Safety tips for moving in the summer heat are essential to keep in mind, especially since moving during this season comes with perks like longer daylight hours and school breaks—but the heat can turn a simple move into a dangerous situation fast.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 700 people die from extreme temperatures every year in the United States. Combine that with the physical demands of lifting boxes, loading trucks, and working under the sun, and you’ve got a recipe for serious stress and even health risks.
If you’re planning a summer move, preparation is key. So, we’ll walk you through practical safety tips for moving in the summer to help you beat the heat, stay safe, and prevent burnout on moving day.
Why Moving in the Summer Can Be Dangerous
Before we get into how to stay safe, it’s important to understand why summer moving presents unique risks. The heat can actually be dangerous if you’re not careful.
Extreme Heat Drains Energy Quickly
High temperatures make your body work harder, causing faster fatigue even with light activity.
Risk of Heat-Related Illnesses
Moving heavy boxes under the sun can lead to:
- Heat exhaustion (mild to severe)
- Heat cramps
- Heatstroke (a medical emergency if untreated)
Dehydration Happens Fast
Sweating more during physical work causes your body to lose water and electrolytes quickly—if you’re not drinking enough fluids, it can lead to dizziness, confusion, or fainting.
Skin and Sun Exposure Risks
Long exposure to direct sunlight can cause sunburn and even increase the risk of heat rash.
Furniture Can Get Damaged
Heat and sun exposure can warp wood, melt plastic items, and cause leather to crack or fade.
Moving Trucks Get Extremely Hot
Inside a moving truck, temps can soar above 110°F (43°C), making it dangerous for heat-sensitive items or prolonged work inside the vehicle.
Pre-Move Preparations to Stay Safe During Summer
The best way to avoid problems during a hot weather move is to plan ahead. A few smart steps before moving day can help you stay cool, organized, and one step ahead of the heat.
- Book your moving company at least 6 weeks early
- Schedule your move early in the morning (6 AM–10 AM)
- Avoid moving during peak heat (12 PM–4 PM)
- Check the weather forecast before your move
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Pack a cooler with water, sports drinks, and light snacks
- Get cooling towels, spray bottles, and portable fans
- Prepare a shaded or air-conditioned rest area
- Turn on the AC early at the new home
- Pack electronics, candles, meds, and food in coolers
- Load heat-sensitive items last and unload them first
- Prepare an essentials bag (clothes, toiletries, charger, snacks)
Essential Heat Safety Tips for Moving Day During Summer
Now that you’ve prepped, it’s time to focus on the big day itself. These essential safety tips will help you and your helpers manage the heat and avoid overexertion during your summer move.
1. Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things you can do during a summer move is stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty—drink water regularly throughout the day.
Avoid drinks with lots of sugar or caffeine, as they can make you dehydrated faster. Keep a cooler nearby filled with cold bottled water and electrolyte drinks to help you and your helpers stay refreshed.
2. Dress Appropriately for the Weather
Wearing the right clothes makes a big difference when it’s hot outside. Choose light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics like cotton to help your body stay cool. Protect yourself from direct sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Always apply sunscreen with high SPF before going out, and reapply it every couple of hours. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are also important to prevent slips while lifting or carrying boxes.
3. Use Cooling Accessories
Cooling accessories can make your moving day more comfortable. Hand out cooling towels that can be dampened and draped around your neck. Set up portable fans to create airflow, especially in hot spaces like garages or moving trucks.
If possible, create shaded areas using umbrellas or tents outside, and keep an indoor area with air conditioning ready as a cool-down zone where people can take breaks.
4. Watch for Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is serious and can happen quickly in hot weather. Know the signs: heavy sweating, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and skin that feels cool and clammy. If anyone shows these symptoms, stop what you’re doing right away.
Move to a cooler place and drink water or an electrolyte drink. If symptoms don’t improve after a few minutes, seek medical help immediately.
5. Lighten the Load and Pace Yourself
Don’t overdo it—summer heat adds extra strain to physical tasks. Break big jobs into smaller steps to make them more manageable. Use tools like dollies or hand trucks to move heavy items instead of lifting everything by hand. Most importantly, take short breaks every 20 to 30 minutes in a shaded or air-conditioned area to rest and recharge.
How to Protect Your Belongings from Heat Damage When Moving
It’s not just people that suffer in the heat—your belongings or high-value items can too. From electronics to leather furniture, here’s how to prevent heat-related damage while in transit.
Pack Heat-Sensitive Items Separately
Group items like electronics, candles, makeup, medicines, and food in separate boxes. These are more likely to melt, spoil, or get damaged in the heat, so keep them clearly labeled for special handling.
Use Insulated or Climate-Controlled Containers
Place delicate or heat-sensitive items in insulated boxes or coolers. For long-distance moves, consider asking your moving company about climate-controlled transport options.
Avoid Leaving Items in a Hot Vehicle
Do not let boxes sit inside a parked moving truck or car for too long, especially if it’s under direct sunlight. Load the most fragile or heat-sensitive items last, and unload them first at your destination.
Wrap Furniture with Moving Blankets
Wooden and leather furniture can crack, warp, or fade when exposed to extreme heat. Wrap them in thick moving blankets or breathable cloths to protect them from heat and sun exposure.
Use UV-Protective Covers or Tarps
If your belongings will be exposed to the sun while loading or unloading, cover them with UV-resistant tarps to reduce direct sunlight damage.
Don’t Pack Perishables
Avoid packing perishable foods, even for short moves. They can spoil quickly in high temperatures and may leak or attract pests.
How to Keep Kids and Pets Cool and Safe When Moving
Moving with pets or kids in the summer adds another layer of responsibility. Let’s go over how to make sure they stay safe, cool, and out of the chaos on moving day.
- Set Up a Safe Zone Indoors: Create a cool, air-conditioned room with toys, snacks, water, and supervision to keep kids and pets out of the moving chaos.
- Use Fans or Cooling Mats: Place portable fans or cooling mats in the safe area to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Keep Them Hydrated: Offer plenty of cold water throughout the day. Add ice cubes to pet water bowls and keep water bottles handy for kids.
- Avoid Outdoor Exposure: Don’t let kids or pets stay outside for long, especially during the peak heat hours (12 PM – 4 PM).
- Arrange Childcare or Pet Boarding: If possible, have a family member or friend watch your child or pet, or book a daycare or boarding facility during moving day.
- Prepare Entertainment: Bring books, tablets, treats, or favorite toys to keep them calm and distracted.
- Take Breaks Together: Let your child or pet take regular breaks with you in a shaded or indoor space.
- Never Leave Them in a Vehicle: Even a few minutes in a parked car can be dangerous due to extreme heat buildup.
Post-Move Tips to Recover After a Summer Move
Just because the boxes are inside doesn’t mean you’re done. After a long day of moving in the heat, your body and mind need time to recover. These are a few post-move tips to help you cool down, recharge, and settle in comfortably:
- Rehydrate and Refuel: Drink plenty of water and eat a light, nutrient-rich meal to help your body bounce back. Avoid heavy or greasy foods that can slow digestion when you’re already feeling drained.
- Cool Showers Work Wonders: Take a cool (not ice-cold) shower to lower your body temperature and soothe any sun-exposed or sore skin. It’ll help you relax and reduce the risk of overheating symptoms later.
- Check on Heat-Sensitive Items: Inspect electronics, candles, medications, and food items right away. If anything sat too long in the truck or sun, you’ll want to address potential damage quickly.
- Unpack Essentials First: Focus on unpacking only what you need that evening: toiletries, clean clothes, chargers, bedding, and a fan or A/C unit. The rest can wait until the next (cooler) morning.
- Watch for Delayed Heat Symptoms: Even after the move, stay alert for signs of heat exhaustion—like headaches, nausea, or dizziness. If symptoms pop up, rest, hydrate, and seek medical help if needed.
Extra Tips for a Low-Stress Summer Move
These are a few extra tips that can make your summer move even smoother.
Create a Moving Day Essentials Bag
Pack a small bag with items like chargers, medications, snacks, change of clothes, toiletries, and important documents so they’re easy to access during and after the move.
Label Boxes Clearly
Use bold markers or colored tape to label each box with the room and contents. This saves time and prevents confusion during unloading.
Plan Meals Ahead
Prepare simple, no-cook meals or snacks in advance so you don’t have to worry about cooking on moving day.
Confirm All Details 2–3 Days Before
Recheck your reservation with the movers, confirm addresses, and make sure you have contact numbers saved in your phone.
Charge All Devices the Night Before
Keep phones, tablets, and portable batteries fully charged so you can stay connected and informed during the move.
Take Photos of Furniture and Electronics Setup
Before unplugging TVs, computers, or furniture parts, take a picture to help with reassembly and wiring in the new home.
Prepare Your New Home for Arrival
If possible, clean your new home, check the A/C is working, and stock it with essentials like toilet paper, soap, and paper towels before the big day.
Give Yourself Extra Time
Don’t try to do everything in one day. Allow flexibility in your schedule so you can deal with delays or unexpected issues calmly.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Stay Cool, and Move Smart
Summer moves don’t have to be a sweaty mess. With the right prep and a few safety tips, for moving in the summer heat, you can avoid burnout, keep your stuff protected, and actually make the day feel manageable. Staying on top of hydration, taking breaks, and planning ahead really make a big difference.
And if you don’t want to deal with the heat and hassle on your own, we’ve got you.
ASR Moving is here to make your summer move in Edmonton smooth and stress-free.
We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on getting comfortable in your new place.
Get your free quote today at ASR Moving – and let’s make that summer move a cool one!
FAQs
How should I stay hydrated during the move?
Drink regularly—even before you feel thirsty. Aim for about 1 cup of water every 20 minutes, and include low-sodium sports drinks to replenish lost electrolytes
Should I hire professionals or DIY?
DIY vs hiring movers is a common consideration. Professionals can ease the burden and allow you to focus on safety planning. But even DIY moves require proper hydration, scheduled breaks, and logistics planning.
How far in advance should I book movers?
Summer is peak moving season. Book at least 1–2 months in advance to secure your spot and avoid higher rates or cancellations due to demand.
