Moving during the summer in Phoenix, Arizona can be quite a challenge. There are certain precautions and preparations you’ll want to be sure to take to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Here are a few tips on how to stay cool during your summer move:
Wear the Right Clothing
To start with, be sure you are wearing the right clothing when moving in the summer. Comfortable and loose-fitting clothing will be much more easier to live with and will help you stay cool. Also, be sure to wear light-colored clothing to help deflect the sunlight.
Drink Lots of Water
There’s no way to over-emphasize the importance of staying hydrated while you move. The heat can take its toll on you faster than you think and the last thing you want is to be fighting dehydration while you’re moving. Prepare in advance by having an ice chest ready with lots of bottled water. It’s better to buy too much than too little. When the day of the move comes, be sure to drink water before you even feel that you are getting thirsty. Doing so will help prevent dehydration.
Start Early
The first few hours of the day are probably the best time to load or unload a moving truck in the Phoenix area. If you aren’t able to move in the early morning hours, you might consider waiting until the evening when the sun goes down. Even then the heat can still be a bit overwhelming but it is better than working while the sun is still out.
Take Regular Breaks
Remember to take breaks every once in a while and sit indoors or in the shade to allow your body to cool down. Too much time out in the heat and direct sunlight will quickly zap your energy and slow your body’s ability to recover. It can be tempting to just keep going even when temperatures begin to rise in midday, but this can also be dangerous. Every year there are many reports of heat exhaustion and heat stroke suffered by those who stayed out in the heat too long. Be smart and safe by taking breaks!
Park in the Shade
There’s nothing worse than having to get into a hot car that’s been sitting out in the heat when you’re already hot. You may be surprised to see just how big of a difference it makes to park in the shade. Shade blocks the sun and reduces the temperature in your car by several degrees, which makes getting in much more bearable. Additionally you may want to open your windows a few inches to allow air to flow through the vehicle, which can reduce overall temperatures.
At Cactus Self Storage, we offer convenient access to storage units as well as climate-controlled units that help to make moving in the summer much easier. To find out what types of units are currently available, call us at 480-386-6022.
