Moving can be challenging no matter what time of year, but the process can be complicated even more by the health hazards of a hot day. If it’s hot on the day of your move and you have any of the following symptoms of heat exhaustion, stop what you are doing and seek medical help right away:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness or Confusion
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Extreme Sweating or Pale and Clammy Skin
  • Fast Breathing or Rapid Pulse
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Extreme Thirst

With that said, there are some things that you can do to protect yourself and others when performing exerting tasks in the heat—like moving. Whether you are going it alone, tag-teaming with a few buddies, or hiring professional residential movers, these tips will help to keep you cool, comfortable, and out of the emergency room!

Before the Move

Moving safety begins the day before your move to help ensure that your body is in shape for the day ahead.

Get Enough Sleep

You probably have a lot on your mind but losing sleep won’t do you or anyone else any good. Do your best to get to bed a little earlier than normal the night before your move so that you are well rested. This will help to give your body the energy that it needs to avoid becoming overtaxed by the move.

Hydrate Well

Proper hydration is one of the most important things that anyone can do to help prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This begins days before your move, ideally. At the very least, make sure that you hydrate well the day before to get you off on the right foot the next day.

Make Arrangements for Kids and Pets

If it is hot outside on the day of your move, your house will be hot too because no HVAC system can keep up with open doors as you load the moving van.

If you have children and pets, do what you can to keep them away from the home on the day of your move. If possible, let them stay with a trusted family member or close friend. If this is not a possibility for you, then designate a safe area for the children and pets to stay during the move, and provide them with adequate entertainment, food, water, and cool clothing.

During the Move

Now that you’ve taken a few steps to help you prepare before the day of your move, here are some things that you can do to stay safe once the big day arrives. 

Dress for the Comfort and Protection

Wear clothing that will help you to keep cool like cotton, sports clothing, or other breathable materials. Although you don’t want to be bogged down by your apparel, don’t let the heat deter your from taking necessary precautions. Wear gloves with a good grip to reduce your risk of dropping items due to sweaty hands, and don closed-toe shoes for protection just in case you do anyway. No flip flops or sandals today!

Have Plenty of Water Available

As mentioned earlier, hydration is key when preventing heat sickness during your move. Make sure to have plenty of bottled water on hand—ideally in a cooler full of ice. If you are hiring professional movers, have water available for the moving crew too. They will greatly appreciate it!

Keep the House as Cool as Possible

There’s a good chance that your air conditioning won’t keep your home cool while doors are open, so do what you can to maintain good airflow in the house. If there is a breeze outside, you can open windows and doors on opposite sides of the room that you are in to encourage air to move through the space. Ceiling fans and standing fans are also a big help. 

Don’t Overdo It

Packing, carrying, and loading boxes and furniture can wear you out quickly on a hot day, so resist the urge to get it all done quickly and instead take frequent breaks. If you feel short of breath, thirsty, or if your muscles begin to feel weak, prevent escalation into full-fledged heat exhaustion by taking some time to rehydrate, have a snack, and rest.

Do you want help with your next relocation?

Professional movers know how to stay safe on hot days, so if you could use some help or if you’d rather hire full-service movers that can take care of every detail, then contact Bekins of South Florida. Our long-distance movers provide comprehensive solutions that will protect you and your belongings. If you’re interested, then contact us today for a free estimate of moving costs.