Why summer is busy
Families time moves around the school year, leases often turn over in summer, and long days make scheduling easier. June through August fills up first, so book movers as early as you can, and expect weekends and month-end dates to go fastest.
How hot it gets
San Jose summers are usually warm to hot, and inland and southern areas such as Morgan Hill and Gilroy are often hotter. Afternoons can be much warmer than mornings, and a closed truck or a garage gets hotter still.
Start early
An early start gets most of the heavy lifting done before the hottest part of the day. It also helps with traffic on US-101, I-280 and I-880. Ask your movers for the first start time of the day if heat is a concern.
What to keep out of the heat
Some items do not handle heat well: candles, vinyl records, photographs, film, some electronics, cosmetics, medications, wine and certain artwork. Carry these in your air-conditioned car, or pack them with extra insulation and ask the crew to load them last and unload them first.
Electronics
Back up computers before the move. Pack laptops, tablets and hard drives in your own bag, and keep them out of a hot car for long periods. Larger electronics travel best in original boxes or padded wrap.
Furniture and wood
Wood furniture and antiques can react to heat and dryness. Keep them out of hot garages, and if they are going into storage, ask about storage that is protected from big temperature swings.
Pets and children
Keep pets indoors in a cool, closed room, with water, and never leave them in a car. Young children are best with family or friends for the day.
Fire season and air quality
Late summer and fall can bring wildfire smoke to the Bay Area in some years. If air quality is poor on your move day, talk with your movers about timing, and keep windows closed in the new home while you unpack.
Plan the new home for heat
Check that the air conditioning or fans work at the new home before moving day. Unpack the bedrooms first so everyone can sleep comfortably on the first night.
Getting help
Our local movers plan summer moves with early starts and heat-sensitive items loaded last, and our short-notice movers can help if a summer lease ends sooner than expected.
Booking early
Summer dates fill weeks ahead, especially weekends and the end of each month. As soon as your closing or lease date is set, book the movers, the elevator and any storage. Waiting until June to book a late-June move often means fewer choices.
Packing for heat
Pack heat-sensitive items in insulated boxes or wrap them in blankets, and label them so the crew loads them last. Keep a cooler for anything from the refrigerator you want to bring.
Hot cars are not storage
A car parked in the sun gets very hot inside. Do not leave electronics, medication, pets, candles or photographs in a parked car while the crew works.
Summer traffic
Summer brings lighter school traffic but more vacation travel, especially on Fridays and before holiday weekends. Avoid Friday afternoons and holiday weekends if you can.
The first night
Set up beds and fans first, keep windows covered during the hottest hours and save unpacking for the cooler morning. A good night's sleep makes the following morning of unpacking much easier.
Planning around school
If you are moving for a new school year, aim to be settled a week or two before classes start. That gives everyone time to unpack, learn the new routes and recover from the move.
Inland versus near the bay
Temperatures can differ a lot across the South Bay on the same day. Homes closer to the bay, in places like Mountain View or Palo Alto, are often cooler than homes in south San Jose, Morgan Hill or Gilroy. If you are moving between the two, plan the heat-sensitive loading for the hotter end.
Moving plants in summer
Water plants a day or two before the move rather than the morning of, so pots are lighter and not dripping. Transport them in your car with the air conditioning on, and get them out of the car quickly at the new home. A short ride in an air-conditioned car is far easier on plants than an hour in a closed truck, so move them last and unpack them first.
Appliances that need time
If you are moving a refrigerator or freezer, check the manufacturer's advice about letting it stand upright before plugging it in at the new home. Plan meals for the first evening without it.
Spare the Air days
On hot summer days, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District sometimes declares Spare the Air alerts for ozone. They do not stop a move, but they are a good reason to start early and limit hard work in the afternoon.
Batteries and power banks
Laptops, phones, power banks, e-bike batteries and power tool batteries contain lithium cells that do not do well in heat. Carry them in your car, out of direct sun, rather than packing them on the truck.
Pools and patio sets
Summer moves often include patio furniture, umbrellas, grills and pool equipment. Clean and dry them before the move, drain any water, disconnect propane tanks, which cannot go on the truck, and take umbrellas out of their stands.