Keep Your Cool During Your Move

Most Canadians when they hear things like thirty-degree weather, rising humidity levels, and a high UV index plan on taking a trip up north to the cottage where they can cool off by the lake. If that’s not a viable option, somewhere with air conditioning can work in a pinch. Even a rooftop patio under the sun is a possibility, as long as there are umbrellas at every table and ice cubes in every drink.

Whatever your go-to activity is when the summer is at its hottest, we’re willing to bet it’s not moving house. Lifting and moving heavy furniture works up a sweat, and the sizzling heat and intense sun are less than ideal conditions for strenuous activity. In fact, it can be downright dangerous if you don’t take the appropriate precautions to prepare yourself this summer.

Heat- or sunstroke is your number one concern. Too much time spent exposed to high temperatures, without taking enough breaks to hydrate and rest, can overtax your system. Mild cases can cause headaches, dizziness, and exhaustion, but more severe symptoms are serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital.

That isn’t to suggest every mid-summer move will result in a health scare. You can successfully move out of your home or apartment in any weather condition, as long as you prepare yourself and your team of movers properly! (In a country like Canada, a place of extreme weather, this is a necessity, or we’d never move!). If you plan on taking advantage of the long sunny days this June, just make sure you read our top hot weather moving tips before you do.

Hydrate – Hydration makes it to the top of the list because of how important it is. Unfortunately, it’s also an easy one to overlook as you focus on getting all of your belongings moved on time. Make a point of taking breaks to sip on some cold water. It won’t just keep you hydrated and stave off dizziness; the cool liquid will help to keep you from overheating.

Eat Well – Though you may think you don’t have the time to eat properly before your move, it’s an important step to successfully moving your stuff. Don’t skip out on any meal. Just like drinking enough water, you should make sure your body has enough fuel to power you through all of the heavy lifting you’ll be doing.

Wear Appropriate Clothing – You’re probably already on the right track, as you wear shorts and a t-shirt to accommodate the heat, but there are some fabrics that can make your job a lot easier. Light colours will reflect the sun, so avoid wearing dark shades, especially black, during your move. Activewear is flexible and comfortable, which makes it an ideal fabric for when you need to bend and twist to move your stuff. Top it all off with a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and face.

Protect Against the Sun – It may not seem like it as you go back and forth between your truck and house, but you will be spending a lot of time under the sun. When the UV index rating is high or extreme, it only takes 15–20 minutes before you burn. To save your skin, we recommend slathering on sunscreen (at SPF 30 or higher), wearing a hat and sunglasses, and seeking the shade if you ever feel faint.

These are just simple additions to your day, but they have a positive impact on your move. Keep you and yours safe by following these tips. We also extend our professional moving services to anyone planning on moving this summer, where our experienced moving professionals will brave the heat so you don’t have to. Don’t worry – they’re safe and efficient when it comes to any weather, including those days that hit high on the humidex. Stay cool during your summer move and hire us!