Moving House In Hot Weather

Josh at Omni Removals Jul 11, 2024

Let's face it, we all hope and pray for nice weather on moving day. I would much rather move house under clear blue skies and scorching temperatures rather than rain clouds and the bitter cold. However, moving house in the hot does require extra planning and preparation to ensure that the move and the day goes smoothly. It may be cooler to let the professionals at Omni Removals move you - so here are our tips for moving in the heat...

Be sure to keep checking the weather forecast in the days leading up to your moving day and be prepared for whatever mother nature has in store for you... We all know how wet british summers can be! If you're moving a fair distance away, make sure to check the forecast of your new location as well.

As with all moves, try to get as much done before your actual moving day. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings and use these times to do the majority of your sorting and packing. On Removal day, we recommend starting early in the day as the temperature will be lower and will also give you more time to go at your own pace and take a well needed break or two.

Wear the right clothes! As tempting as it might be to on loose fitting clothes in the heat, these aren't quite appropriate for lifting and moving heavy boxes, furniture etc. Omni Removals advises you to wear natural fibres in light colours to help you stay cool. Covering up is also a good way to avoid the sun burn! Footwear is also vitally important when moving house. Make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes or boots - you'll be surprised at just how much walking you'll be doing! Not only that, but these types of footwear also offer more protection on the off-chance you drop something on your foot. As always in the sun, we always recommend remembering to wear your suncream and keep a pair of sunglasses on hand, too.

When you pack your box of essentials - the box that is last on and first off the truck - keep the weather top of mind and use cool bags full of ice and pack cool drinks if it is hot! We also advise including a wash kit in case you'd like to freshen up before you leave and upon arrival too. A good way of staying cool in the extreme heat is to soak a towel in cold water and wear it around your neck.

Make sure that you and your loved ones drink plenty to replace all those fluids lost on hot days - and remember to eat, too! As much as the heat and any moving associated anxieties can surpress appetites, it's important to try and eat little and often - just make sure you avoid salty and heavy foods.

Overheating can be dangerous and heat stroke is a huge risk, so make sure your aware of common symptoms such as: headaches, diziness, nausea, cramps and even fainting. Listening to your body and taking a break when needed is incredibly important.

To keep cool indoors, we do advise keeping all windows and doors shut if the outside temperature is hotter than the indoor temperature. Be sure to keep them open though if the temperature indoors is higher or to make use of any breeze that there might be. Keeping your blinds or curtains slightly drawm is also a good way of staying out of the heat and dodging those annoying sun rays.

Keep in mind, it's not just you and your family that could suffer in the heat... Your possessions could too! Try not to leave any electronics out in the sun - make sure they get on the van quickly. Older pictures and photographs can also be affected and are prone to heat damage. We always advise emptying your freezer fully and running down your food supplies as much as possible before your move - this is super important as some foods can spoil in the heat and the contents of your freezer will melt and spoil quite quickly, even if you are only moving a short distance.

As I'm sure you know, plants can also suffer in the heat but we do advise you to NOT water them right before you move, only as wet plants can lead to the transfer of dirt on to your valuable items and furniture. Keep them out of the heat where possible but make sure to water them when you've settled in upon arrival at your new home.

If you're lucky enough to have portable fans and/or air conditioning units etc., we recommend taking advantage of these and setting them up in hallways and walkways to keep the spaces cool. Be sure to pack them last and remember to empty any condensing units.

There are particular members of your family who suffer more in the heat than you do - your pets. Our advice would be to see if any friends or family could help to look after them while you move but we appreciate that this isn't always possible. Make sure they have plenty of water to drink and don't leave them out in the blazing sun whilst your packing up. Try and dedicate a shady spot to them that also has a toy and a treat or two. Do not under any circumstances leave them in a vehicle. Just don't.

Finally - and perhaps the part you're looking forward to the most - Find a nice cool restaurant to eat at, or order in and eat in the garden and enjoy your evening meal in your new home!