The summer is the peak season for moving. Maybe because no one wants to move during snowy winter or rainy spring and fall, so people opt for summer. There are risks involved with a summer move, and these can become detrimental if not appropriately handled. Here is our expert advice for moving during the summer, which is right around the corner.
Book Your Movers Early: Peak Season Fills Up Fast
Summer is by far the busiest time for moving companies across the Lower Mainland and throughout British Columbia. Most families prefer to move between June and September when kids are out of school and the weather cooperates. This means that reputable moving companies book up weeks or even months in advance.
To secure your preferred moving date, start reaching out to professional movers at least four to six weeks ahead of time. Weekend and end-of-month dates go fastest, so if your schedule allows flexibility, a mid-week or mid-month move can save you both money and headaches. Getting an early quote also helps you budget accurately and avoid last-minute price surges.
Prepare Beforehand
Start preparing for moving day at least six weeks in advance (read our last blog post). Clean your old home from unnecessary items and pack and label everything neatly. Knowing where every box goes is vital for preventing headaches when unpacking.
Schedule Everything In Advance
It is more expensive to move during the summer, as many others move then, so you should schedule any help or rentals in advance. Decide on a moving company, hire them in advance, and schedule everyone to be available on moving day. Or if you are doing the move yourself, make sure the moving truck is rented, and you have told your friends and family to save the day.
Heat Protection for Your Belongings
Summer temperatures in the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver can climb well above 30 degrees Celsius, and the inside of a moving truck can reach much higher. Prolonged heat exposure can warp vinyl records, melt candles, damage photographs, and ruin medications. Anything with a wax, adhesive, or chemical base is at risk.
Pack heat-sensitive items separately and transport them in your air-conditioned vehicle whenever possible. If items must go in the truck, load them last so they are first off at your new home. Avoid leaving a loaded truck sitting in direct sunlight for extended periods. If you need to take a break, try to park in a shaded area.
Which Items Are Most Sensitive to Heat
Knowing which items are vulnerable to heat helps you prioritize your packing. Here are the most common heat-sensitive belongings to watch out for:
Electronics: Laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, and external hard drives can overheat and suffer permanent damage. Batteries inside devices may swell or leak when exposed to extreme heat.
Musical instruments: Guitars, pianos, and woodwind instruments are made from materials that expand and contract with temperature changes. A guitar left in a hot truck for hours can warp beyond repair.
Perishable goods and plants: Food items, cosmetics, cleaning products, and houseplants should travel with you in your car. Even a few hours of intense heat can spoil food, melt makeup, and kill plants.
Artwork and photographs: Framed paintings, printed photographs, and film negatives are all vulnerable. Heat can cause warping, colour fading, and adhesive failure in frames.
Pack Sensitive Items Separately
Summer heat can damage sensitive items like electronics and musical instruments. Pack your TV (if possible) in its original box and transport it in your air-conditioned car. The same goes for your guitars, as leaving them in a hot car during summer may damage them.
Summer-Specific Packing Tips
When packing during the summer months, a few extra precautions can make a big difference. Use insulated cooler bags or thermal liners inside boxes for items that need temperature control. Wrap candles individually in packing paper and place them in a cooler rather than a cardboard box. Double-bag any liquids such as cleaning supplies or toiletries, as heat can cause containers to expand and leak.
Avoid packing boxes too tightly in the truck. Leave some airflow between stacks so heat does not build up in pockets. If possible, place a few battery-operated fans inside the truck during loading to keep air circulating. These small steps go a long way in protecting your belongings from the summer heat.
Start Moving Day as Early as Possible
When moving day comes around, start as early in the day as possible. You can start even before the sun rises to take advantage of the cooler morning. You can help avoid heat strokes and sunburns with this simple foresight.
Dress Light and Have Sunscreen Ready
Dress appropriately on moving day. Even if it is sweltering heat, to protect your body, wear close-toed shoes, quality socks, and a cotton or linen long-sleeve shirt, preventing overexposure to the sun. Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen on the exposed skin, including face, neck, ears, arms, and legs, and use water-resistant sunscreen that will not wash away as you sweat. Also, have the sunscreen handy for any helpers who have forgotten it.
Hydration Is Non-Negotiable
Water is essential during moving day, as all the lifting and hauling boxes will dehydrate anyone. So, make sure you have a good supply of cold water for every one of your helpers. Have paper cups ready so people can use tap water if necessary.
Dehydration and heat exhaustion can sneak up quickly when you are physically active in warm weather. Set a timer to remind everyone to take a water break every 20 to 30 minutes, even if they do not feel thirsty. Consider keeping sports drinks or electrolyte packets on hand to replenish what is lost through sweat. Watch for warning signs in yourself and your helpers, including dizziness, nausea, headache, and excessive fatigue. If anyone shows these symptoms, stop immediately, move to a cool area, and hydrate.
Have an Ice Cooler Handy
Fill a cooler with ice and put hand towels inside to keep them cold. They will help people freshen up while moving in the summer heat, as dabbing with a cold towel can lower body temperature. Also, the ice will help keep your water supply cold to prevent overheating and severe harm.
Turn The AC In Your New Home Before Moving
Do not forget to have the utilities on and set the AC to turn on before you arrive in your new home. Having a cooled-down house when the movers arrive to haul the boxes and load the moving vans is vital to keep anyone safe. The same goes for your new home, so they are met with a colder air-conditioned home when people start unloading your things.
Here at Simple Moves, we have long-term experience in moving all year round, and we provide a free quote. Summer moves require extra planning, but with the right preparation and a professional team by your side, moving day can go smoothly even in the peak of the heat. Feel free to contact us today for any moving-related needs you may have.
Why Summer 2026 Bookings Fill Up Fast
Summer is peak moving season across Canada, and Vancouver is no exception. Between May and September, moving companies operate at near-full capacity because lease turnovers, school schedules, and favourable weather all converge. In 2026, increased housing activity in Metro Vancouver means even more families competing for the same moving dates. If you wait until June to book a July move, you may face limited availability, higher rates, or both. The best strategy is to lock in your date at least four to six weeks in advance. Mid-week moves — Tuesday through Thursday — offer better availability and sometimes lower rates than weekend slots. Simple Moves recommends contacting us as early as possible to secure your preferred date during the busy summer months.
Protecting Plants and Pets During a Summer Move
High temperatures inside a moving truck can exceed 50 degrees Celsius on a sunny day, making the cargo area dangerous for living things. Never place houseplants or pets inside the truck. Transport plants in your air-conditioned vehicle, wrapped in damp newspaper to retain moisture and prevent soil spills. Water them thoroughly the morning of the move. For pets, arrange a pet sitter or board them for the day to reduce their stress and keep them safe from open doors and heavy foot traffic. If your pet must be at the new home on moving day, set up one quiet room with their bed, water, food, and litter box before the chaos begins. Keeping the door to that room closed prevents escapes and gives them a calm space to adjust.
Planning Meals and Refreshments for Summer Moving Day
On a long, hot summer moving day, proper nutrition and hydration make a significant difference in everyone’s energy and mood. Prepare easy-to-eat meals that do not require refrigeration or utensils — sandwiches, wraps, granola bars, trail mix, and fresh fruit are all excellent choices. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that cause sluggishness in the heat. Set up a designated refreshment station at both the old and new homes with a large cooler filled with ice, bottled water, electrolyte drinks, and cold snacks. Freeze several water bottles the night before so they act as ice packs during the morning and provide ice-cold water as they melt throughout the day. Order dinner delivery to your new home in advance so you have a hot meal waiting after the movers leave, saving you from having to figure out food when you are exhausted and the kitchen is still packed in boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Moving
What time should a summer move start?
As early as possible. Starting at 7 or 8 AM means the heaviest lifting happens before the midday heat. Most summer moves that start early finish by early afternoon, reducing heat exposure for both the crew and your belongings.
Are summer moves more expensive than winter moves?
Rates can be 10 to 25 percent higher during peak summer months due to demand. Booking early and choosing mid-week dates helps offset this premium.
What should I have ready for the movers on a hot day?
Cold water, sports drinks, and a shaded area for breaks are greatly appreciated. Some customers provide frozen treats or a cooler of snacks. Keeping the crew hydrated and comfortable helps them work efficiently and safely.
Can Simple Moves accommodate last-minute summer bookings?
We do our best, but availability is limited during July and August. Request a quote early to guarantee your date. For urgent moves, call (604) 398-4680 and we will check same-week availability.
Planning a summer move in 2026? Book your full service move with Simple Moves today. Call (604) 398-4680 or get a free quote online before the busy season fills up.
Get a Free Moving Quote From Simple Moves
Simple Moves is a full-service moving company serving Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and all of British Columbia. We provide the experienced movers and the trucks — you do not need to rent a vehicle or recruit friends. Whether you are moving across the street or across the province, we make every move simple.
Call (604) 398-4680 or request a free quote online today.