Last-minute moves can be highly stressful, especially if you’re looking to save money or complete a long-distance move. Most of us would probably avoid last-minute moving, but it may be unavoidable if you need to relocate for a job, breakup, personal setback, or current home issues.
This article shares our top tips for carrying out a move at short notice. Discover how to pack when you’re moving in a hurry, save time, and stay organised so that your relocation goes without a hitch.
Make A Checklist
Last-minute movers can get easily distracted or overwhelmed by moving tasks. Your first port of call should be to make a checklist of everything you need to do before moving. Include every task and a deadline, and prioritise them in order with the most important things at the top of your checklist.
Discard Things You No Longer Require
You’ll never realise how many things you own until you need to move them. The best pro-tip for saving time is to get rid of stuff you no longer use or need. Grab a garbage bag and place anything you want to throw away. Many things may be suitable for donating to charity or selling.
Gather Your Packing Materials
If you’re wondering how to pack quickly, then know that having the proper packing station will enable you to start packing in a hurry. You’ll need moving boxes of varying sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, Sellotape, scissors, packing peanuts, and a marker pen.
Start Packing
Start packing fragile items first, as you’ll be less likely to rush. One of the best packing tips is to pack fragile things like mirrors or glass with cardboard first. Next, wrap in bubble wrap and place cardboard over corners—labels with ‘fragile stickers.
Begin Labelling Boxes
Once you’ve started packing boxes of your possessions, label each box to know where it goes. For example, it’s good to pack kitchen things together in one or two boxes. Either colour code them or label them with ‘kitchen items’ so that you can place them in the correct room. This makes unpacking much easier as you’ll be more organised.
Rope In Friends or Family to Help
Getting friends or family to help you with your move is a game-changer. With more hands, you’ll be able to pack fast and move boxes quickly. Even if they can’t provide their physical presence, maybe you know someone who can lend you a van to move your belongings? This will cut the cost of moving, and you won’t have to spend time and effort looking for a removal company.
Make An Essentials Bag
If there’s one top tip on this list, it’s to create an ‘essentials kit’ or bag that is filled with everything you’ll need on moving day. Essentially, this is anything that you can’t pack in a moving box, such as toothbrushes, soap, handwash, food or beverages, phones, chargers or medication. Putting these items to one side means you won’t be rushing around on moving day trying to locate what you need. Think of it as if you were packing to go on a weekend away – toiletries, change of clothing, electrical items and any other small, personal belongings.
Hire A Professional Moving Company
If you’re moving at short notice and don’t have friends or family to assist you, hiring a professional moving company is necessary. There are many options available that fit your requirements, whether you need to hire a small van or a large truck with a team that can help you. Doing some online research is the best way forward. Look for good reviews and those that work within your current local area.
Set Up Utilities At Your New Place
Don’t Forget to Clean
If In Doubt, Call In Removal & Storage Experts!
Our short minute services can assist you when you’re moving quickly. We’re experts in storing your possessions, keeping them safe and secure in our managed facilities. Removals and Storage Experts can help you pack and move, so you don’t need to lift a finger. Find out more about our moving services on our website.
