Summer is for barbecues, days spent by the beach, air conditioners, and a host of relaxing activities.
Yet, with that in mind, summer remains a popular time to move. With a low risk of inclement weather, no snow, and clear roads – it’s convenient for families and working professionals.
British Columbia has some scorchers, so the professional movers at Simple Moves thought we’d share our moving tips, tricks, do’s and don’ts for moving in the summer.
Do’s
-Start early:
Humidex and UV indicators are low in the morning and usually peak between 1:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. Planning so that your team does the heavy lifting first thing in the morning is crucial for a successful summer move.
-Hydrate:
This is perhaps the most important component of a safe and successful summer move. When you exert yourself, of course, you will sweat. When you sweat, you lose valuable water and electrolytes.
When you combine physical activity with high heat and humidity, your fluid loss can almost double. During your move, try and consume at least four litres of water and continue to replenish even after you have settled in.
Take note that you should be careful to not overdrink, as you will further flush out valuable electrolytes. Alternate water with a healthy sports drink with added electrolytes to ensure you can function at peak performance in the heat.
Be sure to set aside water bottles for your professional movers as well!
-Turn on the AC in your new home
This is as much courtesy for yourself as it will be for your hired moving services! A cool spot will be a welcome respite from the heat and humidity outdoors.
Air conditioning can also help reduce stale odours in your new home and leave it feeling fresh!
In that vein, be sure to wear light, moveable, and breathable clothing – preferably items you’d wear to the gym or for an outdoor run. This will ensure peak comfort and keep your focus on the task at hand.
Don’ts
-Spend too much time looking for cheap alternatives
When it pertains to a successful move in the height of summer, a professional moving company that knows their stuff is crucial. Additionally, the summer is of course peak moving season – which can inflate prices. Don’t settle for cheap at the expense of thoroughness and efficiency!
A moving company that takes the safety and comfort of their employees seriously will also take your move seriously.
-Move during a holiday weekend
Not only will moving prices be at their peak during a long weekend, but traffic will be an absolute nightmare. You may not even be able to rent moving services that weekend due to high demand.
In Canada, our summer holidays include:
- Victoria Day (technically Spring, but still valid!)
- Canada Day
- Provincial Holidays for varying provinces usually land on August 2nd
Not too many, but enough to warrant strategic planning!
-Don’t underestimate the amount of prep time
Preparation is key for a successful move – any time of the year.
This includes the basics of any move:
- Interviewing and hiring a professional moving company.
- Strategic packing
- Request relevant time off from work
- Donate and sell unused items
- Utility cancellation or transfer
- Transfer home insurance
Consider also that you will need sunscreen, hats, and breathable clothing for
Hire professionals
Lastly – hire professional movers. They will ensure that your moving job – whether long-distance or local – is done with integrity, professionalism, and with care for your belongings.
Moving soon? Call Simple Moves today!
The Langley-based team at Simple Moves knows that moving is stressful – but it’s even more stressful on hot summer days! Our team is more than prepared.
Want to learn more? Call us at (604) 398-4680 or fill out our convenient contact form!
Why Summer Is Peak Moving Season in Vancouver
Summer has long been the most popular season for moving in British Columbia, and several factors drive this trend. Understanding why summer is so busy can help you plan more effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
School schedules. Families with school-age children overwhelmingly prefer to move during summer break (late June through early September) to minimize disruption to their children’s education. This single factor accounts for a significant portion of the summer moving surge.
Favourable weather. Vancouver and the Lower Mainland enjoy warm, dry weather from May through September. Rain-free moving days make loading and unloading safer, protect your belongings from moisture damage, and allow movers to work more efficiently. Nobody wants their furniture sitting on a rain-soaked dolly.
Longer daylight hours. With sunrise before 6 AM and sunset after 9 PM during peak summer, there is significantly more daylight to work with. This extended window means moves can start earlier and finish later if needed, providing flexibility that shorter winter days simply cannot match.
Lease cycles. Many rental agreements in Vancouver operate on annual cycles that begin and end on the first of the month, with a heavy concentration in May, July, and September. These lease turnover dates create predictable spikes in moving demand.
Because of these factors, summer bookings fill up faster than any other time of year. If you are planning a summer move in 2026, booking your movers six to eight weeks in advance is essential to secure your preferred date and time.
How to Manage Summer Moving Costs
Peak season demand can affect pricing, but there are several strategies to keep your summer moving costs under control:
Choose a mid-week date. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday moves are typically easier to book during summer and may offer more flexibility than Friday through Monday. If your schedule allows, a mid-week move can be both more affordable and less stressful.
Avoid month-end dates. The last and first days of each month are the busiest in the moving industry because of lease start and end dates. Moving mid-month can improve your options and reduce competition for crew availability.
Declutter aggressively. Every item you do not move saves time on loading and unloading. Before your summer move, do a thorough purge of items you no longer need. Host a garage sale, list items on Facebook Marketplace, or donate to local charities. The less your movers need to handle, the faster and more cost-effective your move will be.
Pack yourself. If you are comfortable handling your own packing, you can save on professional packing services. Simple Moves can provide guidance on best practices, including how to protect fragile items, label boxes effectively, and avoid overpacking boxes to dangerous weights.
Book a full service move. While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a full service mover that provides both labour and trucks is often more economical than piecing together separate services. Renting a truck, buying packing supplies, purchasing insurance, and recruiting friends (who you will need to feed and thank) adds up quickly.
Protecting Your Belongings from Summer Heat
Vancouver summers can bring temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, and the interior of a moving truck can reach much higher. Here is how to protect heat-sensitive items during a summer move:
Electronics. Laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, and other electronics are sensitive to extreme heat. If possible, transport these items in your air-conditioned personal vehicle rather than the moving truck. If they must go on the truck, pack them last so they are unloaded first at your destination.
Candles and wax items. Candles, wax melts, and vinyl records can warp or melt in a hot truck. Pack these in a cooler or transport them in your car with the air conditioning running.
Plants. Houseplants are extremely vulnerable to heat stress. Water them thoroughly the morning of your move, keep them in shade as much as possible, and transport them in your personal vehicle. Avoid leaving plants in a sealed truck for extended periods.
Perishable food. Clear out your refrigerator and freezer before moving day. Use a cooler with ice packs for any perishables you want to keep, and plan to restock at a grocery store near your new home.
Artwork and photographs. Extreme heat can damage framed artwork, photographs, and paintings. Wrap these items carefully and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight during loading and unloading.
Summer Moving Safety Tips
Heat-related illness is a genuine concern during summer moves, especially during a Vancouver heat wave. Keep your crew and yourself safe with these precautions:
- Schedule water breaks every 30 minutes — Do not wait until you feel thirsty. By the time you notice thirst, you are already dehydrated.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion — Dizziness, nausea, headache, excessive sweating, and muscle cramps are warning signs. Stop work immediately, move to shade or air conditioning, and hydrate.
- Apply sunscreen — Even on partly cloudy days, UV exposure during a full day outdoors can cause serious sunburn. Apply SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours.
- Wear appropriate footwear — Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential for safe lifting and carrying. Sandals and flip-flops are a recipe for dropped boxes and stubbed toes.
- Take breaks in shade or AC — Alternate between outdoor loading and indoor tasks. Use the air-conditioned interiors of both homes as cool-down stations.
Book Your 2026 Summer Move with Simple Moves
Simple Moves has extensive experience handling summer moves throughout the Greater Vancouver area, the Fraser Valley, and across British Columbia. Our crews are trained in heat safety protocols, our trucks are well-maintained for summer conditions, and our scheduling team works to ensure your move is completed efficiently even during the busiest months of the year.
As a full service moving company, we provide everything you need — professional movers, trucks, equipment, and optional packing and storage services. Whether you are moving from a small apartment or a large family home, our team has the expertise to get the job done right.
Do not wait until summer to book your summer move. Call Simple Moves today at (604) 398-4680 or request your free quote online.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Moving
When is the best time to move in the summer?
The best summer moving strategy is to book a mid-week date (Tuesday through Thursday) in the middle of the month. Start early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day. Avoid holiday weekends like Canada Day when prices peak and availability is lowest.
How do I keep my belongings safe in a hot moving truck?
Transport heat-sensitive items like electronics, candles, plants, and artwork in your air-conditioned personal vehicle. For items on the truck, load heat-sensitive boxes last so they are unloaded first. Avoid leaving the truck parked in direct sunlight for extended periods.
How far in advance should I book a summer move in Vancouver?
Book at least 6-8 weeks in advance for summer moves in Vancouver. The months of June, July, and August are the busiest in the moving industry. Weekend dates and month-end dates fill up fastest. Call Simple Moves at (604) 398-4680 to check availability.
Is it more expensive to move during the summer?
Summer is peak moving season, and high demand can affect availability. You can manage costs by choosing mid-week dates, moving mid-month, decluttering before your move, and booking a full service mover like Simple Moves that includes trucks and labour in one transparent price.
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.