Moving in Texas summer heat

Summer is a popular time to move in Dallas–Fort Worth, and summer here is hot. Heat changes how you plan the day, how fast your crew can work and what can safely ride in a closed truck. These general tips help you move safely; always follow current heat advisories and your own health needs.

Start early

Load in the early morning, when it's coolest. Aim to have the heaviest lifting done before midday. If you can, pack everything in the air-conditioned days before so move day is only carrying.

Hydrate and take breaks

Keep a cooler of water and electrolyte drinks where everyone can reach it.
Schedule short breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
Rotate jobs so nobody is on the truck or the stairs the whole time.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and stop work if someone feels dizzy, nauseous or unusually tired.

Dress for it

Light, breathable clothes, a hat for outdoor stretches, closed-toe shoes with good grip, and gloves for handling hot metal like truck ramps and dolly handles.

Protect heat-sensitive belongings

A closed truck can get very hot. Move these in your air-conditioned car instead: medications, electronics and batteries, candles, vinyl records, photos, aerosol cans, wine, cosmetics, and plants. Food that can spoil should travel in a cooler or be used up before the move.

Prep both homes

Make sure the AC is working at the new place before move day.
Keep doors closed between trips where you can, to hold the cool air.
Put a fan near the entry where people come in and out.

Plan for storms too

Summer and spring in North Texas can bring sudden storms. Lidded containers keep the rain out during the walk from the door to the truck. Keep tarps handy for furniture.

Why totes help in the heat

Rigid totes stack and roll on a dolly, so you make fewer, faster trips in the sun compared with carrying loose boxes one at a time. Snap-on lids also protect against sudden summer showers. Most STORVA packages include black 4-wheel dollies.

Caring for pets and plants in the heat

Pets should never wait in a parked car or a hot truck. Keep them at a friend's home, a daycare or a closed, cool room with water and a sign on the door during loading. Bring their food, bowls, medication and bedding in your car so they're comfortable on the first night.

Plants suffer quickly in closed trucks. Water them a day or two before the move, move them in your air-conditioned car, and get them out of the car as soon as you arrive. Use the move as a chance to give away plants that don't travel well.

How STORVA tote rental works

STORVA rents reusable 27-gallon black totes with yellow snap-on lids across Dallas–Fort Worth. We drop the empty totes off at your door, you pack, move and unpack your own belongings, and we pick the empty totes back up on the date you chose. We don't move, pack or haul anything for you — we supply the equipment.

Packages start at $79. The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies; extra dollies are $9 each. Next-day drop-off is available across DFW; for weekends and the end of the month, book 2–3 days ahead.

Dorm / Studio: 10 totes, 1 week included, $79.
1 Bedroom: 20 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $109.
2–3 Bedrooms: 40 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $189.
4+ Bedrooms: 60 totes + 2 dollies, 2 weeks included, $239.

Rent totes · Use the tote calculator

Frequently asked questions

What time of day is best for a summer move in Texas?

Early morning. Plan to finish the heaviest lifting before midday.

What shouldn't go in a hot moving truck?

Medications, electronics, batteries, candles, records, photos, aerosols, wine, cosmetics, plants and perishable food. Move them in your air-conditioned car.

Do STORVA packages include dollies?

The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies. Extra dollies are $9 each.