How to Pack and Move During Hot Weather
Phoenix summers don’t play nice. If you've ever tried walking across a parking lot barefoot in July, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Now imagine packing up an entire apartment in that same heat. Not only is it exhausting, but without a plan, it can become downright dangerous.
At POG Moving & Helpers, we’ve helped hundreds of locals and out-of-towners survive their summer moves, and we’re here to share the sweaty wisdom we’ve earned the hard way.
1. Start Packing Early — We Mean EARLY
In Phoenix, “morning” ends around 9 AM in the summer. After that, it’s a dry, sizzling heat that sticks to your skin. Start packing and loading as soon as the sun rises. We once helped a family in Tempe finish their entire move before 10 AM — by 10:15, the sidewalk felt like a griddle.
Freeze a few water bottles overnight and toss them in a cooler to keep things chill. You’ll be thankful for that icy sip after a few sweaty trips to the truck.
2. Pack Heat-Sensitive Items Separately
Candles, electronics, certain toiletries — these things melt, warp, or go haywire in triple-digit temps. One customer left their laptop in the back of a U-Haul for two hours. It never turned on again.
Set aside a box for items that must not be left in a hot truck. Keep it in an air-conditioned space until the very last moment. If you're driving, bring it inside the car with you.
3. Dress Like You’re Going Hiking, Not Hauling
You might think the less you wear, the cooler you’ll stay. But trust us — shorts and tank tops offer zero protection from sunburn and sweaty cardboard.
Instead, wear light-coloured, breathable fabrics and cover your arms and legs. And if you’re moving yourself, gloves are a must-have. Nothing like branding your palms on a metal dolly that’s been sitting in the sun.
4. Mind Your Movers
If you’re hiring professionals (and we recommend you do when the sun's that intense), make sure they’re staying safe too. At POG Moving & Helpers, our team takes mandatory water breaks and rotates tasks to avoid heat exhaustion.
Ask your movers what precautions they take during hot-weather moves. A company that prioritises health and safety is one worth trusting with your home.
5. Use Smart Packing Techniques
Packing in the heat isn’t just about physical effort — it’s about efficiency. Use smaller boxes to keep loads light. Avoid packing items that can become fire hazards if overheated (like aerosol cans or batteries). And label your boxes so you don’t waste energy digging around later.
We always suggest a special box labeled "Open First" with essentials like water, napkins, sunscreen, a fresh shirt, and snacks. You’ll need them sooner than you think.
6. Time Your Utility Shut-Offs Right
Here’s a horror story we hear more than we’d like: someone schedules the electricity to be shut off at 9 AM on a moving day. By noon, they’re drenched, dizzy, and dragging boxes in 108° heat.
Always schedule your utilities to stay on until after you move out. That extra day of AC can save your sanity and your health.
7. Cool Down the Vehicle
Your moving truck or car will feel like an oven. Run the AC before loading temperature-sensitive items. If it’s a long-distance move, try to park in the shade during stops, and never leave pets.
8. Know When to Tap Out
Listen, we get it. You plan to finish all tasks within one day. But heat exhaustion creeps in fast and hits hard. If you’re feeling lightheaded, nauseous, or excessively tired — stop. No move is worth a trip to the ER.
When in doubt, call in the pros. Our team at POG Moving & Helpers is trained for these exact conditions and can help you move quickly and safely, no matter how high the mercury rises.
Wrapping Up: Move Smart, Not Hot
Packing and moving in hot weather isn’t just uncomfortable — it requires serious planning and respect for the heat. But with the right prep, the right gear, and maybe a little help from experienced movers, you can tackle your summer move like a seasoned desert resident.
If you're looking for dependable, Affordable & Professional movers in Phoenix, look no further than POG Moving & Helpers. We’ve got the gear, the grit, and the know-how to move you safely — no matter the temperature.
Want more moving tips? Check out our other popular posts:
Stay cool, Phoenix. And if you need us, we’re just a click away.