the one-year rule: If you haven’t used an item in over a year, chances are you don’t need it.

Decluttering not only reduces moving expenses but also makes unpacking at your new home easier and more enjoyable. Start early, be intentional, and embrace the opportunity to lighten your load as you prepare for your next adventure!

8. Organize a profitable yard sale

One of the best perks of moving in the summer is the opportunity to host a garage sale and turn your unwanted items into extra cash. It’s a win-win: you declutter your home and lighten your moving load while adding to your moving budget.

Why host a summer moving sale?
A well-organized sale helps you:

Eliminate unnecessary items (fewer belongings = lower moving costs).

Earn some extra money to offset moving expenses.

Tips for a successful moving sale:

Advertise effectively: Put up eye-catching signs around your neighborhood and share details online through social media or local community boards.

Organize items like a store: Group similar items together, arrange them neatly, and display them in an inviting way to attract buyers.

Price items wisely: Set reasonable prices to ensure your items sell. Remember, the main goal is to declutter with some profit.

Create a welcoming atmosphere: Make shoppers feel at ease with a pleasant setup. On hot days, offer free cold drinks to keep visitors comfortable.

Be open to bargaining: Expect haggling and approach it with a positive attitude to maximize sales.

A well-executed yard sale can simplify your move and give you a financial boost. So, take advantage of the summer season, clear out the clutter, and start your new chapter with a little extra cash in hand!

9. Take summer packing to the next level

Unless you choose to use the services of professional packers and movers, packing for a move will be the toughest and most time-consuming job you’ll have to do when moving in the summer.

That’s correct – choosing to pack up your things by yourself will save a good amount of money but there are a few very important things that you should keep in mind during the entire packing process:

Start packing up your things as early as you can. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the time required to get the job done – double the time you think you’ll need to pack up your possessions.

Prepare all necessary packing materials in advance so that you won’t have to interrupt the packing task in order to go and look for extra supplies. Such frequent interruptions will only prolong the packing marathon unnecessarily.

Pack your delicate items like a pro packer! Don’t skimp on wrapping paper and bubble wrap when you’re packing fragile items that can easily get broken during the summer move. Those soft protective materials will be what will keep your breakables safe on the road.

Protect well heat-sensitive items such as electronic devices, media disks, wax candles, or plants (when you’re moving only a short distance away). Keep in mind that the heat in the back of the vehicle is likely to reach extreme values when moving in the summertime.

10. Stay safe during the extreme summer heat

Moving in the summer can be a bit risky when the weather on Moving day happens to be very hot. The intense heat alone may pose a number of threats for everyone involved in the move, so you should be extra careful not to let any accident or incident ruin it all.

Here are a few tips on how to stay safe during a very hot summer move:

Stay safe during a summer move. Stay cool.
Get an early start, especially when you live in an area with a very hot climate. Make sure you don’t carry heavy boxes and large furniture items between 11 am and 4 pm – the period when the sun rays are the most intense. When using professional moving services, look for a moving company that will agree to a morning move.

Make an effort to drink enough water during the summer move in order to stay properly hydrated. Dehydration could be a serious problem when moving in the summer so you’re going to have to keep replenishing the expelled fluids from the body, usually by sweating too much.
Keep the air-conditioner on and running so that the air inside the home is cool enough, thus keeping you from overheating and sweating profusely. Using portable electric fans to keep the air circulating is also a good idea.
Wear light clothes made of breathable fabric to keep your body cool. Also, whenever needed, wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen to protect your delicate skin from the intense sunshine.
How to Stay Cool During a Summer Move

You should never let your guard down when moving in the summer. First of all, use the above summer moving tips and your move should be as smooth as silk.

And secondly, stay away from unscrupulous rogue movers (most active during the peak moving season) by choosing a properly licensed, adequately insured, and hugely experienced moving company from our database of professional long distance movers.