Summer weather: Heat and Storms

Summer is back and it looks like another scorcher. Tucked to the East, behind the Pennines Nottingham is usually drier and warmer than cities to the west, though there have still been some spectacular rainstorms of late. If you are moving this summer, it is a good idea to consider the implications of the two extremes.

Last summer saw the hottest temperature, in Nottingham, since records began. The Met Office confirmed temperatures of 39.8C. Although other countries regularly have these temperatures, we simple aren’t setup or acclimatised, hence melting road surfaces and swelting houses built to retain heat no repel it. We need to be mindful on these very hot days, which may be becoming more common.

At Albany we work rain, snow or heat. In the heat it is really important to ensure everything is ready – follow the hints and tips leaflet to get everything prepared. If it’s hot for you, imagine how it feels for the removal workers carrying heavy boxes and furniture. Hot weather places a strain on the heart and lungs; our removal colleagues are used to heavy physical work, but to be safe in very hot weather it is important that they take regular breaks out of the sun and drink plenty of fluid.
Keep your house cool by closing blinds or curtains, particularly if they are facing the sun.

Avoid adding additional issues, for the colleagues to deal with, by ensuring you have packed everything if you have decided to do this yourself. For any move packing should be completed before the removal day itself; unfortunately, we do attend some removals where people have not completed the packing process. This adds considerable extra time and associated problems to the day (often leading to additional costs) but on a hot day this can lead to an exhaustingly long day for our colleagues. In some cases, it could extend the move into another day, which would get very expensive. A representative from Albany Removals will have discussed preparation for your move, including the Hints and Tips. The most important thing to do in preparation is to read this carefully and follow the processes described. If you have any questions we are always willing to answer queries directly. Be realistic about how much time it will take you to pack. Albany Removals offers a packing service to take the pressure off and ensure everything is running according to schedule.

To spread the work of preparing your home for its new occupants we may be able to offer short term storage opportunities. This is a good option for bigger moves, that are in the local, Nottingham, West Bridgford, Ruddington area.

Pets struggle in the heat too and the usual advice of putting your dog or cat in the back of the car whilst you are getting ready, simply isn’t appropriate. Even when it doesn’t seem excessively hot, a car can heat up considerably in the sun. It is best to select a room that you can completely empty first. This can be used as a room for your pets.

Storing extra ice to help everyone cool down is really appreciated. We come prepared, but ice is hard to store without a freezer. We also still enjoy a cup of tea whatever the weather.

If you are moving plants in containers, you need to time the watering. I have been out watering pots everyday during the prolonged hot dry days, but you need to make sure they are not overly watered when you move as it adds considerable weight to the pots. With some of the larger pots it can make them extremely difficult to move. For more information on moving garden pots see the previous blog specifically about moving gardens.

Ensuring you save space as close to your home as possible, is always important, but in rainstorms and heat we need to get from your house to the van by the shortest route possible. Please make sure you have alerted your neighbours to the move and asked them to ensure they leave the space free for the lorry/lorries by 8am or the time agreed.

If you are moving out of the Nottingham, Rushcliffe, Broxtowe etc. area, for a long-distance move, we may take slightly longer to drive. As well as ensuring we have appropriate breaks there is often increased traffic as people try to take advantage of hot weather or slower traffic in heavy rain. As mentioned in a previous blog, we are restricted to 50 miles per hour in the large lorry, so good preparation before the move is essential during those very hot and stormy weeks, to avoid excessively long working days. We would benefit from a prompt early start, so again ensure everything is packed and ready before the moving day.

If you have any questions about your move, just contact Albany Removals either by phone, text or email.