If you currently live in a cooler or moderate climate and are about to move somewhere hot, you need to be prepared for the upcoming change. The heat presents a number of challenges for packing and moving, and you must also plan ahead to make sure you have everything you need for life in a different climate. The following five tips for moving to a hot climate will get you off to a good start.
- Pack Heat-Sensitive Items Properly
In your current climate, you may not be used to having to protect items like leather goods, books and artwork when transporting them. However, when these items arrive in your new, warmer town, the heat may cause them permanent damage if you have not packed them properly.
Make sure you wrap all artwork in white cotton sheets for protection. Arrange to have it transported in air-conditioned vehicles, and place paintings in the moving truck vertically rather than stacking them.
To prevent leather goods from molding, clean them before moving day, and then wrap them in tissue paper and store them in a breathable container. Before packing your books, remove any bookmarks or items from between the pages to prevent imprints and stains should the books come into contact with humidity.
- Save Some Winter Clothes
You can sell or donate many of your winter and cool-weather clothing in order to save space and reduce moving costs. Do not, however, get rid of every piece of cool-weather clothing that you own. You will probably want a winter coat or some long pants when you travel for work or visit family. Save a few cold-weather essentials that are in good shape and get rid of the rest.
Resist the urge to buy all new, warm-weather clothing before you move. You’ll have an easier time finding what you need once you arrive in your new town, and you won’t have to pay to transport it either.
- Donate Blankets and Other Cool Weather Items
Aside from clothing, you probably have some other household items you will no longer need once you move to a hotter climate. These items include:
- Thick blankets
- Insulating curtains
- Snow shovels
Consider donating these items to a local homeless shelter or thrift store. If you have a space heater, do not get rid of it. Many homes in hotter climates do not have central heating, but you may want a little warmth on cool nights. A space heater comes in handy in such cases.
- Hire Experienced Moving Professionals
If you are hiring professionals to help you move, carefully research the company before signing a contract. Movers need to take precautions in a hot climate, from keeping possessions cool to protecting workers from heat stroke. Look for a company that has this experience. They’ll have the knowledge and expertise to move your items safely in spite of the heat.
- Give Your Body Time to Adapt
When you arrive in your new home, and must unpack and decorate, take it easy and give your body time to adapt to the change in climate. Prevent heat stroke by drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks in a cool area. Wear sunscreen if you’ll be running back and forth to the moving truck, and wear light-colored, breathable clothing to encourage your sweat to evaporate quickly.
Plan your move so that you have plenty of time to unpack and don’t have to rush around exhausting yourself in the heat. For example, you may want to schedule your move-in day a few days before you start your new job.
Even if you love warm weather, moving to a hotter climate presents some challenges. Follow the tips above to address those challenges, and contact Island Movers, Inc. if you’re looking for a reliable moving company to orchestrate your relocation to Hawaii.
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