Moving to Phoenix in the Summer: A Heat-Smart Moving Plan

Moving to Phoenix in the summer works fine with a plan built around the heat. Load and unload early in the morning, have power and water on before you arrive, keep heat-sensitive items with you, and give yourself the first week to settle in before you take on big projects outside.

I'm Terry Day with DeLex Realty. Plenty of my relocation buyers close in June, July or August because that's when jobs start and leases end. The ones who have the easiest time treat moving day like a weather event and plan around it. Here's how.

Watch the HeatRisk forecast, not just the temperature

The National Weather Service office in Phoenix publishes a daily HeatRisk forecast that rates each day from none to extreme. When you're picking a moving date, look at that forecast for the week and choose the lowest-risk day you can. If you can only move on a high-risk day, shrink the outdoor work and lengthen the breaks.

Schedule the move around the clock

• Book the earliest start your moving company offers
• Ask how the crew handles heat and whether they bring water and shade
• Have the garage cleared so the truck can unload straight into shade
• Keep the front door closed between trips so the AC can keep up
• Plan a lunch break indoors, not on the driveway

If you're driving in from another state, aim to arrive the evening before the truck so you can open the house, check the AC and cool it down.

Get utilities on before you arrive

Nothing is worse than a hot house with no power on move-in day. Once you're under contract, ask me which providers serve your new address for electric, water, sewer, trash, gas and internet. Set start dates for your closing day or earlier, and schedule internet installation as soon as you can since appointments can book out. If the home has a pool, line up pool service so the water doesn't turn green during your first week.

Protect what doesn't like heat

A closed moving truck in a Phoenix summer gets very hot inside. Move these in your own air-conditioned car instead:

• Medications and anything that needs refrigeration
• Laptops, tablets, phones, hard drives and important papers
• Candles, crayons, vinyl records and photos
• Aerosol cans, propane and cleaning chemicals (ask your mover what they won't carry)
• Wine, plants and food
• Pets, always; never leave an animal in a parked car

Your first week in the new house

• Change the AC filters and set the thermostat before unpacking
• Find the main water shutoff and the electrical panel
• Check the pool equipment, irrigation timer and sprinklers with the seller's notes
• Do yard work and garage unpacking at first light or after sunset
• Learn where shade and water are on your new walking routes

Arizona doesn't change its clocks for daylight saving time, which surprises a lot of newcomers. My post on whether Arizona observes daylight saving time explains it, and my guide to a new Arizona resident's driver license and car registration covers the to-do list after you arrive.

Buying from a distance before a summer move

If you're buying before you get here, video tours can help, but I always suggest at least one trip in person if you can manage it. Summer is a great time to judge a home honestly: you'll see how the AC performs, how hot the west-facing rooms get, and how much shade the backyard has in the afternoon. Ask about the age of the AC units and the roof, and whether the windows are dual pane. Those details matter more here than in most places.

Monsoon season and moving day

Late summer brings monsoon storms to the Valley, with sudden wind, dust and heavy rain, often in the afternoon or evening. Keep a tarp and a few towels by the door, protect mattresses and upholstered furniture with plastic covers, and keep an eye on alerts from the National Weather Service. Another reason to finish early in the day.

When summer timing helps you

Many buyers avoid touring in the hottest weeks, so a motivated buyer in July may face less competition on some homes. Every neighborhood is different, so I'll show you how long homes have been sitting in the areas you're considering.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a bad idea to move to Phoenix in the summer?

No. Many people move here in summer for jobs and leases. Plan the heavy work for early morning and have utilities on before you arrive.

What time of day should I move in Phoenix in summer?

As early as your moving company can start. Finish the heaviest lifting before the hottest part of the day.

How do I keep my belongings safe from heat?

Carry heat-sensitive items, electronics, medications and pets in your air-conditioned car instead of the moving truck.

When should I set up utilities?

As soon as you're under contract. Schedule start dates for closing day or earlier, and book internet installation early.

Does Phoenix change its clocks for daylight saving time?

Most of Arizona, including Phoenix, stays on Mountain Standard Time all year.