Tips for a Smooth Summer Move with Jacobson's Moving and Storage

Moving during the summer can be a real headache, right? Hot weather, busy schedules, and everyone else trying to move at the same time. But don't sweat it! With a little bit of smart planning and some help from Jacobson's Moving and Storage, your summer move can actually be pretty smooth. We've put together some top summer moving tips to help you get through it without losing your cool. Let's make this move easy!

Key Takeaways

• Start planning super early to grab your preferred moving date and get organized.

• Pack smart for the summer heat; think about what might melt or get ruined.

• Talk openly with Jacobson's about what you need and what to expect on moving day.

• Stay hydrated and comfy on moving day, and don't forget about your pets and kids.

• Unpack the important stuff first and then take some time to check out your new area.

Early Planning for a Stress-Free Summer Move

Summer is a popular time to move, which means things can get booked up fast. If you're planning a summer move, getting started early is key to keeping your stress levels down. We've learned that the more you plan ahead, the smoother the whole process will be. Trust us, you don't want to be scrambling at the last minute!

Booking Your Moving Date in Advance

Securing your moving date well in advance is super important, especially during the peak summer season. Moving companies, including us at Jacobson's Moving and Storage, get really busy. Waiting too long could mean not getting the date you want, or even worse, not finding a mover at all. Aim to book at least 2-3 months before your ideal moving date. This gives you plenty of time to compare quotes, check availability, and make sure everything lines up. Plus, booking early often means better rates!

Creating a Detailed Moving Checklist

A detailed moving checklist is your best friend during this process. It helps you stay organized and on track. Here are some things to include:

• Tasks to complete each week leading up to the move.

• Important dates and deadlines (like booking movers, changing your address, etc.).

• A list of items to pack and where they should go in your new home.

• Contact information for all relevant parties (movers, utility companies, landlords, etc.).

We recommend breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes the whole process feel less overwhelming and ensures nothing gets forgotten. For example, instead of just writing "Pack kitchen," break it down into "Pack dishes," "Pack small appliances," "Pack pantry items," etc.

Understanding Your Moving Budget

Knowing how much you can spend on your move is critical. Moving costs can add up quickly, so it's important to have a clear budget from the start. Consider these factors:

• Moving company fees (quotes from multiple companies are a must!)

• Packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.)

• Transportation costs (gas, tolls, flights, etc.)

• Storage fees (if needed)

• Unexpected expenses (always good to have a buffer!)

We suggest getting quotes from several moving companies to compare prices and services. Be sure to ask about any hidden fees or extra charges. A little research can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Beat the Heat: Packing Strategies for Summer

Protecting Heat-Sensitive Items

Summer moves present unique challenges, especially when it comes to items vulnerable to high temperatures. Electronics, vinyl records, candles, and certain medications can warp, melt, or become damaged if exposed to extreme heat for extended periods. We recommend taking extra precautions to safeguard these belongings. One strategy is to pack them in insulated containers or boxes lined with thermal materials. Another is to transport them in your personal vehicle, where you can control the temperature, rather than in the moving truck. Consider shipping particularly sensitive items separately via a climate-controlled service. Remember to keep an inventory of these items so you can check their condition immediately upon arrival at your new home.

Labeling Boxes for Easy Unpacking

Effective labeling is always important, but it's especially helpful during a summer move when you're likely dealing with heat-induced fatigue. A clear and detailed labeling system will save you time and energy when unpacking. We suggest using a color-coding system for different rooms, in addition to writing a brief description of the contents on each box. This will allow you to quickly identify and prioritize boxes that need to be unpacked first, such as those containing essential toiletries or kitchen supplies. Numbering each box and keeping a corresponding master list can also be beneficial, especially if you have a large number of items. This way, you can easily track your belongings and ensure that nothing is lost or misplaced during the move.

Essential Moving Day Survival Kit

Moving day can be physically demanding, especially in the summer heat. Preparing a survival kit with essential items will help you stay comfortable and safe throughout the day. Here's what we recommend including:

• Plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.

• Snacks that provide sustained energy, such as granola bars, nuts, and fruit.

• Sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from sunburn.

• A hat and sunglasses to shield your face and eyes from the sun.

• A small first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

• A portable fan or cooling towel to help you stay cool.

• Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs.

Having these items readily available will help you manage the challenges of moving day and ensure that you and your helpers stay healthy and comfortable. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in your overall experience.

Navigating Logistics with Jacobson's Moving and Storage

Moving involves more than just packing boxes; it's about coordinating all the details to make sure everything goes smoothly. With Jacobson's Moving and Storage, we aim to make the logistical side of your move as easy as possible. Here's how we handle the important stuff:

Communicating Special Requirements

We understand that every move is unique. Do you have fragile antiques? Or maybe oversized furniture? It's important to tell us about any special needs or concerns you have right from the start. This allows us to plan accordingly and make sure we have the right equipment and personnel to handle your belongings with care. We encourage you to be as detailed as possible when describing your items and any specific instructions for handling them. For example, if you have a piano, let us know the make and model so we can arrange for specialized piano movers. The more information you give us, the better we can prepare.

Confirming Insurance Coverage

Insurance is a must when moving. We provide different coverage options to protect your belongings during the move. It's important to understand what each option covers and choose the one that best fits your needs. We can explain the different levels of coverage, including:

• Basic Released Value Protection: This is usually included at no extra cost, but it offers minimal coverage based on weight, not value.

• Full Value Protection: This option provides more comprehensive coverage, where we are liable for the replacement or repair of lost or damaged items.

• Third-Party Insurance: You can also opt to purchase additional coverage through a third-party insurance provider.

We recommend reviewing your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy as well, as it may offer some coverage for your belongings during a move. We're here to answer any questions you have about insurance and help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Moving Day Procedures

Knowing what to expect on moving day can help reduce stress and make the process more efficient. Here's a general overview of what you can expect:

1. Arrival: Our team will arrive at your home within the scheduled time window. The foreman will do a walkthrough with you to confirm the items to be moved and any special instructions.

2. Loading: Our movers will carefully load your belongings onto the truck, using protective materials to prevent damage.

3. Transportation: We'll transport your belongings to your new home, following a pre-determined route.

4. Unloading: Upon arrival at your new home, we'll unload your belongings and place them in the rooms you designate.

5. Final Walkthrough: Before we leave, we'll do a final walkthrough with you to make sure everything has been delivered and that you're satisfied with our service.

We'll keep you informed throughout the entire process, so you always know what's happening. We'll also provide you with contact information for your move coordinator, so you can reach out with any questions or concerns.

Keeping Cool on Moving Day

Moving during the summer can be tough, but with a little planning, we can make sure everyone stays comfortable and safe. It's not just about avoiding heatstroke; it's about maintaining energy levels and keeping spirits high throughout the day. We've learned that a few simple steps can make a huge difference in how smoothly the move goes.

Staying Hydrated Throughout the Day

Staying hydrated is super important, especially when we're doing physical work in the heat. We always make sure to have plenty of water available for everyone involved. It's easy to underestimate how much fluid we lose through sweat, so we encourage everyone to drink water regularly, even if they don't feel thirsty. Sports drinks with electrolytes can also be helpful, but water should be the main focus. We usually set up a cooler with water bottles and remind everyone to take breaks and hydrate. It's a small thing, but it makes a big difference in preventing fatigue and heat exhaustion.

Dressing Appropriately for Summer Moving

What we wear can really affect how comfortable we feel in the heat. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is the way to go. Breathable fabrics like cotton or linen help keep us cool by allowing air to circulate and sweat to evaporate. We also recommend wearing a hat or visor to protect our faces from the sun. Sunglasses are a must to reduce glare and protect our eyes. And don't forget sunscreen! Protecting our skin from sunburn is crucial, especially if we're spending a lot of time outdoors. We usually apply sunscreen before we start moving and reapply it throughout the day.

Planning for Pet and Child Care

Moving day can be stressful for everyone, but it can be especially tough on pets and children. They don't understand what's happening, and all the activity and commotion can be overwhelming. That's why we always plan ahead to make sure they're safe and comfortable. For pets, this might mean arranging for them to stay with a friend or family member, or at a boarding facility. For children, we might hire a babysitter or ask a relative to watch them for the day. The goal is to keep them out of the chaos and ensure they have a safe, quiet place to be. If that's not possible, we make sure they have a designated area where they can relax and stay out of the way. We also pack a special bag with their favorite toys, snacks, and drinks to keep them entertained and comfortable.

We've found that taking these precautions not only keeps our loved ones safe but also reduces our stress levels, allowing us to focus on the move itself. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Efficient Unpacking and Settling In

After the move, the real work begins: unpacking and settling into your new home. It can feel overwhelming, but with a plan, we can make it manageable. Let's break it down.

Prioritizing Essential Rooms

First things first: focus on the rooms you need immediately. This usually means the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen. Get the beds set up so everyone has a place to sleep. Make sure the bathrooms are functional with towels, soap, and toilet paper. In the kitchen, unpack basic cookware, utensils, and some food items. This will allow you to function without living out of boxes for days. I remember when we moved last year, I didn't prioritize the bedroom and ended up sleeping on an air mattress for a week. Not fun!

Setting Up Utilities Promptly

Don't wait to get your utilities up and running. Schedule connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable before moving day. This way, you won't arrive to a dark, cold, or disconnected house. It's also a good idea to confirm these appointments a few days before the move. We once had a situation where the internet company messed up the date, and we were without Wi-Fi for almost two weeks. It was a nightmare, especially since I work from home.

Exploring Your New Neighborhood

Once the essentials are taken care of, take some time to explore your new neighborhood.

• Find the nearest grocery store.

• Locate the closest pharmacy.

• Discover local parks or recreational areas.

This will help you feel more comfortable and connected to your new community. Plus, it's a great way to de-stress after the move. We always make it a point to find the best pizza place in the area as soon as possible. It's a tradition!

Post-Move Organization and Decluttering

Moving is done, boxes are (mostly) inside, and now the real fun begins: figuring out where everything goes. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but with a plan, we can tackle this and make our new place feel like home in no time. Let's get organized!

Donating Unwanted Items

Okay, be honest: how much stuff did we move that we really don't need? Now's the time to be ruthless. Donating is a great way to declutter and give back to the community. Plus, it's way easier than trying to sell everything individually.

• Clothes that don't fit or we haven't worn in a year? Donate.

• Books we'll never read again? Donate.

• Household items that are just collecting dust? You guessed it: donate.

Check out local charities and donation centers. Many even offer pick-up services, which is a huge time-saver. Let's make someone else's day and free up some space in our new home!

Recycling Packing Materials

Boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts... the aftermath of a move can look like a cardboard apocalypse. But don't just toss it all in the trash! Recycling is the way to go.

• Flatten cardboard boxes and bundle them for recycling.

• Check if your local recycling center accepts packing peanuts and bubble wrap. Some shipping stores also take them back for reuse.

• Consider offering your used boxes to friends or neighbors who are planning a move. It's a win-win!

Reducing waste is important, and recycling packing materials is an easy way to do our part. Plus, it saves us from having mountains of trash to deal with.

Creating a Home Inventory

This might sound tedious, but trust us, it's worth it. Creating a home inventory can be a lifesaver if we ever need to file an insurance claim due to theft, damage, or natural disaster. It's also helpful for simply remembering what we own! We can do this the old-fashioned way with a notebook, or use an app.

Here's what to include:

• A detailed description of each item

• The estimated value

• Photos or videos of the items

Store the inventory in a safe place, like a cloud storage service or a fireproof safe. It's one of those things we hope we never need, but we'll be glad we have it if the worst happens.

Wrapping Things Up

So, as we come to the end of our chat about summer moves, we really hope these ideas help you out. Moving can feel like a lot, especially when it's hot outside. But with a little planning and the right help, it doesn't have to be a big headache. We're here to make sure your stuff gets where it needs to go without any fuss. Give us a call, and let's get your summer move sorted.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should we try to book our summer move with Jacobson's Moving and Storage?

We suggest you try to book your move with us as soon as you know your moving date. Summer is a very busy time for movers, so booking early helps make sure you get the date you want. The sooner the better!

Do you offer insurance to cover our stuff while it's being moved?

Yes, we do! We offer different types of insurance to protect your belongings during the move. We'll go over all the options with you so you can pick what's best for your things.

Can we pack our own boxes, or should we have Jacobson's Moving and Storage do it?

You can definitely pack some items yourself, but we also offer full packing services if you'd rather we handle it all. If you pack, just make sure your boxes are strong and clearly labeled.

Can you move really big or special items, like a piano or delicate art?

Yes, we can! Just let us know ahead of time if you have very big items, like a piano, or things that need special care. This helps us plan the right equipment and team for your move.

What should we do on moving day to make it easier for everyone?

On moving day, it's a good idea to have some water and snacks ready for yourselves. Also, make sure your pets and kids have a safe, cool place to be so they aren't in the way of the movers.

What's the best way to start unpacking once we get to our new house?

After we drop off your boxes, we suggest you unpack the most important rooms first, like the kitchen and bedrooms. Also, remember to set up your electricity and water right away so everything works in your new home.