Minnesota’s summers are prime time for moving. Nearly 70% of all household moves take place between May and September. This popular season also presents logistical and safety challenges. This comprehensive guide helps you prepare for every phase of a summer move in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, from planning and packing to managing the heat to having your moving day go off without a hitch.

Why Summer Moves Are Popular in Minnesota: The Challenges

Families time their moves around school vacations and warmer weather, making the process less physically demanding than moving during a snowstorm. The summer real estate market also plays an important role, with home sales peaking during these warmer months as buyers and sellers take advantage of favorable conditions

However, popularity has downsides: high demand, elevated prices, and limited availability for movers. Add in Minnesota’s often humid summer weather, and planning becomes essential.

Key Pros and Cons of Summer Moves

The table below outlines the key advantages and drawbacks of moving during the summer months to help you weigh your options and prepare accordingly.

While summer offers favorable logistics and timing, the physical toll of heat, and peak demand can complicate the process. Early reservations, hydration strategies, and avoiding mid-day loading can reduce risks.

Essential Planning Tips for a Successful Summer Move

Early planning makes all the difference during Minnesota’s moving rush. Booking movers 6–8 weeks in advance helps secure the best services and rates. Timing your move strategically and preparing a checklist can keep everything running smoothly.

Smart Scheduling Tips

• Book early: Movers fill up fast between May and September.
• Choose weekdays: Less expensive than weekends.
• Opt for mid-month: Cheaper than month-end or the 1st of the month.
• Move early in the day: Morning appointments avoid peak heat.

Staying on Track: A 4-Week Countdown to Moving Day

One of the most effective ways to reduce stress during a summer move is to follow a clear, step-by-step timeline. With the high demand for movers and the added pressure of working in the heat, procrastination can lead to last-minute complications. Beginning your preparations at least four weeks before your scheduled move gives you enough time to organize tasks, secure your movers, and handle essential logistics without rushing.

The timeline below breaks down your to-do list into manageable weekly tasks to keep you organized and ahead of schedule.

Packing and Safety Strategies for Moving in the Heat

Summer’s warmth can feel like a blessing until you realize how it affects your belongings. Sensitive items like electronics, candles, and medications require special handling. Meanwhile, personal safety becomes crucial when lifting, loading, and spending hours outdoors.

Heat-Sensitive Items That Require Extra Care

Certain items are especially vulnerable to heat and require special handling to prevent damage during a summer move.

Packing Tips for Hot Weather Moves

Packing efficiently becomes even more important during a summer move  when heat and humidity can add physical strain and risk damage to your belongings. By using smart packing strategies tailored to hot weather, you can make the process safer, faster, and more organized. The tips below focus on reducing lifting strain, improving labeling for easier unpacking, and preventing heat-related issues during transit.

• Use smaller boxes for heavier items to reduce lifting strain.
• Label boxes with contents and destination rooms.
• Use color-coded labels or tape to streamline unloading.
• Avoid plastic wrapping on items that can trap heat and moisture.

Heat Safety Checklist for Moving Day

Summer heat can quickly turn moving day into a physically demanding and potentially hazardous experience. To keep everyone safe and productive, taking precautions that reduce heat exposure, prevent dehydration, and maintain comfort for your family and moving crew is essential. The checklist below highlights key strategies to help you manage the heat and ensure a smoother, safer relocation.

• Hydration: Stock plenty of cold water and sports drinks.
• Clothing: Wear light-colored, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing.
• Timing: Do heavy lifting before 11 AM or after 4 PM.
• Crew Support: Offer cold towels and shaded rest areas when possible.
• Children & Pets: Arrange off-site care for kids and pets to keep them cool and safe. Open doors, noise, and frequent foot traffic can create a dangerous and chaotic environment.

Final Steps and Pro Tips for a Smooth Summer Moving Day

As moving day approaches, finalizing key tasks can significantly affect how smoothly the transition unfolds. The last week is your opportunity to tie up loose ends, confirm essential services, and prepare for immediate comfort in your new home. The list below outlines critical steps to complete during the final stretch to help avoid disruptions, delays, or unnecessary stress.

Final Week Tasks to Confirm

Inventory and Legal Documents: Movers will create a bill of lading and inventory list. Review both thoroughly and document any pre-existing damage to avoid disputes later.

First-Night Essentials Box

After a long day of moving, the last thing you want is to dig through dozens of boxes to find basic necessities. Preparing a clearly labeled “first night” essentials box ensures that you and your family have easy access to everything needed for a comfortable first evening and morning in your new home.

• Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, towel)
• Medications
• Change of clothes
• Paper towels and toilet paper
• Snacks and basic kitchen items (paper plates, coffee)
• Chargers and electronics
• Important documents

Tipping and Moving Etiquette

Showing appreciation to your moving crew and wrapping up final tasks respectfully helps end the moving day on a positive note. From providing refreshments to tipping appropriately and doing a final home check, these simple gestures go a long way in maintaining professionalism and courtesy during a stressful process.

• Offer cold drinks and snacks throughout the day.
• Tip movers $4–$6 per person per hour based on service quality.
• Walk through your old home one last time to check all drawers, cabinets, and the garage.

Post-Move Tip: Use painter’s tape or sticky notes to indicate where major furniture pieces should go. This eliminates confusion and reduces the time spent rearranging items later.

How Piepho Moving & Storage Makes Summer Relocation Easy

With over 70 years of industry experience, Piepho Moving & Storage understands the unique demands of summer moving in Minnesota. Whether you’re relocating across the state or the country, their team offers:

• Expert packing services
• Flexible scheduling options
• Air-conditioned trucks
• Climate-sensitive transport for delicate items
• Friendly, professional crews trained in heat safety

From securing your move date to protecting your belongings and ensuring a stress-free experience, Piepho takes care of it all.