Summer is coming, and many people use the season to move into a new home. While relocating any time of year can be a big project, there are certain things you need to keep in mind during the summer to keep it from becoming too stressful. Here are tips from Dave’s Detroit Movers to make your summer move as easy as possible.
1. Budget for the busy season.
You should always create a budget before moving. You need to know beforehand how much you can spend on moving trucks, packing materials, and movers. Summer is a busy time of year for relocating, so these things will probably cost you more than at other times of the year.
2. Research summer weather patterns.
Summer may seem like a great time to move because the weather tends to be more cooperative, but it can still surprise you. Some areas see heavy rain or wind storms in the summer. Keep an eye on weather patterns during the period you’ll be making your move, so you aren’t caught unaware.
3. Make moving company or truck reservations early.
With lots of people using the summer months to move, there can be a shortage of trucks available to rent. Get yours reserved as soon as you know for sure when you will be making your move.
4. Compare estimates and services provided by movers.
The summer is a busy time for moving companies. Many of them raise their prices because they are in such high demand. Get quotes from several before deciding on which one to book.
5. Make sure electricity, AC, fans are working at the old and new home.
You’ll want to take short breaks throughout the days that you are moving. It can be easy to overwork yourself in a desire to get things done as soon as possible. Give yourself some time in lit and well-ventilated home to get your energy reserves back up.
6. Stock up on water for yourself and helpers.
Summer tends to be hot. And moving is a lot of hard work. Don’t let yourself or your helpers get dehydrated during the process.
7. Take some vacation time.
While it may seem like you only need a weekend to move, you should give yourself more time than that. Take a week if you can, so you can use the time to pack, move, and unpack in your new home.
8. Take care of renovations before moving.
No one wants to move into a home that is falling apart around them. If you have the time and capability, handle any repairs the new place needs before you settle into it. That way, you can focus on just the unpacking and living there when your move happens.
9. Set up helpers ASAP.
Summer is a busy time for most people. Your friends and family may be going on vacation. If you want them to help you with your move, you need to set that up as soon as possible.
10. Get organized when packing.
Don’t let your packing get away from you. It may seem the easiest to throw everything in boxes and sort it all out later, but you’ll regret that in the long run. Pack each room individually and be sure to label boxes with where you need to place them in the new home.
11. Consider summer camp, school, or daycare.
Kids are a joy, but they aren’t always helpful. If you have older children, recruit them into helping with the move. If you have younger children, consider setting them up at a friend’s house, summer school, or summer camp program, so they are kept busy – and out of your hair.
12. Forgo big summer vacation plans.
Adding too much to your summer schedule will stress you out. For this year, avoid any expensive or long trips. Focus instead on getting your move done as quickly and painlessly as possible.
13. Reward yourself daily for hard work.
Giving up summer activities to move can be difficult. Give yourself rewards daily to make up for it. Head out for ice cream, do some laps at the local pool, or head to the nearest bar for a refreshing beer.
14. Plan all stages of the move.
Moving can be complicated and time-consuming. You don’t want to waste more energy and time on it than necessary. Plan out what you will do pre, during-, and post-move, so you don’t have to lose too much of your summer.
15. Consider moving your pets last.
Pets are loving and fun, but that doesn’t mean they are particularly helpful when it comes to things like moving. Instead of dealing with them underfoot or trying to keep them locked up in small rooms or a yard, keep them at your old home until you finished everything else. Or better yet, find a pet-watcher to keep track of them for you.
16. Be careful if the weather is hot.
Extreme temperatures can be dangerous. Keep an eye on the thermometer, take lots of water breaks, and don’t push yourself too hard if you feel like you are over-heating. It’s better to give yourself extra moving time than deal with heatstroke.
17. Test winter heating or fireplaces.
It may be summertime now, but winter will eventually arrive. Be sure to check out all of the things you’ll need in colder weather. Make sure fireplaces and chimneys are clean and usable and check out the furnace and heater vents.
18. Set up utilities and change of address early.
Don’t wait till the last minute to set up needed services at your new home. Address changes and cable installation can take longer than you think. You don’t want to miss out on letters and bills, or your favorite television shows.
19. Find fun places in your new neighborhood to explore as soon as done.
It’s essential to keep your attitude positive during your move. Keep an eye out for stores, restaurants, and venues in your new area so you can plan to check them out once you completed your move.
20. Don’t turn off electricity to the old home too soon.
Moving boxes and furniture is no fun in the dark. Make sure to keep your electricity turned on at your old home until you have finished moving all items and also done all cleaning you plan to do.