What To Do If Your Moving Day Is A Scorcher
Last week, something strange happened in the Bay Area; we saw very, very hot weather. Most of the Bay Area saw temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. More hot days are expected. Unfortunately, most Bay Area homes don’t have air conditioning, and even for those that do, moving day means constantly opening doors, and no opportunities (at least for the movers) to sit and chill with a tall glass of iced tea.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your move. We are used to moving in extreme conditions, but there are ways to make life a lot easier on your movers.
Move Early
If possible, start your move at the earliest part of the day, when its coolest.
Provide Lots of Drinks
Supply your movers with plenty of water and sports drinks to keep them (and you) hydrated. Sometimes movers get too busy, and forget to hydrate. It’s a good idea to remind them to drink something at least once an hour, but please don’t be offended if the movers need to use your bathrooms after drinking so much water. We promise, they’ll be polite and clean.
Use Lots of Fans
When the doors are opening and closing, a fan is much more effective, and more cost effective. One or two fans per room, along with a couple open windows, provides a nice cross breeze, even on steamy days.
Buy These
Help you and your movers stay cool with neck and/or head coolers. They are inexpensive and easy to use. Just remember that they can drip, so keep them away from electronics or anything else that can be water damaged.
Turn on the Utilities
Make sure your new place (and your old) has power. You’ll need those fans, and a working refrigerator at both addresses.
Go Easy on Your Movers
It goes without saying that your movers will work as hard for you during hot weather as they do on during cool weather, but they might need to take more frequent breaks. Look for signs of heat exhaustion, including:
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
- Heavy sweating
- Faintness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure upon standing
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
If the symptoms continue for more than an hour, it’s time to see a doctor.