Moving involves a lot of details and individualized tasks and requires weeks of planning. But sometimes, you’re forced into a last-minute move. This usually happens when there is little time between finding out about the move and the date of the move itself.
In other cases, people underestimate the time and effort required for a move and procrastinate. In both cases, you will likely face an unpacked home just a few days before movers are scheduled to arrive. You may need help from a moving company for a long distance or cross-country move, especially if you have limited time to plan and prepare.
Here’s what you need to account for:
Logistics
Last minute arrangements are necessary but difficult to accomplish. There are lots to be done and it can be overwhelming to think of what needs to be completed on moving day.
The first thing you will need to do is to hire a moving company. This is crucial especially if you live in a house or are planning to move to a far city. Have the logistics of your move set up and ready to go as soon as possible so you can get to work on everything else.
Unnecessary Things
You will find it easier to pack if you have fewer things to pack. Go through the rooms and cabinets of your house and take out the things you no longer want and need. Have them quickly sorted into piles for donation, recycling, and trash.
Remember this is a time for practicality and not sentimentality. The move to a new place allows you the opportunity to cut down on the things you are keeping. You may not have enough time to pack if you are in a hurry. Travel lightly and avoid thinking you can throw out things once you get to your new place.
Moving Essentials
Prepare a bag filled with moving essentials. This includes important documents, medications, chargers, toiletries, and extra clothes. These items are those you may need on a long trip or through the chaos of moving day. Having this bag is especially important in a last-minute move. It spares you the trouble of sifting through boxes to find necessities later on.
Packing with Less Thought
When moving in a hurry, you have less time for organization and you are more focused on getting everything fit into boxes. Essentially, your goal is to get things from your current home to the next one without anything breaking. You do not have time to follow organizational steps normally recommended for a move, like making a list of items to pack. You should also pay little attention to having a theme for each box or to keeping similar items packed together.
Asking for Help
With a last-minute move, you may need additional help from friends, family, and even the movers. Friends and family can help your prioritize what you need for moving day and speed up the packing process. Time-consuming tasks are made simpler and less stressful.
Professional movers are equipped with the experience and tools necessary to help you pack everything more quickly. On moving day, they can help throw last-minute items into boxes and safely wrap up furniture. This may require you to spend more for packing materials and labor.
If you are packing in a hurry, remember the important thing is to get your items into boxes in the safest but quickest way possible.
