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Summer is the most popular season for moving—and for good reason. Kids are out of school, the real estate market is hot, and flexible schedules make it easier to plan a big transition. But there’s a side to summer moving that many people underestimate: the heat.
While sunny skies may seem like perfect moving weather, the reality is more intense. Heat indexes in Southern California regularly exceed 100°F, especially in inland areas like Acton, Palmdale, and the Antelope Valley. Those blistering temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable—they can be downright dangerous.
When you're lifting, carrying, packing, and driving in sweltering conditions, the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heat stroke goes way up. Combine that with fatigue, sunburn, and the physical demands of a move, and you’ve got a high-risk situation unless you're prepared.
Smart Scheduling: Timing Is Everything
Move Early or Late in the Day
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce heat exposure is to start your move early in the morning or later in the evening. By kicking off the day before the sun reaches full intensity—ideally between 6 AM and 9 AM—you give yourself a cooler window to get the heavy lifting done. Late-afternoon or evening moves can also be effective, especially for unloading.
Professional movers like those at The American Dream Moving & Storage often schedule summer moves in staggered shifts to make the most of these cooler hours. This approach not only protects the health of everyone involved but also reduces the chance of heat-related damage to your belongings.
Account for the Sun’s Direction
It’s not just the time of day that matters—it’s also where the sun hits your property. South- and west-facing driveways, patios, and loading areas can become literal heat traps by midday. Whenever possible, arrange your loading zones to stay in the shade. If that’s not feasible, consider temporary shade solutions like pop-up canopies, umbrellas, or reflective tarps to create some relief.
Pay attention to how the sunlight shifts throughout the day so you can position movers and fragile items out of direct exposure. This is especially helpful when packing electronics, artwork, or furniture that could warp or fade in the sun.
Flexibility Is Key to Staying Safe
Sometimes, the best way to protect your move is to break it into two smaller sessions—especially if you have a large home or are moving a long distance. Splitting your move over two cooler mornings or one evening and one early morning gives your team more recovery time and lowers the risk of heat exhaustion or mistakes caused by fatigue.
Dress for the Weather: What Movers Wear in the Heat
Lightweight, Breathable Clothing
Forget denim jeans and thick cotton tees. In extreme heat, moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics are essential. Look for athletic wear made from polyester blends or technical fabrics designed to pull sweat away from your skin and dry quickly. Light-colored clothing also reflects sunlight better than darker tones, which absorb and trap heat.
Sun Protection Gear
Even with short exposure, direct sunlight can take a toll on your skin and energy levels. Wide-brim hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight neck gaiters or cooling towels help block the sun while still allowing for airflow. For those prone to sunburn, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day—especially to the back of the neck, arms, and face.
Proper Footwear
Moving involves a lot of lifting, climbing, and maneuvering—so sandals and slip-ons are out of the question. But in extreme heat, even some work boots can be too much. The best summer moving footwear offers a closed toe for protection, non-slip soles for grip, and enough ventilation to prevent overheating. Avoid insulated or steel-toe boots unless required for heavy-duty work, as these can trap heat and cause discomfort or overheating.
Stay Hydrated & Nourished
Water Strategy: Sip Frequently, Not Occasionally
You might not feel thirsty, but your body is still losing fluids through sweat—and by the time you do feel parched, you’re likely already dehydrated. A good rule of thumb? Drink one cup of water every 20 minutes, and start hydrating before the moving day begins. Keep refillable bottles or jugs on hand, and avoid waiting until breaks to drink.
Electrolytes Matter
Sweat doesn’t just drain water from your system—it also pulls out critical electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. To avoid dizziness, fatigue, or muscle cramps, include drinks like Gatorade, coconut water, or add electrolyte powders to your water bottle. Just watch out for high-sugar options that might lead to a crash later in the day.
Snacks for Sustained Energy
Heavy meals can slow you down and make you sluggish in the heat. Instead, aim for light, high-protein snacks that keep your energy stable throughout the day. Great options include:
- Protein bars
- Trail mix with nuts and seeds
- Fresh fruit like apples or oranges
- Whole-grain crackers and nut butter
Protecting Your Belongings from the Heat
Heat-Sensitive Items to Flag
Before packing, take inventory of anything that could be damaged by heat or sunlight. Items especially vulnerable during a hot summer move include:
- Electronics (laptops, tablets, TVs, gaming consoles)
- Batteries and battery-powered devices
- Musical instruments (guitars, violins, pianos)
- Cosmetics and personal care products (lotions, lipsticks, hair products)
- Perishable foods or pantry items (especially anything canned, jarred, or in plastic)
Even a short time in a hot moving truck can be enough to melt, warp, or spoil these items—sometimes beyond repair.
Pack Accordingly
If you must transport temperature-sensitive items, make sure to pack them with extra care. A few smart strategies:
- Use insulated coolers or thermal totes for makeup, food, or anything perishable.
- Wrap electronics and delicate items in thermal bubble wrap or reflective insulation.
- Store the most sensitive items in your air-conditioned car, especially during loading and unloading.
- If you're using a professional mover like The American Dream Moving & Storage, let the team know in advance so they can take extra precautions.
Our crews often designate a “climate-sensitive” zone in the truck or load those items last so they spend the least amount of time in transit.
Avoiding Warped Furniture or Damaged Plastics
Direct sun exposure and high surface temperatures can ruin more than just electronics. Wood furniture, plastic storage bins, vinyl records, and even picture frames can warp, discolor, or crack when left out too long in extreme heat.
To prevent this:
- Keep furniture in the shade until it’s ready to be loaded.
- Use thermal moving blankets or UV-resistant tarps to cover items on driveways, patios, or loading docks.
- Avoid placing heat-sensitive materials near metal surfaces or windows in the truck where temperatures rise fastest.
At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we use professional-grade moving blankets and protective materials to shield your belongings from both heat and handling damage. We treat your possessions with the same care and precision we would our own.
Let Us Handle the Heat
Moving in the height of summer doesn’t have to mean battling heat exhaustion, melted belongings, or last-minute chaos. With the right strategy—and an experienced team by your side—you can get through even the hottest moving day safely, efficiently, and with your peace of mind intact.
At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we’ve spent years helping families, businesses, and service members move through Southern California’s toughest heat waves. From early-morning scheduling and heat-smart packing techniques to handling heat-sensitive valuables and heavy-duty hauls, our team knows what it takes to move with care, precision, and professionalism in any weather.
As a veteran-owned, licensed and insured company with Homeland Security and FBI clearances, we don’t just move your belongings—we move them with honor, pride, integrity, and dignity.
Ready to Move with Confidence? Let’s Talk.
Skip the sweat and let the professionals handle the heavy lifting—even in triple-digit heat.
Contact The American Dream Moving & Storage Today:
📞 (818) 337-9495 🌐 vetsmoveyou.com
📍 Based in Acton, CA – Proudly Serving All of Southern California
🎖️ Ask about our exclusive discounts for military personnel and veterans.
