Moving during the summer months in Tucson presents unique challenges that can turn an already stressful experience into a logistical nightmare. Between May and September, temperatures regularly soar past 100 degrees, and moving companies are booked solid as families relocate before the new school year begins. Whether you’re moving across town or settling into Tucson from another state, planning ahead can save you money, protect your belongings, and keep everyone safe during the relocation process.
Start Your Search for Movers Early
The biggest mistake people make when moving during peak season is waiting too long to book professional help. Most reputable moving companies fill their calendars weeks or even months in advance during the busy summer period. If you’re planning a move between May and September, start contacting movers at least six to eight weeks before your target date.
E-Z Move has built a reputation as Tucson’s most reliable moving company by consistently delivering exceptional service even during the busiest times of year. Their experienced crews understand the specific challenges of moving in extreme heat and come prepared with the right equipment and strategies to protect your belongings. Getting on their schedule early means you won’t be stuck scrambling for last-minute options or paying premium rates for whatever company happens to have availability.
Schedule Your Move for Early Morning
Desert heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s genuinely dangerous. Temperatures in Tucson can reach 110 degrees or higher during peak season afternoons, creating serious health risks for anyone doing physical labor outdoors. Request the earliest possible time slot when booking your move, ideally starting at 6 or 7 AM. Those precious morning hours before the sun reaches its peak intensity make the entire process safer and more efficient.
Early starts also mean your movers will have more energy and stamina throughout the day. Heat exhaustion sets in quickly when you’re carrying heavy furniture in triple-digit temperatures, so beginning while it’s still relatively cool benefits everyone involved in the relocation.
Prepare Your New Home Before Moving Day
Nothing wastes time and energy like arriving at your new place only to discover the air conditioning isn’t working or there’s no cold water available. Visit your new home a day or two before the move to turn on utilities, test the HVAC system, and make sure everything is functional. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting thermostats to 78 degrees when you’re home during summer months, but on moving day, you might want to push that a bit cooler to compensate for all the opening and closing of doors.
Stock your new place with bottled water, sports drinks, and some easy snacks. Having refreshments readily available keeps everyone hydrated and prevents unnecessary trips to the store when you should be unpacking.
Protect Heat-Sensitive Items
Tucson’s extreme temperatures can damage certain belongings if they’re left in a hot moving truck for too long. Electronics, vinyl records, musical instruments, candles, crayons, cosmetics, medications, and photographs should all be transported in your personal vehicle where you can control the climate. Chocolate and other heat-sensitive foods will melt into a disappointing mess in the back of a moving truck.
Plants also suffer in extreme heat. If you’re moving houseplants, transport them yourself in an air-conditioned vehicle and water them thoroughly the night before to help them withstand the stress of relocation.
Declutter Before You Pack
Peak moving season rates are higher across the board, and most companies charge based on weight or the amount of space your belongings occupy in the truck. Take an honest inventory of what you actually need to bring to your new home. That treadmill collecting dust in the garage or those boxes of college textbooks you haven’t opened in a decade are costing you money to move.
Host a garage sale, donate usable items to local charities, or list things on online marketplaces. Less stuff means lower moving costs and less unpacking work on the other end.
Use Quality Packing Materials
Skimping on boxes and packing supplies is false economy. Cheap boxes fall apart in the heat, especially if they’ve absorbed any moisture from monsoon humidity. Invest in sturdy, new moving boxes rather than salvaging used ones from behind grocery stores. Quality packing tape that can withstand heat is equally important, standard tape can lose its adhesive properties when exposed to high temperatures.
Wrap fragile items individually and fill empty spaces in boxes with packing paper or bubble wrap. Dishes, glassware, and other breakables need extra protection because they shift more during transport when movers are working quickly to minimize time spent loading in the heat.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
Even if you’ve hired professional movers, you’ll still be doing plenty of physical activity on moving day. Dehydration sneaks up quickly in Tucson’s dry climate. Drink water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Keep electrolyte drinks on hand as well, since you’re losing salt and minerals through sweat.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and anyone helping with the move: dizziness, nausea, headache, or excessive fatigue. Take regular breaks in air-conditioned spaces, even if it feels like you’re losing momentum.
Consider Portable Storage Options
Peak season often means less flexibility with moving dates. If your lease ends before your new place is available, portable storage containers offer a practical solution. Companies deliver a container to your current address, you load it on your own schedule, and they store it until you’re ready for delivery to your new home.
This approach also reduces the pressure of completing everything in one exhausting day. You can load boxes and furniture gradually during cooler evening hours rather than rushing through everything during the hottest part of a summer afternoon.
Protect Your Floors and Doorways
Moving heavy furniture through doorways repeatedly causes damage. Lay down protective coverings on floors in both your old and new homes. Cardboard, moving blankets, or plastic runners prevent scratches on hardwood and tile. Doorframes and corners are particularly vulnerable to nicks and gouges from large items being maneuvered through tight spaces.
When you work with E-Z Move, their crews come equipped with floor protection materials and take care to prevent damage to your property, but it never hurts to have extra protection available, especially if you’re doing some of the moving yourself.
Plan for Monsoon Season
Tucson’s peak moving season overlaps with monsoon season, which typically runs from June through September. These afternoon storms can appear suddenly, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. Check weather forecasts obsessively in the days leading up to your move and have contingency plans ready.
If rain is predicted, make sure you have tarps or plastic sheeting to protect furniture and boxes during loading and unloading. Some items absolutely cannot get wet, so identify those in advance and have a strategy for keeping them dry.
Update Your Address Information
Peak season moves happen so quickly that administrative tasks often get forgotten in the chaos. Create a checklist of everywhere your address needs updating: post office forwarding, driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance policies, bank accounts, credit cards, subscriptions, and employer records.
The United States Postal Service offers online change-of-address services, but processing takes a few days, so submit your request at least a week before your move date. Missing important mail during a transition creates additional headaches you don’t need.
Trust the Professionals
Moving during peak season in Tucson’s brutal heat isn’t something to tackle alone. Professional movers have experience dealing with the specific challenges of desert relocations. They know how to properly wrap and protect furniture, load trucks efficiently to prevent damage during transport, and work safely in extreme temperatures.
The team at E-Z Move specializes in making peak season moves as smooth as possible. Their staff is trained to handle the physical demands of working in Tucson’s summer heat, and they carry proper insurance to protect your belongings throughout the moving process. While DIY moves might seem budget-friendly initially, the risk of heat-related injuries, damaged belongings, and lost time often makes professional services the smarter investment.
Moving during Tucson’s peak season requires extra planning and preparation, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start early, stay hydrated, protect your belongings from heat exposure, and work with experienced professionals who understand the unique demands of desert relocations. With the right approach and a reliable moving company handling the heavy lifting, you’ll be settled into your new home before you know it.
