Triple-digit temps double business for some moving companies
by Monique Lopez
Triple-digit temps double business for some moving companies, July 25, 2023 (CBS Austin/Monique Lopez)
AUSTIN, Texas —
One of the last things people want to do in the summer is move.
Many people have no choice, though, which makes this extreme heat good for business for some, like moving companies.
“Well, it’s not exactly the desired temperature to move in!” said the owner of Tetris Movers Brice Faber.
But people like Faber and his team are doing it anyway.
Faber opened his location here in Austin about a year ago, and triple-digit temps this year are more than doubling business.
“If you’re not used to moving, it’s tough,” Faber said. “If you’re not used to being out in the heat, it’s tough, then you mix moving with the heat, and it becomes way tougher.”
On Tuesday, alone, his five crews will do about six to eight moves.
“Because it is hot, they’re looking to hire it out, so they’re not looking to do it themselves,” said Faber. “I think it’s ultimately helping business.”
Other moving companies, like Austin Accurate Movers, say business somewhat plateaued since the pandemic and, with the housing market being what it is now, they’re not receiving as many calls for jobs.
They may not be moving as much, but the company says the heat is still helping.
“We are getting phone calls for helping unload U-Hauls and things of that nature. People aren’t really shying away from the weather, they’re still giving us a call, but they are trying to do it themselves,” manager of Austin Accurate Movers Shawn Galaraza said. “They probably go down that road, and then wish they wouldn’t have!”
Many, like David Simpson, have gone the ol’ do-it-yourself route before.
“I don’t think that would’ve gone well at all!” he said.
This time around, in this sweltering Texas heat, he’s leaving it up to the pros.
“They’re professionals, they can get it done quick, where for us this would’ve been a weeklong process,” Simpson said. “They’re gonna do it in a couple of hours.”
Although moving is in their wheelhouse, heat is an equal opportunist, so even movers know not to underestimate it.
The companies we spoke to say they make sure their workers are constantly hydrated and are taking breaks on jobs.
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