How To Prepare for a Summer Move
Whether you’re moving to a different state or the other side of town, the summer heat presents a new set of challenges for movers to overcome. When you make a list of things to do before a move, you’ll help make your move as stress-free as possible. Allow our team at Five Star Storage to show you how to best prepare for your upcoming summer move.
Start Planning Your Move Immediately
The best summer moves require a strategic plan based on rock-solid organization and premier time management. Do anything in your power to begin working on your move the moment you know you’re moving.
Starting early will give you more time to get all your belongings together and settle any confusion there might be between you and your family and other respective parties. Eliminating clutter and stress in your move will help you maintain peace of mind and keep a calm environment at home.
Create a Moving Checklist
Moves tend to be very chaotic. The warmer summer months often mean a higher demand for moving companies and increased rates for their services. Too many moving pieces in your move can lead to disorganization and stress. That’s where a moving checklist comes in handy.
Create a detailed to-do list of things to do before a move as soon as possible. The best way to form this list is to visualize the moving process and jot down any tasks that need to be completed on a sheet of paper. Some of the items to accomplish before moving include:
- Update your address
- Make a firm budget
- Contact your utility providers
- Hire a moving company
- Inform your neighbors
- Clean up your old place
- Set up your ideal moving day
Organize and Pack Your Belongings Ahead of Time
Proper organization goes beyond your moving checklist. Start organizing your belongings immediately! Go room by room and group similar items together, such as kitchen supplies, clothing, and physical media. Keep essential items out until closer to your moving day.
Next, gather all the packing supplies you need. Learn about the different types of moving boxes, like cardboard boxes and plastic bins. See which size boxes fit your belongings best. Remember not to overpack boxes to avoid heavier loads. For fragile items, use protective covering like packing paper or furniture pads to avoid any damage to your belongings.
How To Declutter Before a Move
As you pack up, you’ll find that many items you won’t need in your new place. Instead of giving them away, set these items aside in a separate pile for storage. By decluttering lesser-priority items, you’ll free up space for the items you need to take with you on day one.
Do you need some more packing tips for moving? Use our packing and moving tips page to get the information you need.
Check the Weather
A few days before your moving day, check the weather forecast in your new home. If any hazardous conditions are projected, like severe storms or extreme heat, it’s in your best interest to keep you, your family, and your movers safe. Do not risk doing physical labor in hazardous conditions. Make an emergency plan if you need to push back your move, even by a few hours.
Dress Appropriately
Knowing what the weather will be like, dress appropriately so you don’t overheat yourself. We recommend light and breathable clothing to stay cool and reduce the chance of heat exhaustion. Don’t wear dark colored clothing as dark colors absorb more heat.
Use Sunscreen
When the sun is shining bright and the heat beats down, don’t forget the sunscreen! Use at least 50 SPF sunscreen to effectively shield you and your family from the sun. Cover any visible skin. For your face, use lotion sunscreen instead of a spray to protect your eyes.
Stay Hydrated
Alongside sunscreen, you’ll also need a steady supply of bottled water for you, your family, and your movers. Staying hydrated is an important part of preventing heatstroke. Watch out for any signs of heat exhaustion, including dizziness and fatigue.
Move in the Morning
To avoid the worst of the heat, start your journey as early as possible. Keep vehicles cool at all times. If you arrive at your new home and find a shaded spot for parking, take advantage of it! Turn on the air conditioning in your new place as soon as you can. The AC helps cool you down and is a great first step in making your new home feel comfortable.
Invest in a Self Storage Unit
You may have a gap between your leases and need space fast. The best way to get the room you need is with self storage. Choose between a variety of storage unit sizes and types to keep your belongings out of the summer heat. At flexible monthly rates, you can continue to use the storage unit for space after your move!
If this is your first time renting self storage, don’t wing the process. Use our first-time renter’s guide to learn what to do with your storage unit.
Climate-Controlled Storage
If you plan to store several temperature-sensitive items, invest in climate-controlled storage. These specialized storage units are kept at regulated temperatures and produce a stable environment regardless of the weather outside.
These conditions provide several benefits, but none are more prominent than the protection you’ll get for your temperature-sensitive belongings, like the following:
- Leather and wooden furniture
- Books and documents
- Sensitive clothing made of leather and lace
- Electronics
- Musical instruments
- Photographs
- Collectibles
Rent Self Storage for Your Summer Move at Five Star Storage
Looking for the best self storage for your summer move? Turn to us at Five Star Storage for help. Our convenient and dependable self storage is found throughout the northern United States and can help give you much-needed space during your summer move. To rent or reserve your storage unit, contact our team or find your nearest Five Star Storage location online today!