Moving in a Heatwave

Moving House in a Heatwave: Albany Removals’ Guide to Staying Safe, Cool and Organised
When clients book their moving day, there are many things they can plan for — but the weather isn’t one of them. We recently shared advice on moving house during a rainstorm, but this record breaking May heatwave across Nottingham (I noted temperatures topping 30°C in West Bridgford, Ruddington and Radcliffe on Trent this last week) has inspired us to offer guidance for the opposite extreme.
Moving house already involves a lot of logistical decisions. Add a heatwave, and you’ll need to make a few extra adjustments. The priority is simple: protect people, protect belongings, and prevent heat related delays. Here’s a clear, practical plan to help you prepare, adapt, and manage your move safely.

Packing in Hot Weather
Start early — in every sense
If you’re packing yourself, begin well in advance so you can work in short bursts during the cooler early mornings or evenings. People often underestimate how long packing takes, and heat only adds to the stress. Starting early helps avoid a last minute rush. I would advise this whatever the weather.
Heat proof your packing
Some items simply don’t cope well in high temperatures:
• Candles, toiletries, makeup, wax crayons — store in plastic boxes or sealed bags to prevent melting and leaks.
• Electronics — avoid airtight containers; they need ventilation. Keep them out of hot rooms and direct sunlight.
• Pressurised containers (hairspray, deodorant) — keep away from windows and direct heat.
If Albany Removals is doing your packing, we’ll always aim for an early start. Our team works efficiently, but cooler conditions help us work faster and more comfortably.

Moving Day: Working Smart in the Heat
Keep the house cool
• Keep curtains and blinds closed to stop heat building up.
• Ask the owners of your new property to do the same before you arrive.
• Use fans to create airflow.
• Avoid running ovens or tumble dryers — they heat the room and the appliances themselves become hot to handle.
Stay hydrated and protected
• Freeze bottles of water the night before.
• Set aside a cool room with a fan, cool box, and a damp flannel for anyone who needs a break.
• If possible, arrange for children and pets to stay with friends or family. If not, keep them in the coolest room with a cooling mat and water for pets. Pets obviously shouldn’t be outside or left in cars when it’s hot as they can’t tell you when they are dehydrating or for dogs especially, that they are burning their paws on the pavements. Moving can be a stressful time for them.
Let us take the strain
Once we know what’s staying, what’s going, and where things belong, feel free to step back and conserve your energy. We’ll get on with the job.
.Heat Sensitive Items & Plants
Some belongings may cope better in your car than in the back of a hot lorry:
• Houseplants
• Delicate electronics
• Candles and cosmetics
• Artwork or musical instruments
The inside of a closed lorry can become extremely hot, especially on long distance moves. Plants in particular struggle. If you have room in your car, a few of these smaller items may benefit fro being transport in there.
Parking the Lorry
Good parking makes a huge difference on a hot day:
• Reserve a space as close to your home as possible.
• Ask neighbours to move cars early.
• Choose a shaded spot if there’s an option.
• Check that parking is also clear at your new home.
Shorter carrying distances mean less time in the sun and a quicker, safer move.

Moving In: Staying Cool at the New House
• We’ll unload heat sensitive items first, as they’re the last to be loaded.
• Set up fans to improve airflow — especially as afternoon temperatures rise.
• Prioritise rooms that matter most, such as bedrooms, so you can sleep comfortably on your first night.
• Make sure you have access to a watering can or hose for plants and gardens.
Don’t feel pressured to unpack everything in one day. Heat and exhaustion make decision making harder — take your time.
Our Team
Moving heavy furniture and boxes — often up and down stairs — is physically demanding. Our team is experienced, but extreme heat affects We may need more frequent breaks to stay hydrated and safe. Please be patient — working smart in high temperatures is the best way to ensure your move is completed safely and to our usual high standard.

Finally

A heatwave doesn’t have to derail your move. With a few adjustments and a focus on staying cool, slow, hydrated, and shaded, you can get through the day safely and with far less stress. At Albany Removals, we’ll always work with the conditions to give you the best possible service — whatever the weather throws at us.