How to Make Moving Day Tolerable in the Austin Heat

Temperatures can climb pretty high in Austin in the summer. If you're planning a move between the months of July and September, then it's important to be prepared. Here are some simple ways to make moving day safer and more tolerable for everyone involved.

1. Start Early

Plan on starting your moving day early — as soon as the sun comes up. The morning hours are typically cooler, so try to move all your heaviest boxes and furniture during this time. Later, when it is hotter outside, you'll be glad you only have the lightweight items left to carry.

2. Have Plenty of Helpers

Many hands make light work! Ask plenty of friends to help you move. Not only will moving take you less time, but you can take turns being outside by the truck and inside where the air conditioning is keeping things cool. Make sure you delegate tasks so your helpers stay focused and on task; you'll finish sooner this way.

3. Take Breaks For Drinks

Dehydration is a real concern when you're working in the hot summer sun. Before moving day, purchase some bottled water and other beverages. Keep some in a cooler outside and others indoors in the refrigerator. Make sure you take breaks to drink fairly often, and encourage your helpers to do the same. Avoid alcoholic beverages while you're working, as they can further dehydrate you.

4. Wear Sunscreen

As the sun rises high in the sky, spending too much time outdoors may leave you prone to sunburn. Make sure your slather on plenty of sunscreen (at least 30 SPF), and also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Reapply the sunscreen every few hours, especially if you’re sweating.

5. Don't Forget to Eat

Sometimes when you're hot, your appetite may not be very large. However, it's important to eat throughout the day to fuel your body during the moving process. Have plenty of fresh, cool food like fruit and veggies on hand so you have an easier time keeping yourself fed throughout the day. When you're done moving, consider going out for dinner at an air conditioned restaurant to cool off and recharge.

6. Keep Kids Inside

If you have children, set them up with some coloring books, games or other fun activities in an air conditioned room indoors. This way, you don't have to worry about them getting overheated in the sun, and you can focus on moving efficiently rather than solely on supervising them. Consider assigning one of your helpers to oversee the kids if they are young.

7. Take Breaks If Needed

You may want to power through and get finished as soon as possible, but if you begin feeling faint, overheated or dizzy, take a break and drink plenty of water. If you notice signs of more serious heat exhaustion, like muscle weakness and vomiting, seek medical assistance immediately.

Current residents at Springs at Lakeline and Springs at Round Rock, do you have any other hot-weather moving tips? Share them in the comments below.