Moving in the Memphis summer: how to beat the heat

Summer is the busiest moving season in Memphis, and also the hottest and most humid. A little planning keeps your crew safe and your belongings in good shape.

Start early

Plan to load the truck in the early morning. Temperatures and heat index usually peak in the afternoon, so aim to have the heavy lifting done by midday.

Watch for afternoon storms

Summer afternoons in the Mid-South can bring sudden thunderstorms. Keep plastic sheeting or tarps handy for furniture, and use waterproof bins instead of cardboard so a downpour doesn't soak your boxes.

Hydrate on a schedule

Don't wait until you're thirsty. Keep a cooler of water and electrolyte drinks at both the old and the new home, and take a short shade break every hour.

Know the warning signs of heat illness: heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, or confusion. Stop, move to shade or air conditioning, and cool down. Call 911 if symptoms are severe.

Protect heat-sensitive belongings

Some things shouldn't ride in a hot truck or sit in a hot car:

• Candles, crayons and wax items can melt.
• Electronics and batteries don't like extreme heat.
• Medications often need to stay at room temperature.
• Photos, vinyl records and art can warp.
• Plants and pets should travel in an air-conditioned car.

Pack these in a separate bin and move them in your car with the AC on.

Keep the AC on at both ends

If you can, have the power on at the new place a day or two before you arrive. In Memphis that usually means scheduling with MLGW (or your city's utility) ahead of time.

Pack the night before

A summer move day is not the day to finish packing. Have everything packed, labeled and stacked by the door the night before, so loading starts as soon as you're up.

Moving between May and August? Those are peak months for movers and truck rentals. Book your help and your bins early. Check delivery dates.