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10 Pro Tips for a Cool and Stress-free Summer Move
Feeling the heat of summer move planning? Don't sweat it! Whether you're gearing up for a local transition or a cross-country relocation, our expert tips will help ensure your move stays cool, calm, and stress-free.
Tip #1: Decide on DIY vs. Hiring Professional Movers
When it comes to a summer move, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is the mover dilemma: should you tackle the relocation yourself or hire professional moving services?
A DIY approach might be the most cost-effective option if you're a seasoned mover with a modest amount of possessions and a short distance to cover. However, if you're facing a long-distance move with a substantial amount of furniture and boxes, enlisting the help of professional movers can save you time, energy, and stress.
If you decide on a DIY summer move, here are a few things you may want to do beforehand.
- Check your local grocery stores or office buildings to see if they have any boxes they’re willing to donate. Many businesses have an abundance of shipping boxes that they want to recycle or get off their hands.
- Ensure that your new building or home allows DIY movers. Some buildings require professional movers with a COI or insurance certificate to prevent liabilities from injuries on site.
- Confirm whether you can use your new building’s main elevator or if a service elevator must be reserved in advance.
- Confirm whether there is a utility dolly in your current or new building.
Tip #2: Check Your Building’s COI Policy
As mentioned above, you should confirm whether your new home requires movers with a COI, or certificate of insurance. A COI shows that movers have insurance coverage in the event of a major incident, whether it’s a physical injury or damage to goods being moved.
If you’re moving into a single-family home, you may not need a COI. However, many condominiums, especially high-end ones with doormen, will be sticklers about requiring movers with a COI.
The best-case scenario is that your building will allow your movers to enter the building but will impose a fine. The worst case scenario is that you and your movers will be turned away at the door and forced to reschedule your move for another day.
Tip #3: Minimize Your Belongings
Moving fewer items is not only a smart strategy for reducing shipping weight and moving costs but also an opportunity to declutter your living space. Before your summer move, take the time to sort through your belongings and determine which items are essential and which can be donated, sold, or discarded.
Benefits of Decluttering Before a Move
- Reduced moving costs due to less weight and fewer boxes
- Easier packing and unpacking process
- A fresh start in your new home with less clutter
- Potential tax deductions for donated items
A few ways to get rid of items that won’t be moving with you are:
- Donating to a Buffalo Exchange or local thrift store
- Joining a Buy Nothing group on Facebook and donating to people who may need and love your stuff
- Hosting a yard sale
- Selling clothes and accessories on ThredUp or Poshmark
Tip #4: Use Wardrobe Boxes
One way to make packing and unpacking your wardrobe a breeze is to use wardrobe boxes for everything currently hanging in your closet vs. folded up in your dresser.
Wardrobe boxes can also help protect more delicate clothing, such as cocktail dresses, suits, and coats.
If you’re using a professional moving company, ask whether they offer wardrobe boxes. It helps to let them know how many garments will need to be moved in wardrobe boxes vs. regular boxes. If you’re worried about the weather on the day of your move (humidity, rain, etc.) you can also ask them to bring plastic coverings that go over your hangers to add extra protection for your clothing.
Tip #5: Pack an Essentials Suitcase
The last thing you want to do after a hard day of moving is rummage through various boxes to find your essentials. Pack a separate box or suitcase with essential items you'll need immediately upon arriving at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and bedding. This will help you avoid searching through multiple boxes to find what you need.
The Essentials List
- Vitamins and medications
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo, body wash, and facewash
- SPF – it’s summer, after all
- One week’s worth of clothing
- Pillows
- One set of bed sheets
- 1 roll of toilet paper
- 1 roll of Clorox wipes
- Phone charger
Tip #6: Strategically Selecting a Moving Date
Choosing an advantageous move-out date can significantly impact your moving costs and overall experience. When planning your summer move, consider the following factors:
Weekdays vs. Weekends
Moving on a weekday can often be more cost-effective, as demand for moving services is lower than on weekends.
Mid-Month vs. End-of-Month
Scheduling your move for the middle of the month can also result in lower rates, as most leases begin and end at the month's close, leading to higher demand and prices.
Early Morning vs. Late Afternoon
To avoid mid-day heat, consider scheduling your move for the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.
By selecting a strategic move-out date and timing, you can save on moving costs and ensure a more comfortable overall experience.
Tip #7: Consider Packing a Cooler and a Fan
Even if your new place has air conditioning, it will likely take some time to cool down as you move in. Thus, you may want to consider purchasing or bringing a fan so that you can plug it in by the entrance and cool down immediately. Also, pack a cooler with water bottles so you and your movers can stay hydrated throughout the day. Even if your movers are professionals, they will surely appreciate the extra thought and consideration.
Tip #8: Set Up Wifi Ahead of Time
If you’re moving locally, consider setting up an appointment with your internet provider beforehand so that Wifi is immediately available when you move in. It can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient to deal with delays in getting your internet set up and potential interruptions to working from home, on top of having to clean and unpack your boxes.
Internet Moving Checklist
- Confirm whether your current internet service provider (ISP) can simply transfer your account to your new address.
- Find the ISPs that serve your new address and compare pricing.
- Contact the homeowner or tenant of the new address and see if there are any restrictions or limitations. For example - some condos in NYC are only set up for Verizon Fios and may not even allow you to choose a different ISP.
- If you need to return your current ISP equipment, such as a router, to your current provider, be sure to do so before moving day.
Tip #9: Load Heat-Sensitive Items Last
Electronics are particularly vulnerable to damage from the summer heat. Overheating can cause permanent damage to your devices. When packing electronics, use plenty of padding and insulation to protect them from the heat. Set them aside so your movers can load them into the moving truck last. Ideally, your movers will know that heat-resistant items, such as outdoor furniture, tools, dishware, and silverware, can be loaded up first.
Heat-Sensitive Items
- Electronics
- Leather furniture
- Wooden furniture
- Instruments
- Art work
- Art supplies such as paint
- Food and other perishable items
- Vitamins and medications
Tip #10: Hire the Right Movers
Not all professional movers will offer the same moving experience. Look for a company with years of expertise in summer moves and a track record of exceptional service. By handling the heavy lifting and transportation, movers will allow you to focus on other aspects of the move. Book your movers well in advance, as summer is their busiest season.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Professional Mover
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What services do you offer (packing, loading, transportation, etc.)?
- Can you provide references or reviews from past customers?
- How do you handle fragile or valuable items?
- What is your policy for lost or damaged items?
The most important tip for a seamless summertime move is to consider safety first. Stay hydrated, wear SPF, and take breaks when necessary.
The information provided on the Kasheesh website and blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers are advised to seek professional guidance from qualified professionals regarding their specific legal, tax, or investment situations. The content on the Kasheesh blog is based on the team’s opinions and experiences and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Kasheesh is not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided on this blog. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any financial decisions.
