Why Summer Moves Are the Most Stressful (and How to Beat the Heat)

Summer might seem like the perfect time to relocate—kids are out of school, the weather's generally clear, and those extra vacation days can be put toward settling in. But experienced movers know a secret: summer moves can actually be the most challenging of all. Here's why the "peak season" creates unique stressors—and practical strategies to keep your cool when temperatures (and tensions) rise.

Why Summer Moves Get Complicated

1. Peak Demand Creates Scheduling Nightmares

Summer is moving's high season, with an estimated 80% of all moves happening between May and September. This concentration means:

• Moving companies book up weeks (sometimes months) in advance
• Premium prices kick in as demand skyrockets
• Last-minute schedule changes become nearly impossible
• Quality movers become harder to secure

2. Heat Takes a Physical Toll

Moving is physically demanding any time of year, but summer adds:

• Risk of heat exhaustion or dehydration
• Sweat-soaked furniture and boxes
• Faster fatigue for everyone involved
• Heat-sensitive items requiring special care

3. Children and Pets Need Extra Attention

With kids home from school:

• They require supervision while packing continues
• Emotional stress about changing schools/friends intensifies
• Disrupted routines lead to behavioral challenges
• Childcare becomes another moving-day complication

4. Housing Market Competition

Summer is also peak homebuying season, resulting in:

• Higher housing costs
• More competitive bidding situations
• Tighter closing timelines
• Increased pressure during the entire process

Your Practical Summer Moving Survival Guide

Beat the Scheduling Crunch

Book absurdly early. Reserve your movers at least 8-12 weeks in advance for summer relocations. Even earlier if you're moving at month-end.

Consider mid-month timing. Most leases start/end at month beginning/end. Scheduling your move for the 10th-20th can mean greater availability and sometimes lower rates.

Be flexible with dates. Having a 3-5 day window rather than a single "must-move" date gives you negotiating power and backup options.

Manage the Temperature Challenge

Start at dawn. Begin your moving day as early as possible—ideally by 7am—to maximize cooler morning hours.

Create cooling stations. Set up fans at doorways and keep coolers with ice, water, and electrolyte drinks accessible at both your old and new homes.

Dress strategically. Light, moisture-wicking fabrics, hats, and cooling towels make a remarkable difference in comfort.

Protect heat-sensitive items. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, and certain medications need special attention. Transport these in your air-conditioned vehicle rather than the moving truck when possible.

Keep Kids (and Pets) Comfortable

Arrange alternative care. Moving day is not the time for childcare multitasking. Consider:

• Scheduling playdates at friends' homes
• Hiring a babysitter to take kids to a cool activity
• Setting up a designated "kid zone" with entertainment away from the main moving action

For pets: Arrange boarding or have a friend pet-sit. The combination of heat, strangers in the home, and disruption can be particularly stressful for animals.

Navigate the Competitive Market

Lock in your new housing first. In summer's competitive market, secure your destination before finalizing your departure date.

Build in buffer time. If possible, allow 2-3 days between closing/getting keys and your physical move to handle unexpected delays.

Consider temporary housing. Sometimes a short-term rental can relieve the pressure of finding the perfect home during peak season.

Day-of Execution Plan

Morning (6am-10am):

• Move furniture and heaviest items during coolest hours
• Keep window coverings closed at the new place to maintain cooler temperatures
• Hydrate regularly—before you feel thirsty

Midday (10am-2pm):

• Focus on indoor packing and unpacking tasks
• Take scheduled breaks in air-conditioned areas
• Rotate jobs to avoid any one person getting overheated

Afternoon (2pm-6pm):

• Handle paperwork and lighter items
• Set up fans and cooling systems at the new place first
• Plan a break during the hottest part of the day if possible

Emergency Preparation

No summer move plan is complete without considering potential problems:

• Have backup movers on speed-dial. Know who to call if your scheduled help falls through.
• Locate the circuit breaker box immediately upon arrival to address any A/C or power issues.
• Pack a separate "heat emergency" kit with extra water, cooling packs, and first aid supplies.

The Silver Lining

Despite the challenges, summer moves do offer some advantages:

• Longer daylight hours mean more time to get settled
• Better weather for exploring your new neighborhood
• Community pools and splash pads provide perfect post-move rewards
• More garage sales for finding or selling items

Final Thoughts

Summer moves require extra planning, but with the right approach, they don't have to be overwhelming. The key is anticipating the specific seasonal challenges and creating targeted strategies to address them before they become problems.

Remember: staying cool—both literally and figuratively—makes all the difference between a stressful summer move and a successful transition to your new home. With some advance planning and these practical tips, you can beat the heat and the stress that typically comes with peak season relocations.