Moving in Tucson's Summer Heat: How to Plan Around It

Summer is the busiest moving season in Tucson, and it's also the hottest. From June through August, afternoon highs above 100 degrees are normal, and monsoon storms can roll in with wind, dust and heavy rain in the middle of a move. None of that means you can't move in the summer. It just means you plan around the heat instead of hoping it won't matter.

Here is how Tucson families keep a summer move safe and on schedule.

Start Early in the Day

The coolest part of a Tucson summer day is early morning. Book the first start time your mover offers, and plan to have the heaviest work done before noon. A crew that starts at 7 a.m. moves faster and safer than one carrying a sofa at 3 p.m. in 108-degree heat.

If you have flexibility, avoid the last weekend of the month and University of Arizona move-in weeks in August. Those dates book up first and leave you with afternoon start times.

Plan Around Monsoon Season

Monsoon season in southern Arizona runs from mid-June through September. Storms usually build in the afternoon and can bring strong wind, blowing dust and sudden downpours.

• Watch the forecast – Check the afternoon storm chances the day before and the morning of your move.
• Protect furniture – Shrink-wrapped and padded furniture holds up to a quick burst of rain between the door and the truck. At Smart Move we pad-wrap and shrink-wrap furniture on every move.
• Keep a dry path – Lay down old towels or floor runners at both doors so wet shoes don't track mud through the new house.
• Have a pause plan – If lightning moves in, loading may need to pause until the storm passes. An early start leaves room for that.

Keep Heat-Sensitive Items With You

The inside of a moving truck parked in the Tucson sun gets much hotter than the air outside. Some things should ride in your air-conditioned car instead:

• Medications and anything that needs refrigeration
• Candles, crayons and anything made of wax
• Laptops, hard drives, cameras and phones
• Vinyl records, photos and important documents
• Wine, chocolate and cosmetics
• Aerosol cans, which should not ride in a hot truck at all

Get the New Place Ready Before Moving Day

Nobody wants to unload a truck into a house with no air conditioning in July. Set up power and water at the new home at least a few days ahead. In most of Tucson that means Tucson Electric Power and Tucson Water, plus Southwest Gas if the home has gas. If you can, stop by the day before, turn the AC on and make sure it's working.

Keep pets and young kids somewhere cool on moving day. Doors stay open for hours during a move, and the heat comes inside fast.

Keep Everyone Hydrated

Set out a cooler of water and sports drinks at both homes. Anyone helping you carry boxes should be drinking before they feel thirsty. Heat illness comes on quickly in the Sonoran Desert summer, and it's easy to miss when everyone is busy.

Consider Moving in the Off-Season

If your dates are flexible, October through April is the most comfortable time to move in Tucson. The weather is mild, there is more open availability, and you'll have more start times to choose from.

Final Thoughts

A summer move in Tucson goes smoothly when you start early, protect what can't take the heat, and leave room in the day for a monsoon storm. A crew that moves Tucson families all summer long knows how to pace the day.

If you're planning a summer move, our Tucson movers can help you pick the right start time and get your belongings wrapped and ready for whatever the weather brings. If you need a crew fast, ask about same-day moving in Tucson.

Get your free moving quote today and lock in an early start time.