Summer is the most popular time of year to relocate—thanks to longer days, school breaks, and generally favorable weather. But moving in peak season also means increased competition for movers, steeper prices, and added challenges with heat. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating for work, this 2025 guide is here to help you move smarter, safer, and more sustainably this summer.
Start Your Summer Move Right
How many times have you heard the word ‘preparation’ when it comes to moving? Probably a lot by now. But there is a reason behind it. Arranging things prior to moving can save you time, money, stress, and a potential headache. Start by being aware before you prepare.
- Document your household inventory — Using resources such as a checklist, spreadsheet, or inventory management tool can help you stay organized before you pack everything up. This list of items can help you get started: Creating a Moving Inventory
1. Start Early & Book Ahead
Summer is peak moving season, with demand for movers and trucks at its highest. To secure your preferred dates and avoid premium rates, it’s advisable to book moving services at least 6–8 weeks in advance. This early planning also provides ample time to organize and pack without last-minute stress.
- Schedule your movers or truck — Booking a moving truck or a moving company in advance can save you a hassle as you get closer to your move date. A month in advance would be best but give at minimum two weeks. When they arrive, keep a courteous and respectful mindset, offer water if possible, and pay attention if they have questions.
- Get a storage unit — After you’ve consolidated and documented, and still find you’re holding onto mementos or things you won’t need with you right away in your new home, consider getting a storage unit. A small- or medium-sized one can fit more than you might realize and would be worth the cost to keep some of your items safe during the move or even for some time after until you’ve unpacked and reorganized.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is a great time to evaluate your belongings and cut down on excess. Donate gently used items, host a garage sale, or recycle responsibly to lighten your load—and your moving bill.
- Purge what doesn’t bring you joy (or what you don’t use) — Before or after you start documenting your belongings, it’s a good time to consolidate and set aside what to throw away, donations, and things you could sell on Facebook marketplace or in a yard sale. Keep any old sheets or blankets for packing, but everything else is fair game. A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used or worn it in one year and don’t have immediate plans to use it, give it away or donate it. If it no longer brings you joy, maybe it’s time to toss it. The sheer relief you’ll feel once you start packing will be significant!
3. Beat the Heat: Schedule Wisely
Plan your moving time early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid high noon heat. It’s better for your health and your belongings.
- Secure moving insurance — We typically focus on having insurance for our houses and cars, but it’s not always what crosses our thought threshold when it comes to moving. It’s added security for anything that gets damaged, lost, or broken, so consider having this as a backup.
- Boxes, Boxes, & More Boxes — Yes, having excess boxes sounds ridiculous. But in the long run, you will thank yourself for having the foresight to make sure there’s enough. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Your local supply or grocery stores, Home Depot, Uhaul, Lowes, and even dollar stores will have them. While you’re making a trip, it’s a good habit to pick up packing tape, bubble wrap or packing peanuts, black markers, and pre-printed room labels to save you time and effort.
4. Stay Hydrated and Dress Appropriately
Wear light-colored, breathable clothing and keep water bottles and snacks close by for yourself and your movers. Electrolyte drinks can also be helpful during long, hot days.
5. Protect Sensitive Items
Keep electronics, candles, and perishable goods in a temperature-controlled environment during transit, especially during long drives. Use insulated coolers for heat sensitive items when necessary.
- Wrap any delicate items carefully, and with plenty of padding.
- Newspaper is great bunched up in and around cups and bowls.
- Bubble wrap works well for wood, breakables, and electronics.
- Old unused thick blankets and sheets prevent staining or scrapes on mattresses and damage to heavy furniture.
- Electronics need to be kept secure and separate from other items.
- Set aside an essentials bag per person and per pet.
- Prep as needed food containers, coolers, and temperature safe bags for moving groceries and medicinal items.
- Mark and label boxes accordingly, by room or category of things within.
6. Embrace Eco-Friendly Moving Practices
Choose reusable bins, biodegradable packing materials, and fuel-efficient moving options when possible. Reducing waste helps the planet and often your wallet too.
7. Utilize Smart Home Technology
Document the setup of any smart devices before you disconnect them. Keep Wi-Fi passwords and device login info handy so reinstallation is a breeze at your new home.
8. Prepare an Essentials Box
This should include toiletries, basic tools, snacks, medications, important documents, and anything else you’ll need your first night. You’ll thank yourself later!
- Buy fewer perishables — As the moving date grows closer, try to spend less on perishables and groceries that will need to be refrigerated. If possible, eat and drink whatever is expiring close to the moving date and keep snacks and water on hand the day of. Meal prep is incredibly helpful, and can save a week of buying groceries, making meals, and stress as well.
9. Consider Professional Cleaning Services
Hiring cleaners for your old or new home can save time and help you focus on unpacking and settling in.
10. Stay Informed and Flexible
Local regulations (permits, elevator bookings, road closures) can impact your move. Being flexible helps reduce stress if unexpected issues arise.
- Turn on the AC — The day before your move date, call the utility company your air conditioning is through and have them turn on the AC. This will give the space time to cool down for when you (and if you have movers) arrive.
- Change of Address — Prep your Change of Address form and submit to USPS right before or after your move. Make sure your insurance providers, utilities, internet, doctors, workplace, banks, credit cards, benefits or social security, the DMV, and any subscriptions you have are updated as well.
Settle In & Enjoy the Season
A successful summer move is all about preparation, flexibility, and staying cool—literally and figuratively. With these updated 2025 tips and eco-conscious strategies, you can navigate your move with less stress and more confidence. Once the boxes are unpacked and the fans are running, don’t forget to take a break and enjoy the sunshine—you’ve earned it!
Your most important steps in making the day go smoothly:
- Hydrate — keep plenty of cold or room temperature water on hand.
- Start Early — beat the heat and set your alarm to begin early morning if possible.
- Dress Comfortably — and in old clothes…prepare to get dirty! Have a large container of wipes nearby
- SPF, Fans, & Coolers — battery-powered fans, lots of sunscreen, and coolers with ice are a LIFE-SAVER!
- Pet & Kid Safety — keep your pets and younger kids separated from the moving chaos!
- Tech Precautions — pack and transport electronics last, if possible, but definitely securely wrapped and padded.
- And…start moving!
Moving is a massive feat, no matter if you’ve got months to plan or hours. Whatever timeframe you have, take the above pointers, and make them work for you.
Prioritizing in the moment can outdo planning if you do it right and you need to make it happen — take care of yourself first and foremost, then your loved ones, and most importantly, breathe. You can absolutely get through anything.
Additional Resources: Moving Industry Statistics | Moving Inventory Checklist | What Companies Will Pick Up Donations for Free | Where to Find Moving Boxes
