Moving in Hot Summer Weather: Tips to Beat the Heat
How to Stay Safe and Cool During a Summer Move
Summer is peak moving season, but it also brings extreme heat, high humidity, and risks that most people don’t think about until they’re in the middle of it. In states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona, temperatures regularly push past 100°F, and the cargo area of a moving truck or portable container is not temperature controlled. On a hot day, the inside of a truck can reach 120°F or higher, putting both your belongings and your health at serious risk.
Whether you’re handling the move yourself or working with professional movers, these ten tips will help you plan smart and stay safe during a summer move.
1. Start Early, Finish Before Peak Heat
The hottest part of the day typically hits between 12 PM and 4 PM. Starting your move at dawn or scheduling your crew for morning hours lets you get the heaviest lifting done before temperatures peak. If you’re hiring movers, request the earliest available start time and prioritize loading the truck before midday.
2. Dress for the Heat, Not Just Comfort
Loose fitting, light colored clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton keeps you cooler while protecting your skin. Lightweight long sleeves and pants actually shield better from UV than shorts and tank tops. Add a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours). Sunburn raises your body temperature and makes the rest of the day harder.
3. Hydrate Before You Feel Thirsty
Heat and physical labor dehydrate you faster than you think, especially when humidity is high. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start drinking.
✔ Drink water consistently throughout the day, not just during breaks
✔ Include electrolyte drinks to replace sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost through sweat
✔ Avoid sugary sodas, alcohol, and excess caffeine, all of which dehydrate you further
✔ Keep a cooler nearby with water bottles and hydrating snacks like watermelon, oranges, or trail mix
4. Keep Heat Sensitive Items Out of the Truck
Since truck cargo areas and moving pods can exceed 120°F, anything that could melt, warp, wilt, or malfunction in extreme heat should travel in your car or be shipped separately.
✔ Electronics: laptops, phones, tablets, gaming consoles
✔ Candles, batteries, cosmetics, medications, and vinyl records
✔ Plants, perishable food, and anything with a low melting point
Simple rule: If it would be damaged sitting in a hot garage for six hours, don’t leave it in the truck.
5. Pack Smart to Reduce Time in the Heat
The more you can do before moving day, the less time everyone spends working in the heat. Aim to have all boxes sealed, labeled, and organized by the night before.
✔ Group items by room to speed up loading and unloading
✔ Use plastic bins instead of cardboard where possible, as cardboard weakens with humidity
✔ Use wardrobe boxes with vents to allow airflow around clothing
6. Take Breaks Every 30 to 60 Minutes
It’s easy to push through on moving day, but overheating can sneak up fast. Dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache, or a rapid pulse are all warning signs of heat exhaustion, and they can escalate to heat stroke if ignored. Find a shady or air-conditioned area and rest regularly. If you have help, rotate tasks so no one is in direct sun for extended stretches.
7. Keep Pets and Kids in a Safe, Cool Space
Small children and pets are especially vulnerable to summer heat and moving day chaos. Set them up in a cool, quiet room indoors with someone to supervise, or arrange for a friend, family member, or daycare to watch them for the day. Never leave pets or children in a vehicle, even briefly.
8. Turn On Utilities at Your New Home Before Moving Day
Make sure the air conditioning is running in your new home before you arrive. You’ll need it to cool the house and store heat sensitive items safely. Keep power running in your old place while loading too, so fans or portable AC units can keep things bearable during the process.
9. Hire Movers Who Know How to Work in the Heat
An experienced moving company knows how to protect both your belongings and their crew from heat risks. Poseidon Moving provides trained teams that plan for summer conditions and adjust their approach based on the forecast.
✔ Full-service moving including packing, loading, and unpacking
✔ Truck share or dedicated truck options
✔ Storage services and guaranteed flat rate pricing
With service across 48 states, we handle moves in dry heat states like Arizona and humid ones like Florida and Georgia.
10. Build in Flexibility for Summer Weather
Summer means storms, unexpected delays, and heavier traffic. Build buffer time into your moving day schedule and confirm that your moving company offers flexible delivery windows, GPS tracking, and proactive communication if conditions change. A little flexibility on timing can prevent a lot of stress when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Ready to book your summer move? Request a free quote and let Poseidon Moving handle the heavy lifting, no matter the temperature.
