It’s no surprise that the busiest season for moving is May through September. That’s when kids are out of school and the weather is often the most cooperative. Well, that last part is true for almost any U.S. location except southern Arizona, where the extreme temperatures can create some additional hardships.
Thankfully, Tucson moving companies have the experience to handle these harsh conditions. Here’s just a few items to take into consideration:
- Hot dogs. And cats, too. Make sure your furry, feathered and fishy friends have access to extra water and shade on a hot summer day. Never leave them in a car for any length of time and make sure their paws aren’t burning on hot pavement. According to PETA, animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes.
- Bored kids. Be sure to give each child a backpack filled with their favorite toys, games, and snacks to help keep them occupied while the movers are loading and unloading the truck. This will help keep them out of harm’s way and out of trouble. Also, don’t forget to reapply their sunscreen often and have plenty of bottled water on hand to protect them from the sun and dehydration.
- First night. After a long sweaty moving day, the first thing you’ll want to do in your new home is take a cool shower. Pack a clearly marked box with all the necessary items (shampoo, soap, towels, change of clothes, etc.). If you’ll be moving later in the day, put bed sheets and pillows in this box too, so you can get a good night’s sleep before tackling unpacking the next day. If the new house doesn’t have ceiling fans, consider packing a few small fans as well.
- Electronics exposure. Computers, cell phones and other electronic items can be ruined when left in direct sunlight or prolonged periods of heat. Consider taking them in the car with you (if you’re driving to your new home) to help preserve them.
- Protect yourself. Be sure to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and closed-toe shoes (like sneakers) with cotton socks to help keep cool. Wear a hat and/or sunglasses to protect your eyes and sunscreen on any exposed skin. Drink plenty of water and take rests when needed.
- Power up. If possible, arrange to have the electricity to your old house turned off the day after you move and the power to your new home turned on the day before you move in — this way, you’ll have a cool spot on both ends for your kids, pets and everyone helping with the move to retreat from the heat.
- Early bird. The further in advance you hire a moving company in Tucson, such as E-Z Move, the better your changes are to snag an early morning time slot — and the earlier in the morning you move, the cooler the temps will be. Every little degree helps!