How to Survive (and Even Enjoy) a Summer Move in Los Angeles Heat

If you’ve picked a summer move date in Los Angeles, you’re not alone—and you’re also very brave.

I move people all over the country, but LA summers are in a league of their own: blazing sun, hot asphalt, dry air that sucks the moisture right out of you, and traffic that doesn’t care how many boxes you have left to pack.

The good news? A hot-weather move doesn’t have to be miserable or dangerous. With the right prep (and the right moving crew), you can get through moving day without anyone overheating, your plants dying, or your TV melting in the back of the truck.

I’ll walk you through exactly how I handle summer moves in Los Angeles when I’m on the job with United Prime Van Lines—what actually works in real life, and what’s just theory.

1. Start With One Big Decision: Time of Day Is Everything

If you only follow one tip, make it this one: do not start your LA summer move in the middle of the day.

In July and August, the pavement in places like the San Fernando Valley can feel like an oven by 11:00 AM.

• Ideal Start Time: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
• Okay Start Time: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
• Avoid at All Costs: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

When we book a summer move, I always push for an early-morning arrival. It’s not just for my crew—it’s for you. You’ll have more energy, less irritation, and you will beat the worst of the afternoon traffic when driving to your new home.

2. Treat Moving Day Like a Workout, Not an Errand

People underestimate summer moves. They think, “It’ll just be a little hot.” No. Your body is going to be working hard, and the dry LA heat will sneak up on you.

The Hydration Strategy:

• Stock up the day before: Fill a cooler with water bottles, sports drinks, and electrolyte powder (like Liquid I.V. or Nuun).
• The Wet Towel Trick: Keep a few damp washcloths in a ziplock bag inside the cooler. When you get overheated, putting an ice-cold towel on the back of your neck feels like magic.
• Sip, Don't Chug: Set a rule to drink water every 15–20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.

If anyone gets dizzy, nauseous, or develops a headache, stop immediately. Sit them in the AC and get them electrolytes.

3. Packing for Heat: The "Heat-Sensitive Box"

Heat changes how your belongings behave. Cardboard weakens in humidity, and the inside of a moving truck can easily exceed 120°F.

Create a "Heat-Sensitive Box" for:

• Candles and wax melts
• Lipsticks, skincare creams, and aerosols
• Vinyl records (they will warp instantly in a hot truck)
• Crayons and chocolates

The Rule: Write “HEAT SENSITIVE – KEEP UP FRONT” on the box. Even better, put this box in the backseat of your personal air-conditioned car, not in the moving truck.

4. Protecting Electronics and Furniture

Laptops, gaming consoles, and flat-screen TVs do not like being baked.

• Electronics Priority: When we load in serious LA heat, we put TVs and computers on the truck last, and take them off first at your destination. They spend minimal time sitting in a hot box.
• Leather & Wood: Heat can warp wood and damage leather. Wrap wooden pieces in thick moving blankets, and cover leather with breathable cloths to prevent the heat from getting trapped against the surface.
• Keep it Shaded: Never stage your furniture or boxes on the hot black asphalt driveway while waiting to load. Keep everything in the shade or inside until the exact moment it goes on the truck.

5. Use Your AC Strategically

No one likes running the AC with the front door propped open, but turning it completely off in August will make the house unbearable within 20 minutes.

• At your old place: Keep the AC on medium. Close the doors to empty rooms. Point a box fan toward the front door to keep air circulating.
• At your new place: If you are moving locally within LA, swing by your new apartment early in the morning. Turn the AC on before the movers arrive. Walking into a pre-cooled home while carrying a heavy sofa is a lifesaver.

6. Plants, Pets, and Kids

Plants: Never leave a plant locked in a hot car. Water them lightly the day before, and transport them in your personal car with the AC running. Pets: Set up a designated "Cool Room" at the old house with the door closed, AC running, and plenty of water. Even better? Send them to doggy daycare or a friend's house for the day. Kids: Children overheat faster than adults. Keep them out of the driveway and ensure they are drinking water, or arrange for them to have a fun day off-site.

7. When It’s Worth Calling in Reinforcements

Can you DIY a summer move in Los Angeles? Absolutely. Should you? That depends on how much stuff you have, how many stairs are involved, and how hot it’s going to be.

With United Prime Van Lines, here is what makes the biggest difference in an LA summer:

• Pacing: We know how to pace the work to keep everyone safe and efficient.
• Equipment: We bring dollies, straps, and ramps so we aren't wasting motion or energy.
• Full-Service Packing: We can pack your house for you the day before, so you aren't spending the hottest week of the year sweating over cardboard boxes.

If you look at your place and feel overwhelmed just imagining carrying it all in 95-degree weather, that’s your sign to call in the pros.

The Verdict

A summer move in Los Angeles will probably never feel “cool,” but it doesn’t have to be miserable or dangerous.

Start early, hydrate consistently, protect your heat-sensitive items, and let the professionals handle the heavy lifting. You focus on where you’re going next. We’ll focus on getting you there safely—even when the thermometer is trying to talk you out of it.