With the end of the school term only a few weeks away, and the long summer holidays in front of us, moving home at this time of year is a popular choice for many families. It’s a natural end and beginning and doesn’t disrupt school life, plus you have time on your hands to pack, get ready for moving day, and settle into your new home before the autumn.
That aside, moving house is still considered one of life’s most stressful events. Add the summer heat and having the children around into the mix, and what initially felt like a good idea can seem even more daunting. However, with the right planning and a few handy tips, you can make your summer house move smooth and stress-free.
Here at Painless Removals, we’ve gathered our top recommendations for managing a summer move in the UK, including strategies for keeping your children entertained and handling the heat.
Why Move During the Summer Holidays?
Moving during the summer holidays can actually have several advantages:
- More Flexible Schedules: with children out of school, there’s no need to worry about disrupting their academic routine.
- Better Weather: summer typically offers more predictable and pleasant weather, reducing the risk of rain-related delays or damages.
- Longer Days: extended daylight hours makes moving into the evening easier.
Tips for Managing Children During a Summer Move
The benefits of moving during the school holidays are many, however, packing up a family home with young children around can have it’s drawbacks, so it’s good to be prepared.
1. Involve Them in the Process: Kids can feel unsettled by a move. Involve them in the process by allowing them to pack their own boxes, choose decorations for their new room, or help with small tasks.
2. Create a Moving Day Kit: Pack a special bag for each child with snacks, drinks, toys, and activities to keep them entertained during the move.
3. Organise a Moving Playdate: If possible, arrange for your children to spend moving day with friends or family, or at an organised activity. This can help them stay occupied and out of the way during the busiest times.
4. Set Up Their Space First: Moving to a new home is exciting and your kids will want to check out their rooms as soon as they get there! So we would recommend you set up your children’s rooms first. This helps them settle in and provides a safe space for them to play or hangout while you unpack.
Handling the Heat
We all know the summer months in the UK can be unpredictable, you cannot prepare in advance – so you could be moving during a heat wave. If so here are some tips.
1. Stay Hydrated: Keep plenty of water on hand for everyone involved in the move. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.
2. Dress Appropriately: Wear layered, lightweight, breathable and comfortable clothing. That way you can remove or add items to manage your body temperature.
3. Use Fans and Air Conditioning: If possible, ensure your new home has fans or air conditioning units ready to go. This can make a significant difference in comfort levels.
4. Move Early or Late: Consider starting the move early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat of the day.
5. Take Breaks! If it’s going to be hot, make sure you factor in plenty of time for rest. Moving boxes and furniture in the heat can be tiring.
Making It Painless
Here are a few tips from us to ensure your move is painless:
Plan Ahead: Start planning your house move well in advance. Create a timeline and checklist to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
Declutter: Before you pack, take the opportunity to declutter your home. Donate or sell items you no longer need. This will reduce the amount you have to move and make unpacking easier.
Hire Professionals: Consider hiring a reputable and reliable removals company like ourselves. We can handle the packing, heavy lifting, logistics, and transportation, allowing you to focus on your family and settling into your new home.
Label Boxes Clearly: It can take time to unpack so clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking more organised and efficient. Plus it’s easier to find items over time.
Have a Moving-Day Essentials Box: Pack a box with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home—think toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, charging leads and basic kitchen supplies.
If you are moving home during the summer holidays, and managing the process yourself, it can be a manageable and even enjoyable experience with the right approach.
At Painless Removals, we’re here to help make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible. We can pack up your belongings, dismantle furniture and move everything safely to your new home. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist with your summer move.
Happy moving!
