Why Do Most People Move in the Summer?
5 Planning Tips for Moving in the Summer
How Can I Stay Organized While Moving?
Prep for Your Summer Move with CubeSmart
Moving is always a big undertaking, and summer moving (the most popular time to relocate) can often be even more challenging. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to get organized before, during, and after your move to help you spend less time stressing and more time looking forward to what’s next. In this guide, we’ll share our tips for moving in the summer and a few organizational hacks to keep your move running smoothly from start to end.
Why Do Most People Move in the Summer?
Summer is widely regarded as the peak moving season, thanks to a few key factors, like longer days, better weather, and more flexibility for families.
School Breaks
For families with school-aged kids, summer moving is a better fit for most academic calendars as it prevents kids from missing school. Moving in the summer also gives kids a chance to settle into their new neighborhood and adjust to a new routine before the school year starts.
Better Weather
Weather can play a big role in how smoothly (or poorly) a move goes. While summer days are hot, many people would gladly take the higher temps and longer daylight hours over the snow, rain, ice, and shorter days that are common during other times of the year, depending on where you live.
Flexible Work Schedules
For many people, summer moving is also easier to coordinate because work schedules can be a little more flexible at this time of year. Employees might use vacation time or paid time off to pack, handle moving logistics, and get settled into a new home.
5 Planning Tips for Moving in the Summer
A little planning can make a big difference when it comes to moving, especially when you’re moving in the summer, the busiest time of year for movers. Here are our top five summer moving tips to help you stay on track.
1. Book Movers and Storage Units as Early as Possible
Since summer is the most popular moving season, movers and storage facilities often fill up quickly. To help you avoid any last-minute scrambling and delays, make sure to reserve services as soon as you know your moving date. Booking early can also mean more options and the flexibility to make storage and moving reservations that work around your schedule.
2. Create a Summer Moving Timeline
Instead of tackling your moving checklist haphazardly, map out a realistic timeline several weeks in advance. This is a great way to break up large action items into smaller, achievable tasks spread out over time. For instance, plan to gather all your packing supplies a month before your move, then designate specific days to pack each room in your home.
3. Stock up on Packing Supplies Before the Rush
Boxes, packing paper, tape, and labels can be harder to come by during the summer when so many other people are moving, too. Get your supplies early so you can stay on schedule with your packing, rather than having to make extra trips to hunt down what you need.
4. Prepare Your Belongings for the Summer Heat
Temporary storage can be an excellent way to free up space in your home leading up to moving day. Keep in mind, though, that summer heat can affect things that need climate-controlled storage, like electronics, unscented candles, and wooden furniture.* Make sure to account for that when you’re packing and storing items before your move.
5. Plan for Summer Storms and Delays
Even though summers are generally better for moving, the weather can still be unpredictable. Depending on where you’re moving, sudden afternoon storms, heavy rain, or extreme heat could affect your plans. As moving day approaches, keep an eye on the forecast and build a little flexibility into your schedule in case you run into delays.
How Can I Stay Organized While Moving?
Staying organized during a move comes down to having a plan and sticking to it. The best approach is to declutter, pack with a purpose, keep track of your belongings, and use storage strategically to reduce clutter along the way.
1. Declutter Before You Start Packing
One of the easiest ways to simplify moving in the summer is to reduce the amount of stuff you’re taking with you. Fewer belongings mean fewer boxes to pack, move, and unpack, which is always a plus. Before packing, take time to go through your closets, cabinets, storage spaces, and other areas where items you don’t use tend to accumulate.
2. Create a Moving Inventory Checklist
Keeping track of your belongings with an inventory checklist can save you a lot of headaches later. The ideal inventory checklist, whether it’s a notebook, spreadsheet, or moving app, will help you know exactly what you’ve packed, where it’s packed, and which room it belongs in.
3. Develop a Packing System That Works for You
Along with an inventory checklist, having a streamlined packing system and sticking to it can save you tons of time on moving day. Make sure to label each box with its contents and consider color-coding by room. Not only does this make moving day more efficient, but it also makes settling into your new home much easier. This method can be especially helpful if you’re also thinking ahead about how to organize your room after the move.
4. Move Nonessential Items Into Storage Before Moving Day
If your home feels crowded with items you won’t need until after your move, like seasonal decor, sports equipment, or extra furniture, consider moving them into temporary storage before moving day. Sort through these items, pack them up, and get them out of the way early to help make the rest of your to-do list feel much less daunting.
5. Keep Your Important Documents Together
The last thing you want during a move is to frantically dig through boxes trying to find a lease agreement or passport. Before moving day, put all your important documents (e.g., lease paperwork, moving contracts, IDs, receipts, and anything else you may need easy access to) into one folder, binder, or file organizer. Keep that folder with you throughout the move so you always know exactly where it is.
6. Unpack with a Plan
When you finally get to your new home, it can be tempting to unpack everything at once. Instead, focus on the spaces you’ll use right away, like the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen. Taking a room-by-room approach can help your new house feel like home a lot faster. As you unpack, it’s also a great time to explore kitchen organization tips and other simple storage solutions that can help you stay organized from day one.
7. Create an Organizational System After Moving
As you settle in, take the opportunity to create organizational systems that could last long after moving day. Instead of simply putting things away wherever they fit, think about where those items will live permanently. Try using shelving, storage bins, and designated zones to help keep clutter under control and make your home organization easier to maintain.
If your new home feels a bit cramped, especially with items you don’t use all that often, a storage unit can help free up space. And when you’re organizing a storage unit, many of the same organization tips apply: use shelving, create labeled sections, and group similar items together so everything is easy to find when you need it.
Prep for Your Summer Move with CubeSmart
Summer moves tend to go more smoothly when you plan ahead, stay organized, and use storage strategically, especially if you’re downsizing, renovating, or moving far away.
If you’re looking for storage support, CubeSmart can help simplify the process and reduce clutter during your move. From climate-controlled units to convenient storage options for furniture, boxes, and seasonal items, CubeSmart offers flexible, affordable solutions designed to make moving easier.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
