If you’ve ever experienced Phoenix in July, you’re probably wondering why anyone would even consider moving during the brutal, triple-digit Arizona summer. Unfortunately, some people don’t have a choice. Summer is usually a convenient time to move, with kids out of school and things generally slowing down. The housing market usually picks up in the summer, too, so it’s a popular time to move, no matter where you are.
If you’re moving in the summer in Phoenix, though, there are a few extra steps you should take to make sure that you’re comfortable during the move. Being in the area ourselves, we thought we’d share them!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
We hope this goes without saying, but the extreme, dry, Arizona summer heat makes it crucial that you stay hydrated. Dehydration is a real problem in the Phoenix summer, and running around your home, lifting heavy things, and going outside frequently makes getting dehydrated an even more real possibility. Make sure that you and anyone helping you has plenty of water available to drink at all times.
Get help.
Speaking of those people helping you…make sure you get some! This is not a job you want to tackle yourself. We think that anyone should get help moving, but a move in Arizona, in the summer, calls for extra backup. The more help you have, the less strain you’ll put on everyone else. Make sure you take good care of your helpers, with plenty of snacks and drinks to go around.
Plan for utilities.
You’ll want to have your electricity turned on at both your old and new home on moving day. If not, you won’t have air conditioning to help manage the heat (and trust us, you don’t want that). As expensive as summer utilities can be in Phoenix, trust us, this is one area you don’t want to skimp on. Make sure you talk to your utility company and that they’ll have your electricity turned on in plenty of time.
Use portable fans.
Even if your air conditioning is turned on, fans will be a huge blessing to you and your movers. Have a couple set up in strategic places so that anyone who needs to cool down a bit can do so easily. You could even set up some chairs by them to create more of a proper resting station.
Sunscreen it up.
Anyone (and we mean anyone) who’s going to be outside in Phoenix on a summer day should have plenty of sunscreen on. Sunburn happens fast, and sunscreen is the best way to avoid it. Consider having some sunscreen on hand for any helpers who forgot to apply their own.
Avoid midday moves.
Moving will probably take up most of your day, but if you can, try to focus your efforts on the early morning and late evening. It will still be warm, but could help you avoid being brutalized by the sun as well as the heat.
A summer move in Arizona might not be ideal, but it’s at least manageable. Hopefully following these tips will help you stay reasonably comfortable, even at the most uncomfortable time of year.
Want to make your move even easier? Use a self-storage unit to store anything you don’t need right away, keeping it out of the way and safe. Arizona Storage Centers can store any item safely. We even offer temperature-controlled units to keep your most valuable, sensitive possessions out of the heat. All this, plus the best customer service in the business. We have storage centers in Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley, Gilbert, and Chandler, for convenient, safe storage wherever you need it. Give us a call at 480-386-6022 to learn more, or just stop by one of our centers. We look forward to hearing from you!
