In some parts of Canada, like Quebec, the official moving day is July 1st. Most people prefer to spend their summer outside on the beach, at the cottage, or sipping cold drinks on a patio—not using up their precious time packing and unpacking. If you have an upcoming move, here are the pros and cons of moving in the summer:
Pro: Better Road Conditions
Driving in the winter is usually less than ideal. While summers are usually dry, balmy, and sunny, there’s no anticipating the kind of weather winter will bring. There may be fewer people on the road in the wintertime, but at least in the summer you don’t have to contend with snow banks, slippery roads, black ice, and blizzards. And if you’re moving out of province, driving in a snow storm is inherently dangerous.
Con: Less Availability
Since everyone moves in the summer, you’ll have to book your moving truck well in advance. Because moving companies get booked up so quickly this time of year, the only option left might be to rent your own van or truck and move everything yourself. You might even find that rates go up this time of year. Our best advice: Book your moving company as soon as possible.
Pro: Longer Days
It’s hard to schedule your move when it gets dark at four in the afternoon. Moving boxes in and out of a house or an apartment building is slightly more dangerous and more tiresome in the dark. Moving in the summer when you have all day and most of the evening to take your time.
Con: Longer Days
With so many daylight hours and the warm weather to make you feel sluggish, you might naturally move slower. A normal three-hour job could take all day in warmer conditions, which isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun time. But, hey—at least you can celebrate with pizza and beer on the balcony, right?
Pro: No Chance of Frost Bite
Being outside for any length of time in the dead of winter is extremely unpleasant. In some parts of the country, just a couple of minutes in the arctic air is enough to cause frost bite. Also, if you’re constantly moving boxes and furniture through the front door, your home will start feeling a little less cozy by the end of the move. In the summer, you’re much more comfortable outside to move your belongings.
Con: Chance of Heat Stroke
There’s obviously a flipside, which is that Canadian summers can be ridiculously and dangerously hot. So hot that spending any amount of time outside is enough to make a person feel faint. If you happen to choose a particularly humid day, pay special attention to your body to avoid sunburn and heat stroke. Drink plenty of water, stay in the shade, and take frequent breaks.
Are you planning a summertime move? Contact Focus Moving Services for a free estimate!
