Moving during the summer is incredibly popular — and for good reasons. School is out, the weather is (usually) nice, and it’s the ideal time for many families and college students to relocate. But because it’s the busiest moving season of the year, it can also be one of the most stressful.
To help you plan and execute a seamless summer move, we’ve compiled a comprehensive moving checklist packed with timelines, summer-specific advice, and answers to your most pressing moving questions. Whether you’re heading across town or across the country, this guide will help you stay organized and stress-free from start to finish.
Why Summer Moves Are Unique
Summer moves come with their own set of perks and challenges:
Pros:
- Ideal weather: No snow or icy roads to worry about.
- School schedule: It’s easier for families with kids to transition between schools.
- Longer days: More daylight hours to pack, load and drive.
Cons:
The Ultimate Summer Moving Timeline & Checklist
Here’s a week-by-week moving checklist, tailored specifically for a summer move:
8 Weeks Before Moving
6 Weeks Before Moving
- Order packing supplies. Boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, and specialty containers for items like TVs and dishes. Here are our packing supplies and box size guides to get you started.
- Start packing non-essentials. Begin with items you use infrequently, such as books and seasonal clothes and decor.
- Label and inventory boxes. Clearly mark boxes with room names and contents. Consider color-coded labels or numbers. (For detailed information, please read our comprehensive guide to packing room by room.)
- Plan a garage sale or donation pickup. Lighten your load before the move.
4 Weeks Before Moving
- Notify utilities and service providers. Arrange to stop or transfer services such as electricity, gas, water, internet, trash pickup, cable, and any recurring deliveries you subscribed to.
- Update your address. Submit a change of address with the USPS and notify banks, insurance companies, subscriptions, etc. Here’s a list of everyone you need to notify.
- Confirm moving arrangements. Reconfirm your date and time with the moving company or rental truck.
- Take time off work if needed. Make sure you have time off around your move.
- Start packing more frequently used items. Gradually increase your packing pace.
2 Weeks Before Moving
- Pack an essentials box and an essentials bag. Include toiletries, chargers, a few days of clothes, medications, important documents, snacks, towels, paper goods, and tools. Here are the details about what to pack in an essentials box and an essentials bag.
- Prepare appliances and large items. Clean out and defrost your fridge and freezer. Disassemble furniture as needed.
- Plan your moving day strategy. Make a checklist for moving-day logistics. Include routes, snacks, water, pet care, and kids’ entertainment.
- Check the weather forecast. If extreme heat is expected, consider starting early in the day or renting fans for air circulation. In case of a severe weather alert consider moving the time of the move to later or earlier in the day, or even rescheduling to avoid putting anyone involved at risk.
1 Week Before Moving
- Finish packing. Leave only what you’ll use in the final days.
- Confirm travel plans. Confirm reservations if you’re staying overnight anywhere.
- Finish disassembling furniture. Take apart beds, desks, tables, and any furniture you’ve been using up to this point.
- Service your car (if driving). Oil change, tire check and AC inspection are especially important for long drives in hot weather.
Moving Day
- Get up early, have a healthy breakfast, and hydrate. Beat the heat and stay energized.
- Do a final walkthrough. Double-check every room, closet, drawer, and cabinet.
- Supervise the movers or truck loading. Make sure boxes are handled properly and labeled correctly.
- Keep your essentials box and bag with you. Don’t pack them in the moving truck!
- Turn off all utilities and lock up. Say goodbye to your old place.
Here are more tips and recommendations for how to make a moving day a success, and how to avoid injuries. For a detailed week-by-week moving timeline check out our Moving Checklist.
5 Summer-Specific Moving Tips
Moving in the summer? Keep these extra considerations in mind:
- Start early to avoid the heat. Aim to begin loading by 7 or 8 a.m. The sun is strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Hydrate and take breaks. Keep water bottles accessible for you and your movers. Take shade or indoor breaks if necessary.
- Protect heat-sensitive items. Candles, electronics, vinyl records, and perishable foods can be damaged in the heat. Pack them in climate-controlled vehicles if possible.
- Use sunscreen and wear breathable clothing. SPF 30+, light-colored clothing and a hat will protect you while working outside.
- Be wary of traffic and holidays. Summer travel peaks during weekends and around holidays like the Fourth of July. Plan your move accordingly to avoid delays.
Tips for Moving With Kids and Pets in the Summer
Summer is ideal for avoiding school interruptions, but it can be tough on little ones and furry family members.
Kids
- Let them help pack or decorate moving boxes.
- Keep snacks, games and comfort items handy.
- Tour the new neighborhood or school in advance if possible.
Pets
- Keep them cool and hydrated.
- Crate them or arrange a pet sitter on moving day.
- Update tags and microchip info with your new address.
For more information and recommendations, consult our Moving With Kids and Moving With Pets checklists.
The Bottom Line
Relocating during the summer has its perks, but it requires careful planning to stay ahead of the heat, crowds and costs. By sticking to this checklist, staying hydrated and booking early, you can avoid many of the common pitfalls of a summer move.
Whether you’re upgrading to a new house, downsizing, or simply relocating across town, this essential moving checklist will help you stay on track and stress-free. With a solid plan and a bit of flexibility, your summer move can be the smooth, successful transition you’re hoping for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Moving in the Summer
Is it more expensive to move in the summer?
Yes. Summer is peak moving season, so rates for movers, rentals and supplies are typically higher. Booking early can help lock in better prices.
How do I keep cool during a summer move?
Dress in breathable layers, stay hydrated and take breaks indoors. Use fans or portable AC units if necessary.
Should I move on a weekday or weekend?
Weekdays are often cheaper and less crowded for moving companies. Avoid holiday weekends when traffic and rates surge.
How far in advance should I book movers for a summer move?
Ideally, six to eight weeks in advance. For June through August, the earlier the better.
Can extreme heat damage my belongings?
Yes. Electronics, candles and photos are sensitive to heat. Transport these items in a temperature-controlled car when possible.
How do I keep kids and pets safe during the move?
Assign them a quiet, cool room with toys and water, or arrange for them to stay with a friend or sitter.
Ready to Move This Summer?
Moving in the summer heat is much easier when you have professionals to help with the heavy lifting. To find the best moving company to handle your summer move, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.
For those moving themselves this summer, we recommend looking into nearby truck rentals. Just make sure you choose the one that best fits your budget and needs. For more information and discounts on various rental truck companies, check out Moving.com’s truck rental center.
Best of luck and happy moving!