Moving in Fresno
Fresno summers set the terms for a local move. National Weather Service records for the city show 69 days at or above 100°F in 2021, the most on record; even the year with the fewest, 1956, still logged 15. A summer move here takes more planning than a move in the spring or fall.
Start early
The single most useful thing you can do for a summer move is start early. Crews work faster and safer in the morning, and an hourly move costs less when the work isn't slowed by afternoon heat. Ask the mover for their earliest start time, have everything packed the night before, and aim to finish loading before midday.
Protect your belongings
A loaded truck parked in the sun can get far hotter inside than the air. Heat can damage:
- candles, wax and crayons;
- vinyl records, photographs and artwork;
- electronics, batteries and printers;
- medications, cosmetics and food;
- houseplants and wine.
Move those in your own air-conditioned car. Ask the mover to load heat-sensitive items last and unload them first, and avoid leaving a loaded truck overnight in summer.
Look after the crew
Moving in extreme heat is hard on the people doing the lifting. Have cold water available, keep a cool room open, and expect breaks. A careful crew that paces itself is safer for them and for your belongings.
Fog-season mornings
In winter, tule fog forms across the San Joaquin Valley on calm nights after rain and is usually thickest just before dawn. A winter move avoids the heat, but an early start may be slowed by fog on the road. Build a little slack into the morning.
Dusty air
Fresno County is part of the San Joaquin Valley area the EPA has designated nonattainment for federal fine-particle (PM2.5) standards. With doors open all day, dust settles on everything. Ask the mover to wrap furniture and mattresses, keep boxes closed, and keep doors shut between loads where you can.
Utilities at the new home
In summer, make sure the power is on and the air conditioning works at the new home before move day. Unloading into a hot house is miserable and risky for heat-sensitive items.
Peak dates
Weekends, month-end and summer are the busiest times. Book early for those dates, or consider a weekday.
Pools and backyard items
If your home has a pool, patio or backyard furniture, remember that pool chemicals can't go on a moving truck, so use them up, give them to the new owner or dispose of them properly. Hose off patio furniture and let it dry before it's wrapped, so dust and moisture don't end up in the truck.
Choosing a mover
Ask for a walk-through, a written estimate and an explanation of how the price is calculated. Ask, in writing, what the mover is responsible for if something is damaged.