Darwin is hot all year — and in the build-up and wet season, the humidity makes it feel even hotter. Moving house means hours of physical work in those conditions, so a bit of planning keeps everyone safe.
This is general safety information. In a medical emergency, call 000.
Heat-safe move in short: Start early · Drink water constantly · Take breaks in the air-con · Keep kids and pets cool and out of the way · Move heat-sensitive items in your car.
Plan the timing
- Book a morning start — the coolest part of the day
- In the build-up and wet, mornings also avoid the afternoon storms
- If you can choose your season, the dry season is easiest. See Best Time of Year to Move House in Darwin
Stay hydrated
- Fill an esky with water and electrolyte drinks
- Drink before you're thirsty
- Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol
- Have cold water ready for the crew — they'll appreciate it
Dress for the heat
- Light, loose, breathable clothing
- Closed, sturdy shoes — not thongs
- A hat and sunscreen for outdoor work
Know the signs of heat illness
Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps, weakness. - Move to a cool place, sip water, rest, and cool the skin with damp cloths. - Seek medical help if symptoms don't improve.
Heat stroke is an emergency: confusion, slurred speech, collapse, hot dry skin, or a very high body temperature. - Call 000. Cool the person while you wait.
Kids on a hot moving day
- Arrange a sitter or a play date if you can
- Set up a cool room with the air-con, snacks, water and activities
- Keep them away from the truck, ramps and stairs
More family tips: Moving to Darwin with Kids.
Pets in the heat
- Keep pets in a cool, quiet room with water, or with a friend or boarding facility
- Never leave a pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes
- Move pets last from the old home and first into the new one
See Moving House with Pets in Darwin.
Protect heat-sensitive belongings
Move these in your air-conditioned car, not the truck: - Medications - Candles and wax items - Vinyl records - Photos and important documents - Laptops, hard drives and small electronics - Aerosols — see What Removalists Won't Move
Get the air-con on at the new place
Arrange electricity connection before moving day so the air-con works when you arrive. Unpack soft furnishings quickly to avoid humidity damage — see Packing for Darwin Humidity.
Let professionals do the heavy lifting
Carrying fridges and couches up elevated homes in 35°C humidity is how people get hurt. A trained crew knows how to pace the work safely.
Get a free quote · or see our house removals service.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stay safe moving house in hot weather?
Start early, drink water regularly, take breaks in the shade or air-con, wear light clothing and a hat, and let professionals do the heavy lifting.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps and weakness. Move the person somewhere cool, give water and seek medical help if symptoms don't improve. Call 000 for confusion, collapse or very high body temperature.
How do I keep pets safe on a hot moving day?
Keep them in a cool, quiet room with water, or with a friend or boarding facility. Never leave pets in a parked car.
What belongings are damaged by heat?
Candles, vinyl records, some electronics, medications, photos, aerosols and some plastics. Move them in your air-conditioned car.