Moving in summer - How to keep your summer move cool and stress-free despite the heat

At first glance, moving in the summer sounds practical: good weather, long days, maybe even a vacation—ideal conditions for relocating. But the reality is often quite different. Anyone who has ever hauled boxes, packed cartons, or assembled furniture in a stuffy attic apartment while it was 32°C knows that moving in the summer comes with its own unique challenges.

In this article, you’ll learn how to organize your summer move efficiently, stress-free, and as cool as possible. With practical tips, helpful checklists, and professional recommendations from Intermove.

Why many people move during the summer

There are a particularly large number of moves between May and September. This is mainly because this period is easy for many people to plan around. Families take advantage of school breaks to move without interrupting their children’s education. Students change their place of residence at the start of the new semester. Working professionals like to schedule their move during summer vacation so they can organize everything without added stress. And many leases end at the end of the quarter, which creates further overlap.

Nevertheless, moving in the summer also comes with its own set of challenges. High temperatures take a toll not only on the body but also on your belongings. Boxes become heavier, rooms overheat, and delicate furniture is sensitive to direct sunlight. What starts out well-planned can quickly become exhausting and uncomfortable without proper preparation. That’s why it’s worth being especially careful when moving in the summer.

Planning a Summer Move: 5 Things to Consider in Advance

1. Book your appointment in advance

Since the summer months are very popular, professional moving companies are often booked up well in advance. If you’re flexible, you can often find better availability and prices by moving during the week or at the beginning of the month. At Intermove, we’re committed to finding the perfect date for you!

2. Heat-appropriate scheduling

Plan your move for the cooler parts of the day— early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This will help you avoid physical strain during the hottest part of the day and protect delicate items from direct sunlight.

3. Plan for water breaks and shaded areas

Hot weather means extra stress for everyone involved. Make sure to have water available, schedule breaks, and, if possible, set up shaded rest areas—especially if you’ve organized volunteers or are pitching in a lot yourself.

What to keep in mind when packing for summer

Don't risk heat-related injuries

Some items do not tolerate high temperatures well. These include:

  • Electronics (e.g., laptops, cameras)
  • Plants
  • Candles and cosmetics
  • Musical instruments
  • Food or beverages

You should transport these items separately or in air-conditioned vehicles. Even a simple cooler can be helpful in this situation.

Heat-resistant packaging

Avoid thin cardboard boxes or black plastic wrap, which can get very hot in the sun. Use sturdy, opaque packaging or opt for reusable shipping boxes —this way, you’ll also be doing the environment a favor.

Furniture, Materials & Moving: How to Protect Your Belongings

Avoid direct sunlight

When unloading, don’t leave your furniture in the sun for too long—wood can warp and upholstery can fade. Organize the process so that the furniture is put away as quickly as possible, or arrange for temporary storage in the shade.

Check adhesive materials & protective films

Cheap adhesive tapes come loose in the heat—or leave behind residue. Make sure to use heat-resistant packaging materials and avoid covering sensitive surfaces with strong adhesive tape.

Pro tip: At Intermove, we use special protective systems and packaging that remain dimensionally stable and secure even at high temperatures.

What you should keep in mind when moving during the summer

Clothing & Personal Protection

Wear breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat—even while packing! Physical exertion increases the risk of circulatory problems. Take regular breaks and listen to your body.

Provide meals

Cold drinks, some fruit, salty snacks—so simple, yet so important. Whether you’re moving with professionals or doing it yourself, energy and hydration are key to keeping the move going.

Pets & Children: Better to Keep Them Separate

Especially on hot days, the moving truck isn’t a place for children or pets to stay. If possible, arrange for someone to watch them elsewhere, or take them directly to your new, furnished home—where they’ll have plenty of water, peace and quiet, and a familiar environment.

When a professional moving service is particularly useful

Moving in 30-degree heat isn't just physically exhausting—it's also a logistical challenge. And anyone who's felt overwhelmed even in mild weather will quickly realize in the summer that organization is everything.

Professional moving companies like Intermove don’t just handle the transport; they offer full-service solutions—from packing services and custom protective packaging to international relocation management.

Especially important in the summer:

  • Climate-controlled storage and transport for sensitive goods
  • coordinated procedures to avoid waiting times in the heat
  • Trained teams that work efficiently and prioritize safety

After the move: Arrive stress-free despite the summer heat

Even after the last box has been unpacked, the work isn’t quite done yet. When the apartment is still sweltering, the kitchen and bathroom aren’t yet up and running, and you’re at your limit—that’s when good planning really pays off:

  • Pack a separate box with the essentials for the first night (a change of clothes, snacks, towels, a fan, etc.)

  • Make sure to take care of window coverings or air conditioners early on

  • Be sure to schedule a day of rest after the move

Bottom line: Moving in the summer doesn't have to be a nightmare

Moving in the summer can be efficient, quick, and even enjoyable—if you know what matters. With the right preparation, smart packing, and, if needed, help from a professional moving company like Intermove, you can stay cool even in the heat.

And who knows—maybe moving in the summer will even be the perfect fresh start: easy, well-planned, and with the wind at your back as you embark on this new chapter of your life.

Let us know how we can help you with that.