Summer Moving Tips: How to Stay Organized and Beat the Heat

Summer is the most popular time of year to move. School is out, the days are long and the roads are clear of snow. It's also the busiest and hottest stretch of our year, and we've learned a lot about what makes a summer move go smoothly and what makes it miserable.

We've been moving families and businesses out of our Enfield home base since 2011, across Hartford County, Tolland County and Western Massachusetts. Every summer we see the same patterns: the people who plan early and pack smart have calm moving days, and the people who wait until June to start often end up scrambling in the heat. This guide shares the summer moving tips we give our own friends and family, split into two parts: staying organized before the move and staying cool on the day itself.

Why Summer Moves Need a Different Plan

Two things set summer apart from the rest of the year: demand and heat.

Demand. The moving industry's trade association, AMSA, has described May as the start of peak moving season, with June and July the busiest months. For us, May through September is our busiest stretch, and the last few days of each month fill up first because so many leases and closings land there.

Heat. Summers here are warm and often humid. Based on NOAA climate normals, Hartford's average high is about 80°F in June, 85°F in July and 83°F in August. Those are averages, so plenty of days run hotter. In July 2019, NBC Connecticut reported the Hartford area was on pace for a record 18 days at or above 90 degrees in a single month. Carrying boxes up and down stairs on a day like that is hard work for everyone involved.

The good news is that both problems are easy to manage with a little planning.

Part 1: How to Stay Organized for a Summer Move

1. Book Your Movers Early

This is the single most important summer moving tip we can give. For most local moves, we recommend booking at least two to three weeks ahead, and earlier for anything between May and September. If you need a weekend or an end-of-month date in June or July, start calling movers six to eight weeks out.

Booking early also gives you time to compare estimates properly instead of taking whoever is still available. Our list of 8 questions to ask a moving company before you book helps you compare quotes side by side, and our guide on when to book movers goes into more detail on timing.

Busy season is also when bad actors are most active. Before you sign anything, read our post on moving scams in Connecticut and how to verify a license.

2. Pick the Smartest Date You Can

If you have any flexibility, use it:

For a deeper look at timing, see our post on the best time to move in Connecticut.

3. Build a Summer Moving Timeline

A simple countdown keeps the summer rush from catching up with you.

Our ultimate moving checklist and Connecticut moving checklist break these steps down even further.

4. Declutter Before the Heat Sets In

Every box you don't pack is a box nobody has to carry on a hot afternoon. Spring and early summer are great times to sort through the garage, basement and attic, ideally on cooler mornings. Our guide on how to declutter before a move gives you a room-by-room plan, and our post on eco-friendly moving in Connecticut covers ways to donate and recycle what you don't need.

5. Pack Room by Room and Label Everything

Summer moves tend to happen on tight schedules, so a clear system matters even more:

Need supplies? Our moving supplies checklist covers what to buy, and our post on free moving boxes in Connecticut shows where to find boxes without spending much. For technique, our packing tips from professional movers are a good place to start.

6. Pack Seasonally

Summer gives you a natural sorting system. Winter coats, boots, snow gear and holiday decorations can all be packed weeks ahead because you won't need them until fall. Keep your lightweight summer clothes, sunscreen and fans out until the end. Our guide on how to pack clothes for moving makes the wardrobe part quick.

7. Plan Ahead for Heat-Sensitive Belongings

A moving truck or a parked car can get very hot in summer. The National Weather Service notes that in one study, the temperature inside a closed vehicle rose an average of 19°F in just 10 minutes and 34°F in 30 minutes, and cracking a window made little difference. That's worth keeping in mind for anything that doesn't handle heat well.

Items we suggest you set aside and move in your air-conditioned car:

For anything breakable, our guide on how to pack fragile items for a move walks through the right materials.

8. Handle the Kitchen and Fridge Carefully

Food spoils quickly in summer heat. Start using up frozen and perishable food about two weeks before your move. Defrost and dry the freezer the day before, and pack anything you're keeping in coolers with ice packs. Our guides on how to pack a kitchen for moving and how to pack small kitchen appliances and pantry items cover the rest.

9. Pack a Summer Essentials Box

Your essentials box should get you through the first night without digging through everything you own. For a summer move, we'd add:

10. Get the New Home Ready to Be Cool

Call ahead to make sure the electricity is on at your new home before moving day. If the house has central air or window units, ask the seller or landlord to leave the AC running, or arrange to get in early to turn it on. Walking into a cool house after a long morning of loading makes the unload go faster for everyone.

Part 2: How to Beat the Heat on Moving Day

11. Start as Early as You Can

We can't say this enough. Early starts are the best way to beat summer heat. Schedule the earliest arrival time available, have everything packed and ready the night before, and you'll have most of the loading done before the afternoon sun hits.

12. Hydrate Before You're Thirsty

Water is the most important thing on any summer moving day. OSHA's heat safety message is simple: Water. Rest. Shade. The agency encourages people working in heat to drink water every 15 minutes and take frequent rest breaks in shaded areas. That's good advice for you and your helpers, too.

The CDC also recommends drinking more fluids in the heat and staying away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks, because they can cause you to lose more body fluid. Keep a cooler of cold water near the door so everyone can grab a bottle on every trip.

13. Dress for the Weather

Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, which is what the CDC recommends for extreme heat. Pair it with sturdy closed-toe shoes for safety. Sandals and flip-flops don't belong on a moving day. Add a hat and sunscreen if you'll be outside.

14. Take Breaks Somewhere Cool

Set up a cool-down spot at both homes, whether it's a shaded porch, an air-conditioned room or the cab of your car with the AC running. Short, regular breaks help everyone keep a steady pace instead of burning out halfway through.

15. Know the Warning Signs of Heat Illness

Heat illness can sneak up on anyone doing hard physical work. According to the CDC, signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache and fainting. If you notice them, move to a cool place, loosen clothing, sip water and cool off with damp cloths.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs include a high body temperature, hot and red skin, confusion and loss of consciousness. Call 911 right away. You can learn more from the CDC's extreme heat resources and Ready.gov's extreme heat guide.

16. Keep Kids and Pets Safe and Cool

Moving day is busy, hot and full of open doors. The safest plan for young children and pets is to have them stay with a friend or family member, or set them up in a cool, quiet room with water, snacks and a "do not open" sign on the door. Never leave a child or pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes. As the NWS study above shows, a car heats up far faster than most people expect. Our post on moving with kids has more ideas for keeping little ones happy.

17. Protect Your Floors and Your Furniture

Summer storms can turn a dry morning into a muddy afternoon. A good crew lays down floor protection at both homes, which is part of our standard residential moving service. On your end, put doormats at every entrance and clear a straight path from the door to the driveway. Mattresses and upholstered furniture should be wrapped so they stay clean and dry. Our guide on how to transport a mattress safely explains how.

18. Look After Your Moving Crew

Professional movers are used to working in the heat, but a cold drink is always appreciated. Offering water and a few minutes in the shade is a kind gesture on a 90-degree day. If you're wondering what else is customary, read our post on how much to tip movers.

For more moving-day advice, see our moving day tips from professional movers and the 7 common moving mistakes to avoid.

Summer Moving Checklist at a Glance

When It Makes Sense to Get Extra Help

Some summer moves are simply too much to handle alone in the heat. Here's how we can help:

Wondering what a summer move will cost? Read how much movers cost in Connecticut and how to estimate moving costs. Our local moves are priced hourly, our estimates are accurate within 10% thanks to a detailed inventory and move analysis, and we don't charge fuel surcharges or hidden fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is summer a good time to move?

Yes, for many people it's the best fit. School is out, the days are long and there's no snow or ice to deal with. The trade-offs are higher demand for movers and hot weather, so book early and plan for the heat.

What time of day is best for a summer move?

Early morning. Starting as early as possible lets you finish most of the heavy lifting before the hottest part of the afternoon.

How far in advance should I book movers for a summer move?

We recommend at least two to three weeks for most local moves and earlier between May and September. For weekends and end-of-month dates in June and July, six to eight weeks ahead gives you the most options.

What items should I not put on a moving truck in summer?

Keep medications, important documents, candles, vinyl records, electronics, wine, plants and anything perishable with you in your air-conditioned car. Flammables like aerosols and paint usually can't go on a moving truck at all.

How do I stay cool when moving in the heat?

Start early, drink water often, wear light and loose clothing, take regular breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and have the AC running at your new home before you arrive. OSHA's heat safety message sums it up: water, rest and shade.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion on moving day?

The CDC lists heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache and fainting. Move to a cool place, sip water and rest. If someone becomes confused or has hot, red skin, call 911.

Let Us Take the Heat Off Your Summer Move

Castle Express is family-owned by Joe Caronna, who started the company in 2011 with one truck. We're not a franchise and we're not a broker. Our own crews handle every move from our Enfield home base across towns like Enfield, Hartford, West Hartford, Glastonbury, Manchester, Springfield, Agawam and Westfield. See the full list on our service areas page.

We hold a 4.9-star rating across more than 200 Google reviews and an A+ rating with the BBB. You can read what our customers say on our reviews page or learn more about our team.

Planning a summer move? Summer dates go fast, so the sooner we talk, the more options you'll have. Browse our moving services or request your free estimate today. You can also call us at 1-888-553-4503.

Every move with us helps a neighbor, too. We give $5 from every move to Feeding America and the Enfield Food Shelf. Learn more on our giving back page.