Deciding to relocate between April and September to make hay while the sun shines offers numerous clear benefits. 

There is more daylight, schools are out, and there are no slippery or snow-covered roads.

Moving in the summer is quite common in North America, making it a peak moving season where finding the right mover becomes challenging.

Additionally, obstacles arise when relocating in the summer.

Increased moving costs, packing heat-sensitive items, arranging a rental truck, and scheduling your move are just a few of the many considerations you need to address.

Here are some effective tips for moving in the summer that will keep you cool and help you relocate more smoothly, both locally and out of state. 

Expert Tips to Beat the Heat When Moving in Summer

Moving can be exhausting, especially in the hot summer months. There’s so much to look forward to: a new neighborhood, a new school, or a new job. 

As you see everyone around you changing places, keep in mind that this is the busiest month for moving companies in your area, and they fill up quickly.  

Summer is also when college students move out of their dorms and end their leases. Therefore, short-term rentals and temporary moves are always on the rise during this time. 

Even if you move yourself, renting a moving container or truck becomes challenging. 

Here’s how you overcome the challenge and make your summer move relaxing. 

1. Plan Ahead of Time

Moving during peak season requires careful planning well in advance. 

Given that local moving companies are always in high demand, it can be challenging to choose the right moving company in Toronto during the summer months.  

So, how far in advance should you book a mover?  

For local moves, try to book a moving company at least one month before your final moving day. 

For long-distance moves, such as relocating from Toronto to Vancouver, you should plan to book at least two to three months in advance.  If you plan to move by yourself, be prepared to allow even more lead time than the above timeline.

DIY moving requires you to focus on purchasing the right moving supplies, moving boxes, booking a moving container, packing, and delivering your belongings. 

2. Create a Moving Checklist and Budget

We can’t stress this enough: creating a handy moving checklist does half the job for you when you move. 

Since summer is the peak moving season, start your planning early by making an inventory checklist.

This list helps clarify which movers to choose, what packing supplies you need, how to book utilities, how to distinguish between packing essentials and non-essentials, and how to organize elevator and parking bookings, among other things.

Regardless of whether you book early, one factor also plays an important role when moving in the summer. 

Since movers are busy, expect your moving costs to rise at least 10%. 

Hence, create a realistic budget by estimating your moving costs using a calculator.  

3. Compare Quotes from Several Movers 

Related to the previous tip, reaching out to multiple moving companies is best practice.

In summertime, movers fill up their schedules faster, quoting higher prices. 

Hence, do your due research when finding the right mover by reviewing their online reviews and website, followed by checking their services. 

When looking for a reliable mover in Toronto, check if they are a member of the Canadian Association of Movers to ensure their legitimacy. 

4. Strategize on How to Pack Fragile Items

Packing valuable items takes the most time and your discernment. Ensure you arrange the right tools and packing supplies for packing oddly sized and fragile items. 

Some of the packing supplies that help here include:

  • Bubble wraps
  • Foam padding
  • Packing peanuts
  • Specialty moving boxes – mirror and art box
  • Adhesive packing tape

Specialty moves like these include:

5. Protect Items That Are Heat-Sensitive

Some belongings, such as artwork and paintings, are sensitive to humidity and excessive heat, which can cause them to stick and fade.

Other items include cosmetics, leather furniture, heirlooms, and other wooden furniture, all of which are susceptible to fluctuating temperatures and warping. 

Tip: Store fragile, heat-sensitive items in a cool, well-ventilated spot.

6. Prepare a Plan for Kids, Seniors, and Pets

Transitioning to the next chapter of life is different for everyone, especially seniors, children, and pets. 

While moving heavy furniture, ensuring your family’s safety is of utmost importance. 

Given that the scorching heat can be harmful to seniors’ health, it’s wise to contact a professional mover to help you when moving with seniors. You can also arrange a senior living facility. 

Additionally, arrange for a pet daycare when moving with a dog. 

If you’re moving with an aquarium, plan your move separately, as the plants, decor, air pumps, and filters inside are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

Moving and packing can overwhelm children who are already adjusting to a new environment, school, or neighborhood.

In this case, start familiarizing them with the new location if you move locally. 

If your move involves constant furniture assembly and disassembly, seek assistance and hire a babysitter for a few days.  

7. Declutter and Host a Garage Sale

One of the most helpful tips for moving in the summer is leveraging your spring cleaning skills. 

Yes, as the days warm up, Canadians ditch those long jackets and snow boots, only to bring out their summer clothes. 

Now is the time to take advantage and host a garage sale. 

Some important hacks to arrange a successful yard sale are starting early in the morning, hosting it on weekends, and advertising it smartly. 

This way, you can declutter unwanted or unused items that are difficult to relocate and earn some money from it!

8. Pack Perishables in a Cooler

Moving in the hot summer months prepares you for other essential items, except packing and unpacking. We are talking about perishable food items in your refrigerator. 

One of the best tips is to finish them as much as you can before your final moving day. 

The less you carry, the better for you. But, if you have abundant items that might go bad in normal room temperatures, arrange an ice-cooler. 

Here are a few tips to pack perishables before moving: 

  • Pre-cool the insulated cooler before the move. 
  • Use an airtight container or a plastic liner for liquids before placing them in the cooler. 
  • Use a foam container inside the ice-cooler to protect your items from spilling. 
  • Fill all void space with dunnage or crumpled paper. 
  • Close and secure the box with packing tape. 

9. Keep all your Electronics Cool

We can’t stress enough that electronic devices are the most heat-sensitive items that you need to take care of when moving in summer. 

Here are a few tips to pack your electronics safely when moving:

  • While packing, the first thing you should do is disconnect them and shut them down. 
  • You can remove the batteries and cartridges from remote controls and other electronics to avoid leakage or damage. 
  • Keep your printers, laptops, computers, and routers clean and free from dust in a cool area. 
  • Remember, stacking them at the back of a loading truck can expose them to intense heat from the vehicle. It is advisable to take all your electronics in your car, securing them with cushioning materials. 

10. Schedule an Early Morning Move, If Possible

Trust us, moving midday is the most unbearable experience for both the mover and you.

The best time to move in the summer is right after sunrise.

The temperatures are lower and relatively cooler than the noon heat wave, making it easier for you to load, unload, and drive to the new location. 

When moving to Toronto, you can also avoid peak traffic hours between 8 am and 10 am, and in the evening around 5 pm, by starting your day early. 

11. Dress in Light Clothing

Last but not least, one of the best moving tips for summer is to dress comfortably. The last thing you want is to let heat get trapped in tight-fitting polyester clothing. 

Avoid synthetic fabrics and opt for loose linen or cotton shirts. Another pro tip is to wear breathable long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent injuries on moving day and skin burns. 

Summing Up

Whether you’re looking for summer moving tips as a college student, renter, or homeowner, remember to stay cool and calm. To keep the scorching heat from overwhelming you, plan ahead, contact several local movers, securely pack your valuables and electronics, and dress appropriately. 

FAQs

1. What is the priciest month to move? 

The most expensive months to move are June and July, when you can expect to pay 10% to 15% more than the usual moving cost. These two months coincide with peak summer days when schools are closed, people temporarily relocate for seasonal jobs, and homeowners buy new homes in early spring, only to move during the summer. 

2. Is it essential to tip movers in Canada?

Yes and no. The amount you should tip movers depends on the service you received. If the movers were transparent about the prices, well-trained, and punctual, consider tipping 10-20% of the final moving bill. 

However, if you experienced poor behavior from them, mishandling of your furniture, or hidden charges, you can choose to skip tipping altogether. 

3. How much do movers cost in Toronto?

The average cost of hiring movers in Toronto ranges between $120 and $200. On average, you need to budget somewhere between $600 and $2,400 for a local move in Toronto and its neighboring areas, including Vaughan, Hamilton, Waterloo, among others. 

4. What is the moving cost from Vancouver to Calgary?

The average cost to move from Vancouver to Calgary ranges from $1,668 to $8,950, depending on several factors. These include fuel charges, distance, optional additional services, or an extra mover you hire.