How to Protect Your Belongings from Heat and Humidity During a Summer Move

Moving in the summer has its perks: more daylight, flexible school schedules, and generally smoother logistics. But it also comes with one major challenge: heat and humidity.

If you’re moving to or from Greenville, SC, you already know how intense those Upstate summers can get. And when temperatures climb into the 90s (plus humidity to match), your belongings, especially electronics, perishables, and delicate furniture, need extra protection.

At Highway Men Moving, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate the heat without a hitch. Here’s your essential guide to keeping your items safe, cool, and in top condition during a summer move.

1. Start With a Game Plan

Before the first box is packed, take inventory of temperature-sensitive items, such as:

• Electronics (laptops, tablets, TVs)

• Candles and cosmetics

• Perishable foods or pantry items

• Vinyl records, photographs, and artwork

• Leather, wood, or antique furniture

• Medications

Set these items aside and plan to pack and transport them differently from the rest of your household goods. A little prep work now can save you a lot of frustration (and melted messes) later.

2. Use the Right Packing Materials

Regular cardboard boxes aren’t designed to withstand extreme temperatures and moisture. For sensitive items, upgrade your supplies to include:

Insulated Boxes or Coolers

These are especially useful for electronics, candles, makeup, or pantry goods. Insulated liners can shield contents from heat spikes during transport.

Silica Gel Packets or Moisture Absorbers

Humidity is just as damaging as heat. These inexpensive little packets are lifesavers for anything that can warp, mold, or degrade, like photos, documents, or leather goods.

Plastic Bins with Sealed Lids

Unlike cardboard, plastic won’t absorb moisture. Use it for clothes, books, and anything you want to keep dry and secure during a humid move.

3. Special Care for Electronics

Electronics are especially vulnerable to high temperatures and condensation. Here’s how to keep them safe:

• Back everything up before your move, just in case.

• Pack devices in their original boxes if available, or in padded containers with anti-static bubble wrap.

• Label electronics clearly, and keep them in a climate-controlled car, not the moving truck.

• Let electronics acclimate to room temperature before plugging them in at your new home. Drastic temperature changes can cause internal condensation, which may lead to damage.

4. Don’t Pack Perishables (Unless You Have To)

Most moving companies, including Highway Men Moving, recommend not packing food or perishables in your main shipment during hot weather. If you must bring items from your fridge or pantry:

• Transport them in coolers with ice packs.

• Use vacuum-sealed containers for dry goods.

• Move perishables in your vehicle and unpack them first upon arrival.

And when in doubt? Donate unopened pantry items to a local food bank in Greenville before your move. It lightens your load and helps the community.

5. Furniture and Decor: Protecting the Heavy Hitters

High humidity can warp wood, peel paint, and soften adhesives, so it’s crucial to prepare furniture and home decor properly.

Wood & Antique Furniture

• Apply furniture wax or polish a few days before your move to create a moisture barrier.

• Wrap with moving blankets, not plastic, which traps humidity.

• Avoid storing in non-climate-controlled environments for long periods.

Leather Items

• Condition leather before moving day to keep it supple.

• Avoid direct sun exposure.

• Use cloth covers (not plastic) for the breathing room.

Artwork & Photos

• Transport in flat, rigid containers.

• Use acid-free paper to protect surfaces.

• Keep them with you in the car if possible—never in the truck.

6. Time Your Move Wisely

The time of day you move can also help reduce heat-related risks:

• Start early in the morning when the temperatures are cooler.

• Avoid the afternoon heat (typically between 1–4 PM).

• If you’re doing a DIY move, hydrate often and take breaks in shaded areas.

Booking with a professional moving crew like Highway Men Moving means we’ll handle the loading and unloading while you stay cool and stress-free.

7. Consider Climate-Controlled Storage

If your move-in and move-out dates don’t quite align, and you need temporary storage, opt for climate-controlled units. This is especially important for:

• Electronics

• Musical instruments

• Wood furniture

• Collectibles and documents

Greenville’s summer weather isn’t kind to stored belongings unless they’re kept cool and dry.

8. Make Heat Protection Part of Your Checklist

During a summer move, there’s a lot to juggle. Use a simple checklist to ensure heat-sensitive items are packed properly and kept safe: 

✅ Mark fragile and temperature-sensitive boxes clearly 

✅ Keep perishables in a cooler 

✅ Backup electronics before packing 

✅ Load sensitive items last and unload them first 

✅ Avoid plastic wrap on furniture that needs airflow

A little mindfulness can go a long way in protecting your valuables.

Final Thought: Don’t Let the Heat Stress You Out

Summer moves come with unique challenges, but with the right approach, you can keep your belongings safe and your transition smooth. Whether you’re moving across Greenville or heading out of town, planning for the heat and humidity will help you settle in with confidence—and without any melted messes.

Let Highway Men Moving Keep Your Move Cool

At Highway Men Moving, we know summer moves in the South demand extra care. Our professional movers handle your items like their own, packing smart, moving fast, and helping you beat the heat from start to finish.