How to move in NYC during the summer
- Start early and prepare both apartments to be a safe temperature before the move starts
- Plan ahead with storage containers for perishable food or other heat-sensitive items
The most critical strategy for a summer move is timing. Beat the peak heat by starting your move-out at the earliest possible hour.
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"Summer in the City" might be a catchy song, but if you are moving in New York City during the warmest months, the heat can add extra discomfort and risks.
Daytime temperatures are expected to break 90 degrees most days in July and August this year, so before the rubber hits the hot asphalt on moving day, here are a few things you can do to make the day go smoother for yourself, your movers, and your possessions.
1. Start as early as possible
The most critical strategy for a summer move is timing. Beat the peak heat by starting your move-out at the earliest possible hour. Temperatures typically follow a predictable curve, climbing steadily after 10:00 a.m. and peaking in the late afternoon. By starting the move out as early as your building will let you, you can complete the most physically demanding labor before the sun reaches its full strength.
Additionally, an early start help you avoid afternoon traffic, reducing the risk that your moving truck gets stuck idling in the heat with all of your belongings inside.
Smart step: Ask your current building management about how early they will let you start the move and if they can have elevators, Certificate of Insurance checks, and any other steps completed ahead of time so you can jump right into it.
2. Prioritize hydration
Staying hydrated is not just a comfort measure—it is a safety necessity. Keep cold water available for yourself and your family throughout the day. It is also a kind gesture to offer cold water to your moving team, who are performing heavy labor in taxing conditions.
To remain environmentally conscious, you can provide eco-friendly disposable cups, or have sufficient reusable cups clean and set aside from everything you packed up in your kitchen. Place the cups in a spot that is conveniently out of the way of the moving path but easily accessible to everyone involved and let your movers know where they can get water.
Moving companies do a number of things to protect their crews. “We provide water bottles throughout the day and make sure crews have lightweight uniforms, including shorts and hats, to help protect them from the sun and heat,” said Leah Biteolin, a senior project manager for FlatRate Moving.
Smart step: If you want to avoid using plastic bottles, you can pre-fill extra jars or jugs with water and keep them in your fridge the night before. This will keep you from running out of cold water during the move.
3. Manage the apartment temperature
Even with the door frequently open for the movers, you can take steps to keep the climate manageable. Lower shades and blinds in rooms not currently being cleared to block out direct sunlight and greenhouse heating. While the move is underway, focus on minimizing heavy physical exertion for yourself where possible. By letting the professionals handle the heavy lifting, you reduce the risk of heat exhaustion.
“We recommend keeping the apartment cooled to around 68–72 degrees before and during the move. Even if the door is opening frequently, starting with a cool apartment helps make the move safer and more comfortable,” said Dor Klein, a partner at Big Apple Moving.
If the building has an elevator, ensure it is reserved to reduce the amount of stair climbing required, which significantly raises body temperature.
Smart step: If your place has stairs, it is also be helpful to have the majority of your boxes already on the ground floor before the movers arrive.
4. Prevent food waste
Summer heat can spoil perishables in a matter of minutes during transit. Plan ahead to manage your food waste by using high-quality coolers or insulated boxes for food items that must move with you. This is especially important if you have a long drive between apartments.
Try to consume as much of your refrigerated items as possible in the week leading up to the move to minimize the amount of temperature-sensitive food to be transported.
You can buy a water-resistant, insulated food delivery bag for under $20 on Amazon like this one from Bodaon, or you can get aluminum lined and insulated boxes like these from Simple Deluxe Store.
Smart step: Remember to separate the aluminum from the cardboard boxes for recycling.
5. Pre-cool your destination
There is nothing more exhausting than arriving at a sweltering new home after a long day of moving. If possible, visit your new apartment a day early to lower the blinds and set the AC to a reasonable temperature.
If you cannot access the unit beforehand, consider requesting the landlord or building manager to set the cooling system for you. Arriving at a pre-cooled space allows you to begin the unpacking process in a safe, comfortable environment. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a pre-filled water filter or other cold water in the refrigerator at your new home.
Smart step: Coordinate with your new landlord or building ahead of time to get the apartment comfortable before you arrive.
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