Are you planning a move this summer? According to industry experts, most Americans will move at least eleven times in their entire lives—and most of these moves will happen over the summer when peak moving season is in full swing.

While some people may move a lot more or a lot less than this national average, moving is one of those things that most of us will never quite master. This is because moving never the same, as the requirements change from project to project. Additionally, the specific guidelines for planning a move can also vary according to the weather, the season, and other important factors—which is why so many people prefer to facilitate their moving process and hire professional, reputable moving companies to take over for them.

At ALS Van Lines, our Atlanta moving company’s mission is to help our customers plan easy, affordable, and satisfying moves to new homes near and far. Since 1994, we’ve earned a name for ourselves as one of the area’s leading experts in professional moving solutions—and are always ready to help the community with our expert advice to make your move a success. If you’re planning a move over the summer, take a look at some of our household movers’ favorite tips to make the process a breeze.

Tip #1: Start Early and Get Organized

One of the best pieces of advice that we can give you for planning a great summer move is to start early. Starting early will help you beat the summer crowds that flood the moving industry over the hottest months of the year—in terms of both temperature and popularity for household relocations.

Our expert moving professionals at ALS Van Lines recommend starting at least two months in advance, and even earlier if you’re planning a long-distance, cross-country, or international relocation. The farther you’re going, the more time you should give yourself to plan and organize your move for best results.

Starting early will also allow you to connect with a reputable moving company. A moving company like ALS Van Lines will offer a free, personalized moving consultation and estimate to get started. This initial meeting will help you and your moving coordinator get on the same page, determine costs, and begin creating a plan to make your move a timely, cost-effective project.

Tip #2: Sort, Sell, and Give Away

When packing for a move, most people are surprised when they realize how much stuff they really own. Chances are, you have more than you need—and it makes sense to streamline your belongings before moving for a more cost-effective, efficient relocation process.

Sorting through everything will take time, so be sure to start this process early. Sort through everything and separate your things into piles—what you plan to sell, give away, throw away, or keep. Summer is a great time to hold a garage sale (or several) or to list your more expensive items online through selling apps or websites. Be sure to donate the rest to your favorite community charity organization, or throw away or recycle what is no longer useful to others.

Tip #3: Choose Your Dates Wisely

It’s critical to choose your dates wisely for relocation—especially if you’re moving over the summer season. Not only is the entire summer season more popular than other times of the year for moving, but certain dates are also more desired than others. It’s a good idea to consult with your moving coordinator when making arrangements to ensure that you get the dates you want, taking into consideration your personal schedule, national holidays, traffic expectations, and other factors. 

Tip #4: Pack Moving Kits for the Family

Moving day can be very stressful on everyone. However, if you’re well organized, you can cut or completely eliminate the stress and hassle of relocation. One of the best ways to make this easier on the entire family is to pack moving kits for each member. A moving kit should include:

  • Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Hairbrush, and other Toiletries
  • One or Two Changes of Clothing
  • Pajamas
  • Phone/Tablet and Chargers
  • Snacks and Bottled Water
  • Books, Newspapers, Magazines and other Entertainment

You should also be sure to equip yourself with a first-aid kit for emergencies, especially if you’re moving long-distance.

Tip #5: Avoid Scams During the Summer Moving Season

Because so many people move over the summer season, scam artists operate in greater numbers during this time of the year. Fake moving companies offer very low rates to lure unassuming customers in, while failing to deliver promised services, or extorting them once they take control of their possessions for more money. Many customers also report companies that request a significant down payment, only to never hear from them again—or companies that load up their belongings into a truck and disappear forever.

You can easily avoid hiring one of these types of companies by carefully researching any household moving company you are interested in working with. A legitimate, established company will have a strong online presence, an affiliation with a national or international van line, excellent industry associations with the BBB and your local Chamber of Commerce. Meet with a few residential moving company candidates beforehand to discuss their services and to compare quotes, and make sure that the plan or package they offer is clearly written in a contract for best results.

If you’re interested in moving this summer, our experts at ALS Van Lines can help. Give us a call to start planning your successful summer move today with our top-rated Atlanta moving company. If you prefer, you can also get started right away by filling out our online form to receive a free, in-home consultation and price quote with our household movers now.