Moving house is a daunting task any time of year, but summer brings its own set of challenges. High temperatures can turn an already strenuous day into an exhausting ordeal. We provide removals across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham and Peacehaven.
Summer 2026 is just around the corner, get your move booked in now!
Here are some tips we've picked up working the last few summers doing removals in Brighton we'd be happy to pass on to you.
Start Early or Move Late
Summer days are long and hot, but mornings and evenings tend to be cooler. Plan your move early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the midday heat. This not only makes the process more comfortable but also reduces the risk of heat exhaustion.
If a Heat-Health Alert is active for the South East, consider earlier start times or splitting the move.
If you're looking for a man with a van in Brighton, booking a time outside peak heat hours can make all the difference. If it's a full scale Brighton house removal these other tips might help.
Stay Hydrated
Avoid the hottest hours (11am–3pm), wear light, loose clothing, and take regular cool-down breaks.
Dehydration is a real concern when moving in the summer. Keep plenty of water on hand for everyone involved. Start hydrating a day or two before moving day, and avoid caffeine, as it can contribute to dehydration. Our team at ESV Removals Ltd, your trusted Brighton removals firm, always recommends having cold drinks readily available for a smoother moving experience.
Watch for heat exhaustion (headache, dizziness, heavy sweating, cramps). Move to a cool place, lie down, raise feet, give water, and cool skin. Call 999 if heatstroke is suspected.
Dress Appropriately
Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials help keep sweat away from your body and keep you cooler. Don a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun and apply sunscreen on any exposed skin to prevent sunburn. These tips will make your summer removal a much more pleasent experience.
Plan for Frequent Breaks
Moving is a marathon, not a sprint. Take regular breaks in a shaded or air conditioned area to prevent overheating. If you’ve booked our removal van service in Brighton, our team will ensure your move is handled efficiently, giving you time to focus on staying cool and comfortable.
On hot days we follow HSE heat-stress guidance; slowing the pace, rotating heavy lifts, and adding extra water breaks to keep everyone safe.
Use Cooling Aids
Cooling towels, portable fans, and misting sprays can make a huge difference when moving in the heat. If you don’t have access to air conditioning, these simple tools can keep your body temperature down and make the removals experience much more comfortable.
Know the signs of heat illness: headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and heavy sweating. Move to a cool place, sip water, cool the skin with a damp cloth, and call 999 immediately if you suspect heatstroke.
Protect Your Belongings
Heat can ruin electronics, warp candles, spoil perishables, and degrade some medications; so don’t leave them in hot cars and use a cool bag when needed. If you have heat sensitive belongings, let us know when booking or on moving day so we can plan accordingly.
Stay Organized
Preparation is key to minimising stress on moving day. Label boxes clearly and make an inventory list. Ensure that essentials like water bottles, snacks, first aid kits, and sunscreen are easily accessible. The less time you spend searching for items, the quicker you can complete your Brighton removal.
Keep Kids and Pets Cool
If you have children or pets, make sure they are in a cool, safe environment during the move. Arrange for them to stay with friends or family if possible. If they must be present, set up a cool, comfortable area with plenty of water, snacks, and distractions to keep them safe and happy.
Prepare an Essentials Box
Pack a box with all the essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This box should include items such as a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, snacks, and water. Having these essentials readily accessible will save you from rummaging through boxes in the heat and help you stay comfortable during the initial hours in your new place.
Plan for Post-Move Comfort
Once you arrive at your new home, prioritise setting up fans, air conditioning, or other cooling devices to create a comfortable environment as you unpack. Have cold drinks and light snacks readily available to help everyone recuperate from the move.
Ask us to email you our 'Move Day Cool Kit' checklist before your move if you'd like more info.
Now we’ve covered the main points, if you want to get your move booked in with a calm local team, call Peter on 07552 555 820 or use the quote form at www.eastsussexvan.com and follow us on Instagram for real move day clips, tips and behind the scenes from Brighton and Sussex moves.
Summer removals present unique challenges, but with careful planning and these practical tips, you can ensure a smoother, safer, and more comfortable move. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and take breaks to avoid overheating.
If you're looking for a man with a van in Brighton or a reliable removal van service in Brighton, we've got you covered. Our professional team at ESV Removals Ltd is experienced in handling summer moves efficiently, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and your move is as stress-free as possible.
Key Terms for Summer Moving Tips
Heat Health Alert South East
A Heat Health Alert is the trigger to change the plan, earlier start times, more breaks, and a slower lift pace. For Brighton and Sussex removals, it helps us protect the team and your belongings when heat builds quickly in flats and stairwells.
Peak Heat Window 11am to 3pm
The 11am to 3pm window is when summer moves feel hardest and mistakes happen fastest. Planning loading and driving outside this window keeps energy stable and reduces overheating during carries.
Early Start Removals 7am to 8am
A 7am to 8am start is the simplest summer upgrade because it uses cooler air and quieter roads. It is especially useful for Brighton moves with narrow access, permit zones and timed loading.
Cool Down Breaks Beside The Van
Cool down breaks are short pauses in shade or a cooler spot to reset body temperature. We build these into summer moves so heavy items can be handled carefully without rushing.
Hydration The Day Before Moving
Hydrating the day before is a practical move day hack that reduces headaches and fatigue. It matters more than people expect when you are carrying boxes up stairs in warm coastal air.
Heat Exhaustion Signs On Moving Day
Heat exhaustion signs, headache, dizziness, heavy sweating and cramps, are what to watch for during a summer removal. Knowing the early signs prevents a small problem becoming a medical emergency.
Heatstroke 999 Rule
Heatstroke is treated as an emergency, and calling 999 is the rule if it is suspected. This term works well in a summer removals article because it sets a clear safety boundary for customers and crew.
Breathable Fabrics For Lifting
Cotton or linen clothing helps with sweat and comfort, but the key is that it allows safe movement during lifting. Brighton removals often mean tight turns and stair work, so overheating plus restricted movement is a bad mix.
Sunscreen and Hat for Load Outs
Sunscreen and a wide brim hat matter when you are loading outside in direct sun, especially on long drives or when unloading takes time. This is a small detail that prevents sunburn and fatigue mid move.
Heat Sensitive Items Plan
A heat sensitive items plan covers electronics, candles, perishables and certain medications. The point is not leaving them in hot cars and using a cool bag, plus telling us early so we can load them in safer positions.
Essentials Box For Hot Weather Moves
A hot weather essentials box includes water, toiletries, medication, a change of clothes, wipes and a towel. It is designed to stop you rummaging through cartons while overheated during the first hour in the new home.
Cool Room Setup For Kids and Pets
A cool room setup is the safest way to manage children and pets when doors are open and the temperature is high. It reduces stress, prevents escapes, and keeps the move flowing without constant interruptions.
HSE Heat Stress Adjustments
HSE heat stress adjustments means slowing the pace, rotating heavy lifts and adding water breaks. It is a credible, practical framework for keeping removals work safe during hot spells, without turning the day into a grind.
Move Day Cool Kit Checklist
A Move Day Cool Kit checklist is your pre packed set of summer essentials, water, sunscreen, snacks, cool towel and first aid basics. It is a simple concept that fits your tone and gives readers something memorable to request before the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of day to move in summer in Brighton?
Start early around 7 to 8am or move later in the evening to avoid peak heat. Brighton and Hove can feel especially hot in built up areas and flats, so we try to avoid the 11am to 3pm window where possible. Cooler start times reduce heat exhaustion risk and keep the load pace steady without rushing heavy items down stairwells.
What should we do if there’s a Heat Health Alert for the South East?
If a Heat Health Alert is active, we recommend an earlier start time and more breaks. We can also split the move into two stages if access and booking times allow, which helps on larger Brighton house removals. The aim is simple, keep lifting safe, keep hydration consistent, and keep the day calm rather than forcing a fast pace in high temperatures.
How much water should I have ready for moving day?
Have more than you think you need, and keep it cold and easy to reach. We suggest stocking water for you and anyone helping, plus extra for the first hour at the new place. Hydrate the day before, avoid too much caffeine, and keep snacks handy. A simple cool bag in the van cab can make a big difference during a Brighton move.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion during a move?
Heat exhaustion often shows up as headache, dizziness, heavy sweating, cramps and feeling weak. If anyone shows these signs, stop, move them to shade or indoors, lie them down, raise their feet slightly, sip water and cool the skin with a damp cloth. If you suspect heatstroke, call 999 immediately and do not try to push through.
What should I wear for a summer removal?
Wear light coloured, loose clothing made from breathable fabric like cotton or linen. A hat and sunscreen help when you are outside near the van, and closed toe shoes matter for safety on stairs and around furniture. Brighton moves often involve tight entrances and carrying, so comfort is important, but safe footwear and free movement matter more.
How do you keep the team safe on hot days?
On hot days we slow the pace, rotate heavy lifts and add extra water breaks so nobody overheats. That approach helps on longer carries, tight staircases and bulky items like wardrobes and sofas, especially in Brighton and Hove flats. A steady pace protects the crew, protects your belongings, and keeps the move running smoothly.
How do I protect heat sensitive items in the van?
Keep electronics, candles, perishables and some medications out of hot vehicles wherever possible. Use a cool bag for anything that needs temperature control, and bring essential medication with you in the car rather than packing it. If you flag heat sensitive items when booking, we can load them in a safer position and minimise time sitting in heat.
Can you help with parking permits or bay suspensions in Brighton and Sussex?
Yes, tell us your addresses, dates and any restrictions and we will advise on what is likely needed. Brighton and Hove permit zones, narrow streets and limited loading space can affect timing, so planning early helps. Councils set the fees and lead times, and if you are moving into flats or busy roads we can talk through options.
What should I pack in an essentials box for a summer move?
Pack water, snacks, toiletries, a change of clothes, sunscreen, basic first aid and any daily medications. Add phone chargers, cleaning wipes and a small towel, because you will feel the heat most during the first hour after arrival. Keeping this box accessible stops you rummaging through cartons while you are sweaty and tired.
What’s the best way to handle kids and pets during a hot weather move?
Arrange for kids and pets to stay with friends or family if you can, because the heat and open doors add risk. If they must be present, set up a cool room with water, snacks and distractions, and keep doors managed while we load. For small calm pets, travel plans can be discussed, but the priority is safety and avoiding stress.
About the author...
Peter Hawes is the director of ESV Removals Ltd, a family run Brighton and Sussex removals team known for calm planning, careful handling and clear prices. He holds a 2:1 BA (Hons) in English Literature and Digital Media from the University of Brighton. Peter oversees every move from first message to the last box and brings local know how for permit zones, tight stairwells and seafront buildings. ESV is fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by hundreds of five star Google reviews. The company follows an eco pledge that prioritises Esso Ethos fuel where available, reuses boxes and runs paperless bookings. Learn more at www.eastsussexvan.com
