For some people, the process of packing up and moving involves detailed lists, contingency plans, and months of planning. Unfortunately, you don’t have that luxury because you must pack up all your stuff and get out of your current home or apartment in a few days. Moving last-minute isn’t ideal, but it is possible.
Here are a few tips to help you plan and execute a last-minute move.
Secure a Moving Company
If you only have a few days to pack up and move, the first step is to contact a moving company. In addition to being the safe and reliable choice, movers will also help you get all your belongings expertly out of the house in a short amount of time. You may need to contact a few moving companies in your area to find one that can accommodate your limited schedule.
Now that you have the moving day set, make sure that you are packed and ready to leave once the moving trucks arrive. In some instances, you will be charged extra if the moving company must wait for you to finish packing.
Gather the Necessary Supplies
The next step is to gather all the supplies you will need to pack up and get out of your home as quickly as possible. Once again, because you’re in a time crunch, you will need to get creative and only make one or two trips to gather everything you will need. The necessary supplies include cardboard boxes, packing tape, and news print.
If you’ve run out of packing materials, and time is running out, you can use items in your home in a pinch. For example, place clothing inside suitcases or in some instances, clothing can be left in dresser drawers. Be sure to verify this with your mover.
Consider renting a dumpster as well. Because you’re short on time, hiring a dumpster will make it easier to toss any garbage and broken, damaged, or unwanted items. This step will save you several trips to your local waste management provider. Note, however, that you cannot place certain items in your dumpster. These items include electronics, batteries, household chemicals, food, and tires.
Get as Much Help as Possible
If your friends or family members owe you any favors, now is the time to cash them in because you’re going to need all the help you can get. Asking friends and family members to help you declutter and pack saves you time. You can also gift items that you no longer need or want to your friends. This will save you a trip to your local donation center.
Divide your loved ones into teams, and assign each team a room. Give them the necessary supplies and put them to work. In addition to helping you pack up more quickly, your friends and family will talk you out of keeping items that you won’t use or are out of style.
Declutter and Pack Each Room
Next, begin decluttering and packing every room. Tackling each room one at a time will help you focus on the task and prevent you from becoming stressed or flustered about the amount of work ahead of you. When decluttering, divide everything into four piles: keep, throw away, recycle, and donate or give away.
You are short on time, so you cannot agonize over every item. Instead, take a look at the item and if it isn’t used on a daily or weekly basis, isn’t a seasonal item, no longer fits, is stained or damaged, or you simply forgot it existed, you do not need to keep it. Remember, all the unnecessary clutter you put into boxes will cost you precious time, and money with your mover, and you will bring all these items to your new home, as well.
Once you are finished decluttering the room, pack up all the belongings. Wrapping your breakables in clothing or leaving your clothing inside dresser drawers will both save you time and precious packing materials.
Start in rooms that you don’t use as often, or contain items that you won’t need on a daily basis, such as your spare bedroom, the basement, attic, or the living room. Save the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen for last.
On Moving Day
Moving day is finally here and it’s time for the trucks to be loaded. While the movers are emptying your home or apartment, take this opportunity to do some last-minute cleaning, and walk through each room to ensure you don’t leave anything important behind.
Movers also offer packing services. They will arrive a day or so before your move to pack your home professionally.
