Are you planning a move this summer? The hottest season is also the most popular time to move: The spring housing market tends to be the busiest, so more people are packing up for a move. School’s not in session, the weather is warm, and the sun is shining —  what’s not to love?

But moving in the summer also brings a few other considerations. So before you finalize your moving plans, keep these summer move tips in mind.

Start Planning Your Move Now

While it’s always a good idea to give yourself as much time before a move as possible, planning a summer move requires even more lead time.

Why? Because summer is peak moving season, and if you wait too long, you could have a hard time finding an affordably priced, reputable moving service or moving truck rental. The best movers fill their schedules well in advance, so give yourself plenty of time to plan and make reservations.

You’ll also need time to research moving companies. It’s always a good idea to get several quotes from several licensed movers.

Read the fine print to avoid any unpleasant surprises on moving day.

Time Your Move

Planning can help you beat the heat. If possible, schedule your movers to arrive early in the day to avoid the day’s highest temperatures and increased humidity.

If early morning isn’t possible, aim for a move later in the afternoon when the sun isn’t at its peak. Working in these “off hours” may also help you avoid traffic and rush hour.

As a general rule, try to avoid moving between 11 am and 3 pm. This is when the sun is generally the strongest and the temperatures highest.

Beat the Heat

Speaking of high temperatures, take precautions when moving in hot weather. First, stay hydrated; while the classic recommendation to drink eight glasses of water each day still holds, you’ll need more water if you’re lifting heavy objects, going up and down stairs, and carrying boxes into a moving truck.

Your moving team will appreciate having cold water available during the move, too. So consider keeping a cooler of ice and water available.

Other ways to keep cool include:

  • Leaving your home’s A/C running; even though the doors may be open, keeping the A/C on offers some relief
  • Wearing light clothing in a breathable fabric, such as cotton
  • Applying sunscreen throughout the day
  • Taking frequent breaks, especially if you start to feel overheated or dehydrated

Avoid Peak Moving Season Prices

There’s no easy way to avoid paying premium prices during summer. After all, it’s peak moving season, and movers are in high demand.

But certain days of the week are less popular, so you may be able to negotiate a better price. Weekends and the beginning and end of the months are in high demand and tend to fill up quickly. Moving on a weekday in the middle of the month may cost less.

Take care to avoid scheduling a move on the summer holidays, as well. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day will bring not only busy moving company schedules but increased traffic on the roads that can slow your move (think parade routes, detours and holiday traffic jams).

It’s easy to see why summer is the most popular time to move. Follow these tips to avoid paying a premium during peak moving season.