Tips for Beating the Heat on Moving Day

Tips for Beating the Heat on Moving Day

MoveBuilder's home office is located in Arkansas, where we've broken a record with temperatures reaching 100 degrees + for more than 18 consecutive days.  It's hot here folks. And this isn't the only place it's hot.  All across the country people are trying to find ways to beat the heat.  Even still, summer is the most popular time for people to move.  It's just a more convenient time to move since schools typically aren't in session.  I know for a fact that today there are people packing up houses and loading stuff into moving trucks all across the country. And they're hot! 

So that brings us to this post.  If you happen to be one of the folks living in parts of the country where it's sweltering, and you're in the middle of a move, you've got your work cut out for you.  We've put together some tips for beating the heat and keeping cool on moving day.

Drink plenty of water.  Keeping yourself hydrated is the most important thing you can do to avoid heat exhaustion. Dehydration can lead to heat-related illnesses, which would not only be inconvenient when you're moving, but can be seriously dangerous.  Force yourself to drink water, even when you don't feel thirsty.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.  While an ice cold Coca-Cola might sound refreshing, alcohol and caffeinated beverages actually promote dehydration.

Wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing. Dark clothes absorb more sunlight and heat, making you even hotter and draining your energy and fluids even faster.

Fill a spray bottle with water.  Just do a quick spray on your face when you start feeling the effects of the heat.

Keep a wet towel on your neck.  It will help the rest of your body think you're cool.

Turn on the air-conditioner.  Though you'll likely be going in and out of your house or apartment, you'll need a place to cool off. 

Take frequent breaks.  Don't over-exert yourself. Taking frequent breaks, cooling off and rehydrating will keep your energy up and help you complete the task more efficiently.

Work in the morning.  If you're moving things in or out of doors, the mornings are much cooler.  When you're loading or unloading in a humid area, the heat and humidity lingers in the evening.

Stay in the shade. If there's any available, take advantage of it.  A garage or some shady trees will do.  If you can, plug in a box fan to create a breeze.

Signs of heat exhaustion:
According to mayoclinic.com, these are the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:

  • Feeling faint or dizzy
  • Nausea
  • Heavy sweating
  • Rapid, weak heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Cool, moist, pale skin
  • Low-grade fever
  • Heat cramps
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dark-colored urine

If you suspect heat exhaustion, mayoclinic.com suggests the following treatment

  • Get out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location.
  • Lay down and elevate legs and feet slightly
  • Loosen or remove clothing
  • Drink cool water or other nonalcoholic/de-caffeinated beverages
  • Spray or sponge with cool water and fan.

If you're one of the brave, moving cross-country during the summer, we give you major props!  One way we know for sure will help you stay cool on moving day? Let experienced MoveBuilder movers do the work for you!  Just give us a call for a free moving estimate— 800-968-1276.