6 Summer Moving Tips for Peak Moving Season

Why Move Out in the Summer?

Summer is the season of moving in the United States. Countless college students, first-time homeowners, and military personnel all start looking for new homes on the market.

The housing market booms around April every year, meaning buyer competition may be high — but moving out in the summer is considered by many to be a favorable time to do so. Taking the time to prepare for your summer move will make sure that your experience is as stress-free as possible.

6 Summer Moving Tips

Summertime is a busy season for moving due to school being off, business workers taking vacation time, and tourism in every city. The following six tips will help you maximize your summer move-out process.

1. Plan Ahead of Time

Summer move-outs can be hectic because moves are especially common during this time. Getting everything in order before your move will help ensure that your moving day goes smoothly.

Big moves can happen because of relocation, deployment, or other reasons. If you are aware of your move well in advance, you’ll want to immediately start planning your move. Planning ahead of time on moving services, cleaners, and moving truck rentals will save you time and money during your summer move.

Here’s what you need to plan for your summer move-out:

• Gathering recyclable boxes or reusable bins
• Hiring a moving company and/or rental truck
• Purchasing storage space
• Hiring a move-out cleaning service

Start thinking about your move-out plans four to six months in advance, if possible. This will ensure that you are well equipped and prepared to move out during the summer months.

When to Schedule Your Move-Out

The beginning of April and the end of July are not the best times to move. Prices for moving companies, rental trucks, cleaners, and storage are high at these times because businesses know they’re the peaks of summer moves. This can leave a smaller window.

What is recommended is to get everything in order prior to the moving season. By mid-May, you should have already acquired your boxes and purchased your storage space.

Consider pre-packing by this point, as well. Think about what you’ll need to go into storage and what you are willing to pay to bring with you on either a moving truck, van, or cargo box if you’re moving long distances. Doing so will make the final moving day less stressful and taxing. You’ll only have to worry about and pay for your necessities.

2. Budget Your Move-Out

Moving out of any home will come with some costs. As mentioned previously, pricing for anything related to moving can be higher than usual in the summer. Your budget should take into account these higher prices.

Make sure to leave yourself extra funds in case an emergency happens, like your television breaks in the middle of the move or your wall gets damaged and you have to pay for the repairs.

What to consider in your budget when moving out in the summer:

• The security deposit for your new home, if applicable
• Professional movers
• Moving truck rental
• Move-out cleaning services
• Storage space
• Any new furniture or items you plan to buy for your new home
• Extra funds

You may also want to consider having some leftover money in your budget for snacks and water. Depending on where you live, summer can typically be a hot season to move out. Having your moving team — whether professional or not — well-nourished and hydrated will mean your moving day goes efficiently.

3. Don’t Pack Everything

Be conscious of what you own that could potentially melt or become damaged in a hot moving container. Vinyl records, candles, kids' toys, candy, or other plastic-like belongings will have a higher risk of damage during a move.

Purchasing a storage space that has controlled air is the best solution to preserving your high-risk belongings. You can use the storage space for items that you may want to either auction or donate once you move into your new home.

Packing everything that you own may increase your move-out costs significantly. If you want your summer move-out to be affordable, then renting out a storage space can be a helpful step.

4. Beat the Heat When Packing

Pre-packing will help decrease the number of belongings you would need to place into boxes and bins at the time of your move-out. This will also save you time and money later down the road.

In addition, on the day of your move, make sure to have a good supply of water. Summer move-outs can be hot, which means lots of sweating. As you sweat, you’ll need to replenish your body with water.

5. Hire a Moving Service

Professional moving services will know the best route in going about packing your belongings during the summer. With these types of moving services, you will be able to focus on other aspects of your move. You won’t have to deal with the struggle of loading and unloading your boxes, bins, and heavy furniture.

Moving Truck Rental Companies

Renting a moving truck and purchasing insurance will make the moving process easier and ensure that everything is moved swiftly. There is added value in being insured for any damage to belongings. This is something you wouldn’t have the option of choosing if you moved your belongings in your own vehicle.

6. Clean Before You Leave

Cleaning your home before you are completely moved out will help you get your security deposit back.

Most landlords make it a requirement to clean your home before leaving to receive your deposit. It’s often preferred to invest in a professional cleaning service to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned. That said, you should conduct a pre-clean to make sure that you have not left any belongings behind.

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

When cleaning your home for your move-out, move room-to-room. This will help you also take note of what has been packed and what hasn’t. Per room you should clean:

• Lighting fixtures
• Floorboards
• Floors
• Fans
• Windows
• Window sills
• Interior and exterior of cabinets and drawers
• Blinds
• Vents

A cleaning service will take care of the tougher spots to clean like the refrigerator, oven, and closet spaces. They may also include carpet cleaning, but that service is typically an additional charge.

Following a move-out cleaning checklist like the one above will ensure that your home is well prepared for your cleaner to come in and do a deep cleaning.

Make Your Summer Move-Out Smoother With a Move-Out Cleaner

Considering hiring a move-out cleaner for your summer move?

Moveout.com is a platform that connects you instantly with a move-out cleaner. Put in your moving date and schedule a move-out cleaning today.