Tips for Moving in the Arizona Summer

If you’ll be moving in Arizona during the sweltering summer months, it’s important to prepare for dealing with the weather. Scottsdale summers are no joke, especially when you’re running around and lifting and moving heavy boxes all day.

Keep the following tips in mind when you’re getting ready for your big summertime move to stay comfortable, safe, and as sweat-free as possible.

Hydrate

Staying hydrated—before, during, and after the move—is the best thing you can do to stay safe in that infamous Arizona heat. When you’re prepping for a big summer move, it’s time to cut down on the coffee and wine and up your water intake, instead.

Keep a water bottle with you at all times during the move. Dehydration is no joke – according to the American Heart Association, this can lead to headaches, swollen feet, and even heat stroke. (And, keep in mind that its water you should be drinking, not sports drinks filled with added sugars and calories.)

Wear sunscreen

The sun doesn’t just bring the heat. If you’re moving in and out of the house, be sure to apply copious amounts of sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.

Remember, though: Sunscreen is never a complete block, no matter how high the SPF is; it’s important to take plenty of breaks in the shade.)

Dress appropriately

Now’s not the time to wear tight-fitting jeans. Long-flowing, loose-fitting garments keep you cooler than jeans and shorts. And since dark colors absorb light and heat, your outfit should consist of lighter colors.

There are a couple of other less-than-attractive but vital accessories to your moving attire. These could include:

hats
sunglasses
bandanas
neck towels

Get an early start

The coolest time of the day is the early morning. If you can start moving before temperatures start rising, you’ll be much better off. At the very least, try to schedule the most strenuous tasks for first thing in the morning. You’ll thank yourself later.

Listen to your body

If you start to feel woozy , headache-y, or in any way unwell, listen to your body. You may need more water, you may need to re-think your clothing choices, or you may simply need to take a break for a while. Everyone tolerates the heat a little differently, so listening to your body while you’re moving big, heavy boxes is crucial.

Get organized

Before you even start the moving process, ensure that everything is as organized as possible to allow for a quick, efficient, streamlined move. This could mean starting the packing process weeks before, and making sure everything is labeled and sorted into easily-transported groups.

Also, do not forget to turn on the utilities at your new place before the move. The last thing you want when you’re moving during the summer is to walk into a new home without air conditioning!

Hire the pros

Don’t ever try to move your things alone, especially in the heat. If you don’t have family or friends to lend a helping hand, you should consider hiring a professional crew to help carry boxes and heavy furniture.

Professional help doesn’t have to stay within the realm of moving boxes. You can also hire extra hands to help deep clean your old home or help deal with huge piles of junk or trash. The more able bodies you’re able to hire, the better.