Summer is one of the most popular times of year to move home in the UK. The days are longer, children are often off school and there is a better chance of dry weather, although anyone familiar with a British summer will know that conditions can change quickly.
The season can affect more of your move than you might expect. Higher temperatures can make physical work more tiring, popular moving dates can become booked well in advance and annual leave may slow down parts of the property process.
At Pinnacle Removals & Storage, our team helps customers move throughout the year and understands the practical challenges that come with busier summer schedules and warmer moving days. This guide explains how to prepare and what to consider before your move.
Key Takeaways
- Book your removal company early, as summer is one of the busiest periods for house moves.
- Allow extra time for paperwork, particularly when solicitors, estate agents or other professionals may be on annual leave.
- Prepare for hot weather by starting earlier, keeping water close by and protecting heat-sensitive belongings.
- Make separate arrangements for children and pets where possible.
- Stay prepared for rain, even when warm and sunny weather is forecast.
Keep the Paperwork in Mind
No matter what time of year you are planning to move, it is important to stay on top of the paperwork involved.
During the summer, solicitors, estate agents, surveyors and other people involved in the process may take annual leave. This can sometimes lead to slower responses or reduced appointment availability, especially during the school holidays.
Complete and return documents as soon as possible, keep copies of important paperwork and check that everyone involved has the information they need. It is also sensible to confirm your completion date, key collection arrangements and removal booking before making any plans that cannot easily be changed.
Our team regularly works with customers whose moving dates are still being finalised, so it is worth discussing your likely timescale early. This can help us advise on availability and make suitable arrangements while the legal process continues.
Remember That Summer Will Be Busy
Another thing to keep in mind is that many people choose to move during the summer because the weather is generally kinder and children are off school. This can make the disruption of moving feel easier to manage for families.
However, summer is not necessarily the right choice for every household. Our guide to the best time of year to move house in the UK explains the advantages and possible drawbacks of moving during each season.
The downside of choosing summer is that removal companies and other moving services are often much busier. Popular dates, particularly Fridays, weekends and dates around the end of the month, can fill up quickly.
Leaving your booking too late may mean that your preferred company is no longer available. You could also have fewer choices when it comes to survey appointments, packing services, storage or collection times.
Availability is important, but it should not be the only factor behind your decision. Asking the right questions before choosing a removal company can help you understand what is included, how your belongings will be protected and whether the company has suitable experience.
It is usually best to contact removal companies as soon as you have a likely moving period, even if your exact date has not yet been confirmed. At Pinnacle, we can talk through the likely size and requirements of your move, arrange a survey and help you prepare for the date once it is agreed.
Be Aware of the Heat
As we have said, British summers are not always extremely hot, but periods of high temperatures have become increasingly common. Moving boxes and furniture is physically demanding at any time of year and can become much harder in warm conditions.
Where possible, start the move earlier in the day. A 7am start may sound early, but it allows much of the heaviest work to be completed before temperatures peak around the middle of the day.
Keep plenty of bottled water available and make sure it is not packed away in the removal vehicle. Sun cream, hats and light clothing can also make the day more comfortable.
A cool box can be useful for drinks, snacks, medication and anything else that may be affected by heat. Portable or rechargeable fans may also help, especially if either property is warm or poorly ventilated.
The Met Office’s hot-weather guidance provides further advice on staying safe and comfortable during particularly warm conditions.
Our crews are experienced in working through different weather conditions, but customers can help by keeping access routes clear, making water available and ensuring that anything needed during the day is easy to reach.
Protect Electronics and Other Heat-Sensitive Items
Electronics can be affected by excessive heat, particularly if they are left inside a closed vehicle for a long period.
Computers, televisions, games consoles and similar items should be switched off completely before they are packed. Keep them out of direct sunlight and allow them time to reach room temperature before reconnecting them at the new property.
Other belongings may also need extra care. Candles, cosmetics, medication, certain foods and houseplants can all suffer if they become too warm.
Tell your removal company about delicate, valuable or temperature-sensitive items during the survey. This gives the team an opportunity to recommend suitable packing or advise whether anything should travel with you separately.
Prepare for Changing Weather
Although heat may be the main summer concern, rain is still possible and can arrive with very little warning.
Keep waterproof covers, old towels and protective floor coverings available. Boxes should be properly sealed and should not be left outside while the vehicle is being loaded.
Professional removal crews will bring protective materials for furniture and other belongings, but it is still useful to make sure entrances, paths and driveways are clear. This reduces the amount of time items spend outside and helps prevent wet or muddy footprints inside either property.
Checking the forecast is worthwhile, but it should not be your only preparation. A good summer moving plan should allow for both sunshine and sudden showers.
Remember Everyone Involved in the Move
It is easy to become focused on the practical side of moving and forget how tiring or unsettling the day may be for children, pets and other family members.
Young children may become bored, tired or uncomfortable in the heat. Pets can also become anxious when unfamiliar people are entering the property and doors are repeatedly being opened.
Where possible, ask a friend or relative to look after them during the busiest part of the move. A nursery, pet sitter or boarding service may also be worth considering.
This helps keep them safe and comfortable and allows you to focus on the move itself. If they will be with you, make sure water, snacks, medication, toys and anything else they may need are kept close by.
Pets should never be left in a parked vehicle during warm weather, even for a short time.
Keep Essential Items Separate
A moving day essentials box can make the first few hours in your new home much easier.
Include bottled water, toiletries, medication, phone chargers, cleaning products, toilet roll and a change of clothes. You may also want to add tea, coffee, mugs and a few simple snacks.
Our complete first night box checklist includes more of the practical items you may need immediately after arriving at your new property.
Keep the box with you or ask the crew to load it somewhere accessible. Avoid placing it at the back of the vehicle where it may be difficult to reach.
Important paperwork, house keys and valuable personal items should also stay with you rather than being packed with the main household contents.
Make Your Summer Move Easier with Pinnacle
Moving during the summer can be convenient, but it also requires good planning. Busy schedules, higher temperatures and changing weather can all affect the day if they are not considered in advance.
Pinnacle Removals & Storage has extensive experience planning and carrying out house removals across the UK. Our team can help with packing, transportation and storage, while also advising on access, timings and the practical details that can make moving day easier.
We can also support customers whose summer house move is the first stage of a larger relocation abroad. Our international removals service includes professional export packing, transportation and support with the requirements involved in moving household belongings overseas.
We cannot change the weather, but our experienced team can make the moving process feel far more manageable. Get a free removals quote and start planning your summer move with Pinnacle.
