Madrid is one of Europe's hottest capitals. In July, temperatures routinely hit 38°C by midday. August is even hotter in some years, with the added joy of a largely deserted city and reduced services. If you're moving in summer, here's how to do it without regrets.
Why Summer Moves in Madrid Are Harder
Temperature Effects on Your Belongings
Most people don't think about this, but heat causes real damage during moves:
- Electronics: Laptops, TVs, and monitors should not be left in a parked van in direct sun. Interior van temperature can reach 60–70°C on a Madrid July day. Electronics should travel in the cab or in insulated boxes.
- Candles and wax items: Will melt if left in a warm van even briefly. Pack separately.
- Vinyl records: Will warp above 40°C. Transport in a cool bag or cab.
- Wooden furniture: Direct sun exposure can bleach finishes over hours. Keep the van loaded quickly and move promptly.
- Houseplants: Many will not survive an hour in a hot van. Transport in your car or on the day's first run.
Physical Difficulty
Carrying furniture up 5 flights of stairs in 38°C heat is genuinely dangerous for the crew. Professional removal workers understand their limits, but the risk of heat exhaustion is real. A good removal company plans for this — we do.
The Single Most Important Rule: Start Early
In Madrid summer, the working day effectively ends by noon for outdoor physical work. We schedule all summer moves to start at 7am — ideally loading is complete before 11am. By 1pm, even in the shade, carrying furniture is punishing. By 3pm, it's dangerous.
For our summer moves in Lavapiés, Malasaña, and Chamberí (all no-lift districts), we specifically request 7am starts. The crew gets the staircase work done in the cool of the early morning, and by the time the sun is fully up, they're in the van driving to the destination.
Pre-Move Day Preparation
The Day Before
- Pack electronics and fragile items last thing the night before, when the flat is cooler
- Pre-cool any items that are heat-sensitive (e.g. take houseplants to the stairwell or lobby the night before)
- Freeze a 1L water bottle for each crew member — solid ice that melts slowly during the move
- Arrange to leave the air conditioning on in the new flat if possible — arriving into a cool space is transformative
Move Day
- Drink 500ml of water before the crew arrives — heat exhaustion starts with dehydration from the night
- Have cold drinks ready: crew members on a summer move will drink 3–4 litres during the job
- Keep sun-facing windows blocked — direct sun through glass heats interiors rapidly while you're loading
- Don't park the van in direct sun if there's a shaded alternative nearby
What We Do Differently in Summer
For all summer move bookings (June–September), we:
- Default to 7am start time
- Carry extra insulated bags for electronics in the cab
- Bring a cool-box with water and isotonic drinks for all crew (included in service)
- Build in a 15-minute rest break mid-move for staircase jobs
- Wrap wooden and finished surfaces in moisture-barrier wrap as well as moving blankets
Is August Really That Quiet?
August in Madrid is indeed quieter — the city empties significantly for the agosto madrileño holiday period, with many residents going to the coast or to family. Traffic is lighter, streets are calmer, and some of the SER parking enforcement is reduced.
However, many businesses including some removal companies take August off entirely or operate reduced schedules. We operate through August at full capacity — but we book up quickly because there are fewer alternatives. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for August moves.
Best Times to Move in Madrid
If you have flexibility, our ranked recommendations:
- October–November: Mild (15–22°C), no school holiday pressure, low demand
- March–April: Similar — mild, busy roads but manageable, good availability
- February: Quiet and cool — best value availability, easiest logistics
- May–June (early): Good before the heat builds, some school-year pressure
- September: Post-summer return rush — high demand, book early
- July: Hot, high demand (school-year end), book 4+ weeks ahead
- August: Very hot, moderate demand, reduced services — book early
Whatever the season, get a free quote and we'll discuss the best approach for your specific move.