Moving in a Hurry: 5 Tips for a Last minute Move

If you’re moving out in a hurry, there’s only one way to survive the last minute move – excellent organization and effective packing. After all, your money, time and nerves will be at risk during the short period you have until the moving van parks in front of your house or apartment. And when the three moving factors above are throwing a party together, another one usually finds its way to join – Mrs. Moving Panic. But don’t worry, we’re there for you and have prepared a list of quick moving tips so that you can get completely ready for the big day as fast as possible and, what is more valuable, with minimum effort?

1. 1. Start with the logistics

A last minute move has a way of making every task seem both urgently necessary and totally difficult to accomplish. It’s easy to feel puzzled by how many tasks need to be done, but instead of letting your endless moving to-do list overwhelm you, just take a deep breath and get to work crossing items off. First try to decide whether you’re going to need professional help with your move or you’re planning to do it yourself. If you hire a moving company, use internet research to find a list of reputable movers in your area quickly. If you’re renting a truck, get quotes from two or three companies and then make a decision right away. The sooner you have the logistics of your move sorted out, the sooner you can get to work on everything else.

1. 1. Get rid of the things you don’t need

The less you have to pack, the easier packing will be. And with a last minute move, easy packing is a great trick. Separate things into three piles: donate, recycle, and throw away. The great thing about last-minute move is that you tend to be impartial in how you sort and pack. The more stuff you get rid of, the less you have to pack. Some people think that to save time, they should just pack everything they own and sort later. Statistics show the opposite. Get rid of as much stuff as you can. Think practically, not sentimentally. Get the whole family involved by having them follow this tip. If you hesitate whether to keep or toss something, toss it.

1. 1. Pack an overnight bag.

The last thing you need is to pack your entire life into garbage bags only to realize that the outfit you need for work the next day is buried somewhere at the bottom. Make sure to pack a small duffel bag with all of the essentials: toothbrush, any medications, pajamas, clean undies, important documents you have, chargers, day-to-day toiletries, and maybe one or two outfits that will get you through the next few days of chaos. You should also include valuable items, like your passport, laptop, and car keys to stave them off from vanishing. Once your essentials bag is ready, you can get started on the big project: packing.

1. 1. Don’t think, pack

Pack now and sort later. Don’t worry about putting everything together or having a “theme” for each box. Use soft items like socks and towels to wrap breakables. Put things where they fit, even if it means packing the water glasses with toilet rolls, better pack safely and securely. And it’s okay to skip labeling boxes, but do make sure to mark on a box if there are fragile items inside. Once a box is filled, tape it up, move it out of the way, and set up a new one. Leave clothes on their hangers and just wrap.

1. 1. Recruit friends and relatives.

Moving is a big task, especially when it has to be done quickly, and it’s totally okay to turn to your friends or family for some helping hands. Plus, friends can provide moral support to help get you through the moving day. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but do be sure to show respect by ordering some pizza or baking your helpers some cupcakes.

Moving is a stressful process no matter how much time you have. One of the big benefits of hiring professional movers is the assistance you get. Leave some tasks to the movers; just know that you’ll end up paying a bit more in packing materials and labor. Unpacking might take a little longer, but cheer up, at least you made it.