Beating the summer heat is a difficult feat in day to day life. Adding moving to the equation sounds nauseating. But more often than not, the summer is the most ideal time to move. Many kids are out of school and the sun offers more daylight hours. We at RC Van Services would like to offer some tips and advice you can easily apply to your moving activities to make the summer heat more manageable.
How to Beat the Heat When Moving to a New Home
1) Get an Early Start when Moving. Trying to perform the moving tasks outside is difficult when the heat is at peak temperatures. In general, from the hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the intensity of the sun and UV rays are at their strongest. Starting in the early mornings will give the advantage of cooler, even up to 10 degree difference or more.
2) Dress Smart when Moving. When dressing for a summer move, there are a few basic guidelines. For starters, your clothes should be made of a lightweight, loose-fitting and breathable fabric, such as cotton or linen. Such materials absorb sweat and allow for faster evaporation to help stay dry during the move. Light-colored clothing is also ideal. Whites and neutrals contribute to staying cool under the hot sun. Black and dark-colored clothing only absorb more sunlight, making you significantly hotter. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses and a hat.
3) Have Plenty of Bottled Water on Move Day. Staying hydrated is especially important under the hot sun, especially when you are doing heavy labor like moving. Heavy lifting and the walking to and fro will produce sweat and replenishing the lost moisture.
4) Turn on Utilities. Keep the utilities on in the old house until you are out, and be sure to flip on the utilities when you arrive at the new place to unpack. Air conditioning can help you keep cool as you are in the home to find relief.
5) Use Sunscreen when Moving Outside. At the start of the day, lube up with sunscreen and make sure all the exposed skin is generously covered including; face, neck, ears, shoulders, arms, hands, feet and legs. According to experts you should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher; be sure that is water resistant. Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes prior to heading outside, and make sure to reapply the sunscreen every two hours.
6) Be Aware of Heat Sensitive Items when Moving. Not everything you own is tolerant of exposure to warm temperatures. Electronics is a prime example of an item that is compatible to heat. Plastic items can even melt if the temperatures are hot enough.
7) Use Portable Fans when Moving. Battery operated fans can really help keep the area you are working in cool and if you are outside for extended periods of time. Especially useful if the building lacks air conditioning for unforeseen reasons.
8) Cold Towels for Hot Movers. Fill a separate cooler with ice than the ones keeping the water bottles cold. Store a handful of damp towels in the ice chest and when you or your crew get overheated you can get instant relief with a cool towel.
9) Learn the Symptoms of Overheating. Over exposure to the heat has been proven extreme and hazardous to trained athletes let alone locals trying to move their home. Knowing the signs of overheating can be useful. Overheating and heat-related illnesses symptoms include the following:
– Elevated body temperature
– Headaches
– Nausea
– Dizziness
– Weakness
– Fainting
– Muscle cramps
– Seizures
– General confusion
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If you or anyone with you on moving day experiences any of these symptoms; move inside with the air conditioning as soon as possible, drink plenty of water, lie down, and take a cool shower or dab yourself with cold towels. Be sure to wait until body temperatures return to normal and you feel like you can move with ease. To help you on your summer move, contact RC Van Services and let our trained experts expedite the process!
