Thankfully, there are a lot of things you can do to lessen the effects of the heat and have a more comfortable experience, even during high temperatures. Follow the following tips for moving in hot weather to stay cool and safe throughout the process.
Tips for Staying Cool When Moving in Hot Weather
Start early
If possible, start as early in the day as you can. Morning hours are cooler and have less intense heat from the sun, whereas the afternoon will bring about the hottest hours when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. You’ll also feel less drained of energy in the morning.
Stay hydrated
Pack a cooler with ice and plenty of bottles of water. Staying hydrated is very important to keep your energy levels up and your body temperature regulated. Another good step to take is to freeze the bottles of water overnight so the next day, after you’ve thawed them out a bit in the morning, they’ll have chunks of ice in them to keep them even cooler. You may want to bring some beverages that restore electrolytes, too, but stay away from anything with high sugar or caffeine content, as sugar will make you sluggish and caffeine will speed up the dehydration process. (That means stay away from coffee and energy drinks!)
Eat right
Avoid food with lots of sodium which will soak up the water in your body and dehydrate you faster. Instead, opt for fresh foods that will hydrate you like fruits and vegetables, and foods high in protein such as nuts.
Make sure utilities are turned on
Be sure to keep the utilities turned on at your old house and have them turned at your new house at least 24 hours prior to your move. That way, you won’t have to worry about not having air conditioning at either property – a big help for staying cool while moving.
Wear appropriate clothing
It’s important to dress comfortably when you are moving. To stay cool, wear breathable fabrics like 100% cotton and avoid polyester and denim, which are heavy and will trap heat. Also, stay away from dark colors that soak up the sun. Light colors, especially white, will help reflect the sun away from you to keep you cooler.
Apply sunscreen
On a sunny day, it’s crucial that you wear waterproof sunscreen to protect your skin. Even on an overcast day, you are at risk for sun damage that can cause a myriad of health issues. Bring plenty of sunscreen with you so you can reapply it every couple of hours for maximum protection since you’ll probably be sweating it off.
Have portable fans and cold towels on hand
You can purchase inexpensive portable fans that are battery-operated, which you can place in major traffic areas as you’re moving. This will keep the air circulating and offer some relief from the heat. Cold towels are also great to have on hand. Wet them and place them in a cooler so you can place them on your head or shoulders when the heat gets too intense.
Take breaks
Listen to your body and watch for signs of heat stroke. Taking breaks, even if just for five or ten minutes, will help your body regulate back to a healthy temperature and give you the energy to keep going without pushing your body to its limits.
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