Summer moves are the most popular of all moves! Did you know that roughly 70% of all residential moves take place during the 5-month period between May and September? It’s no doubt our busy season and there are no doubt a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re planning to be part of that 70%. You’ll benefit from warm weather and more free time with kids out of school, but you’ll benefit the most if you follow these top 5 tips for Summer moves.
The Top 5 Tips for Summer Moves Are:
Tip #1: Watch your budget On Summer Moves
As we mentioned, summer moves account for 70% of all consumer moves and that is a lot of demand. Keep an eye on your budget for moving and price shop a little harder than normal. Peak demand for pro movers generally leads to peak rates. The best way to boost your budget is book early before availability is low to lock in the best rates possible.
Tip #2: Hire a reputable moving company
With the great demand for Summer moves comes great supply. Having been in the business for 10 years in Middle TN, we at Fox Moving can tell you that, inevitably, a whole host of new “moving companies” pop up every year. Few survive past the Fall, and even fewer have the necessary experience to offer you a professional and pain-free move. Make sure you hire a reputable moving company with longevity in the Nashville moving marketplace. It will save you time and money in the long-run!
Tip #3: Plan ahead for your Summer move
The best way to plan for Summer moves is to plan for them well in advance. Don’t waste any time. The day your move is confirmed is the day you start working on your moving plans. Create a moving checklist first to keep reminding you of what it is that you need to do next. Carefully plan your schedule to allow for time to pack during those sometimes busy Summer days (and know that many people underestimate the time it will take to pack). Plan a garage sale for your unwanted belongings and book your reputable moving company well in advance!
Tip #4: Mind what you take with you
Speaking of those Summer yard sales…if you want to keep an eye on that budget and make your Summer move faster and easier, then plan on moving fewer things. Warm months are perfect for garage sales and donation runs and the more you take with you, the higher the cost. Not to mention that we all collect things that we’ve stopped using over time. Others may have more need for them now.
Also, mind what you take with YOU when you’re planning a Summer move. Pack heat sensitive items (like plants, valuable electronics, and vinyl records) into your own vehicle where you can transport them with air conditioned care. Moving trucks are particularly hot in the Summer heat so keep those valuables safe and cool!
Tip #5: Be Prepared for the Weather During Summer Moves
Mother Nature can be moody during the Summer so it can be challenging to prepare for the weather during Summer moves, but there are two things that you need to be ready for without a doubt – heat and rain!
Have sunblock on hand, (and on those face and arms), as you’ll be going in and out of your home all day during a move. Dress cool and comfortable, stay hydrated, and keep the room or rooms where you’ll packing, moving and unpacking air-conditioned. If you’ve hired a moving crew, have some cold drinks on hand for them and help keep them hydrated as well.
Don’t let the heat make you forget about those possible rainstorms during Summer moves though! Here in the South, Summer days carry a chance of showers and thunderstorms just about any day of the month or week! Those storms rarely last long, but if one pops up on your moving day, you’ll be much better off if you’re prepared. Have umbrellas, towels, and maybe even a change of clothes easily accessible.