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Moving in summer sounds tempting — but at temperatures above 30 degrees, it quickly becomes a physical challenge. Find out how to protect yourself and your moving goods from the heat, plan the day optimally and still move into your new home with peace of mind.
Summer is considered a popular time to move: School holidays offer families flexibility, the long days create more leeway and the dry weather minimizes the risk of wet furniture or slippery paths. But what sounds pleasant at moderate temperatures can quickly become a real burden during a Swiss hot summer.
Temperatures of 30 degrees and above, blazing sun and heavy furniture — this is a combination that pushes both the human body and sensitive furniture, electrical appliances and plants to their limits. Anyone planning a summer move should therefore proceed wisely from the start and include the heat as a serious factor in the planning.
The most important tip for a summer move is: Start as early as you can. The coolest hours of the day are early in the morning between 6 and 10 o'clock. During this period, physical stress is lowest, concentration is highest and roads are quieter.
Deliberately plan lunchtime as a period of rest. Nobody should carry heavy furniture at 35 degrees — this is not only exhausting but also risky in terms of health.
During physical exertion in heat, the body quickly loses large amounts of fluid. Drink at least every 20 to 30 minutes — even if you don't feel thirsty Thirst is already a sign of incipient dehydration. Water and isotonic drinks are best, but sweetened lemonades or coffee are more counterproductive.
Keep water bottles handy — in the moving van, on the old and new apartment doors, and in every room where you work.
When moving in summer, wear light, airy clothing made from breathable materials. A lightweight T-shirt and loose pants are better than tight sportswear. Don't forget: good sun protection is a must — even if you work a lot in buildings, distances between home and vehicle under direct sunlight are stressful.
A headpiece protects against direct sunlight and helps regulate body temperature. Work gloves may be uncomfortable in the heat, but they are particularly important when handling hot metal surfaces or vehicle walls.
Heat stroke and circulatory problems are not uncommon during heavy physical activity in summer. Look out for the following warning signs for yourself and others:
In case of such symptoms, immediately switch to the shade, drink water and call for medical help if necessary. A summer move is not worth risking your health.
People are not the only ones who suffer from extreme heat — furniture, electronics and other objects can also be permanently damaged by high temperatures.
Solid wood furniture and veneered surfaces are sensitive to direct sunlight and extreme heat. When transporting wooden furniture, cover it with furniture blankets or light-colored tarps — dark tarps heat up a lot under the sun and can cause heat damage. Avoid leaving wooden furniture in the heated van longer than necessary.
Televisions, computers, laptops and household appliances with sensitive components should never be transported in a heated vehicle without protection. Direct sunlight can permanently damage screens and destroy batteries in laptops or smartphones due to overheating.
If possible, transport valuable electronics in an air-conditioned private car. Pack appliances in original packaging or wrap them in light, airy blankets. Leave devices at least after transportation Acclimatize for two hours at room temperaturebefore you turn it on.
Candles, wax figures and similar objects can literally melt in a heated van. Pack such objects particularly carefully in insulating materials and, if possible, transport them in an air-conditioned vehicle. The same applies to vinyl records, which can deform at high temperatures.
The refrigerator and freezer must be completely defrosted and emptied before moving. Food should be transported in coolers with ice. Plan the use of the refrigerator in the new home so that once plugged in, it can run for a few hours before it is filled.
On a hot summer day, a moving van can heat up like an oven — with disastrous consequences for sensitive objects. Pay attention to the following points:
If possible, park the van overnight in a shady or covered position. A vehicle that has already heated up early in the morning extends the cooling period and increases the burden on people and materials.
Use exclusively in summer light or silver-coloured tarpaulins for furniture in vans. Dark tarps absorb solar heat and further heat up the interior. Light-colored materials reflect radiation and keep the temperature in the hold significantly lower.
Maintain cargo space ventilation as much as possible while driving. For vehicles without air conditioning in the charging area, it is advisable to plan shorter journeys and take regular breaks in the shade during longer transports.
Gerber Transport knows the special requirements of a summer move. Our team is prepared for use in all weathers — with the right protective equipment, experienced employees and well-thought-out time management that ensures a smooth process even on hot days.
Contact us today for a non-binding offer and secure your preferred date — even in summer, our appointments are available quickly.
Rudolf-Diesel-Strasse 5, 8404 Winterthur
info@gerber-transport.ch
You can also email us to share your inquiries and details of your move. We will answer your message in a timely manner and assist you every step of the way.
+41 44 240 41 42
Our friendly team is available over the phone to answer any questions you may have and help you plan your move. We are happy to be there for you.