Tips for Moving in Summer

Experts agree that summer is when people are most likely to move, primarily because children aren't in school, making it much easier for parents and families to relocate.

Moving is stressful at the best of times, but doing so during the summer means you'll face additional challenges- moving companies are in high demand, availability for peak dates is limited, and prices are higher. Here are some tips to help make sure your summer move goes smoothly.

Avoid Peak Moving Dates

Weekends and the ends of the month are when moving companies are the busiest in any season, but this is especially true in the summer. Having flexibility in your relocation plans can help you avoid higher prices and limited mover availability. If possible, try to move on a weekday or during the middle of the month, as these times are usually not as popular. It is also in your best interest to avoid holiday weekend, especially Memorial Day, as this is one of the busiest times for moving companies.

Book Movers Well in Advance

While the average person will reserve their move help only 8 days in advance, you should consider booking your movers much earlier. This is especially true for customers moving on the last weekend of the month or on a holiday weekend such as Memorial Day.

If you are doing a DIY move then you will also want to reserve your transportation sooner than later. Prices for a moving truck rental, as well as portable storage containers and freight moving trailers, are only going to go up as moving day approaches. Prices for moving trucks and trailers will always be higher in the summer than in the winter, but the price you pay will usually be lower if you reserve far in advance. Most of these companies do not require a deposit to reserve with them so you won't be penalized if you need to make a change down the line.

Be Safe in the Heat

Try to book your moving company early in the morning when it's not too hot outside. Keep hydrated and don't forget to wear light clothing to help you remain cool throughout the day. If you are hiring movers it's always a good idea to have bottled water on hand.

Be A Strategic Planner

Moving companies and related moving services will usually have limited availability during the summer months, so have a contingency plan and confirm often. When reserving a truck rental many times customers will also reserve moving blankets, these pads are extremely important for your move. Although furniture pads can be reserved online, most truck rental companies do not track the number of their pads available and can sell out before you arrive to pick up your truck. Make sure you call the location where you will be picking your truck up at and speak with a manager, make sure he/she is aware of how many furniture blankets you need so that they can order them from corporate if they do not have them in stock.

Give Yourself A Buffer

If you are reserving space on a freight moving truck, like ABF U-Pack or Old Dominion, make sure you allow a buffer between the time you schedule your movers and the anticipated arrival date of your trailer. Let's face it, delivery windows for most of these transportation companies are often incorrect and it can be frustrating if you do not allow a buffer. If the freight company has provided you with a window of 8am-12pm for delivery you should not schedule movers until at least 1pm, even later if possible.