Moving is hard work. Whether you’re moving locally or you’re headed to a new home across the country, a successful move requires planning, patience, and a bit of flexibility. To do any of these things well, it’s essential that you take care of yourself first. In other words, get enough sleep, eat well during your transition, and don’t forget the importance of hydration. Learn how to guard against the symptoms of dehydration during your move by following the tips below.

Why water should come first

Water makes up roughly 60% of your body weight, give or take a little. Every system in your body depends on water, making it crucial to your health. Lack of water leads to dehydration, which means your body doesn’t have enough water to carry on with normal functions.

If you get dehydrated by as little as a 1% – 2% loss of your body weight, you’ll begin to feel tired and any energy you had will get sapped. This is hardly a situation you want to encounter when you’re in the process of moving. Not only does it make moving day more stressful, it also poses a potentially serious risk to your health.

While moving, know the symptoms of dehydration

You can get dehydrated any time of the year, but you’re at particular risk during the summer months. If the family members with whom you’re moving are very old or very young, they face an even more elevated risk of dehydration.

The symptoms of dehydration you should watch for during your move include:

• Dry mouth
• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Inability to urinate normally
• Lightheadedness

Why you need more water during a move

Sweating is the most obvious way to lose water, but you also lose some while exhaling and using the restroom. This water loss needs to be replaced constantly throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

During a move, you’re at high risk of losing more water than you would on a normal day. If you’re in the packing and loading phase, you’ll be doing a lot more running around than on an average day. If you have a lengthy journey – especially in a car – you’re also at risk of not consuming enough water because of the propensity to try and cut down on bathroom stops.

Finally, your risk for dehydration is at its highest once you arrive at your new home. Chances are your refrigerator won’t be stocked yet and you’ll be fatigued from the challenges of your journey. Unpacking and unloading can further your risk of dehydration, making move-in day not only uncomfortable but risky.

How to make life easier at your new place

If you want to start things in your new home on the right foot, you’d be wise to pre-arrange for home water delivery. You can have home water coolers dropped off right at your new front door, along with several gallons of fresh spring water.

This small action will go far in improving the comfort of your family and anyone assisting with your move. It is a particularly important action if you’re unsure of the conditions of your new home. For instance, you may not know whether you can trust the quality of tap water in your new home, or you may live too far from a grocery store to conveniently be able to buy water the day you move in.

You can set up an account with a water supplier in your new area before you even come close to move-in day. This will give you one less hassle to deal with as you try to direct movers and begin life in your new home.

Guidelines for proper water consumption

As a general rule, every adult should aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. It’s best to consume straight water, though other fluids can count toward this total. If you don’t want to drink water, choose a sports drink or something enhanced with electrolytes.

Soda should not be counted toward your water consumption because the high sugar content found in most sodas cancels out the benefit of the liquid consumed.

A good guideline for checking whether you’re getting enough water is to look at the color of your urine. If it’s light yellow to clear, you’re doing well on water consumption. If it’s dark yellow, you need to start guzzling fluids. (Note:  if you are taking a heavy regimen of vitamins, your urine may be dark yellow regardless of the amount of water you drink).

Start things off right in your new home

To get the best start to life in your new home, remember to put your health first. Making sure you stay hydrated and healthy is key to a positive start. Look into home water delivery to save yourself from hassles and illness during those first few days of adjustment. In the long run, the small effort it takes to secure clean drinking water as soon as you arrive at your new home will be well worth it.