Need to complete a last-minute move? Whether the cause of a sudden move is procrastination or sudden news, you need to figure out how to get it done fast.
Here’s the catch: you never want to postpone moving plans. Make them early. Once a company is booked out, spots are hard to come by, leaving you in the hands of third-party brokers who will hike up the price.
If you’re stuck with a last-minute move, here are nine moving tips that can help you get from point A to point B with less stress.
1. Start with the Big Picture
Paralyzed by seemingly endless to-do’s, you feel overwhelmed, not knowing where to start. If this is you, take a deep breath, make a list, and check things off one at a time.
Get your logistics sorted. What moving company will you choose? Will you DIY the move by renting a truck? Also, gather all your packing materials—boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers—so you have everything you need to get started.
If you are renting a truck or hiring moving help, write down the price quotes from two or three companies, then make the best decision you can. Nelson Markesbery offers FREE estimates for both long-distance and local moves.
Additionally, make sure to set up utilities at your new place before moving in. Contact your new providers to schedule services such as electricity, water, and internet so they are ready by the time you arrive.
If possible, make a stop at your new place before moving day. This will allow you to check on any final preparations and ensure everything is in order for your arrival.
2. Get a Moving Checklist (ASAP)
Creating a moving checklist is essential for managing your move, especially when you’re short on time. A well-organized checklist simplifies your tasks and helps keep you on track.
Identify Key Tasks:
- Packing priorities: Decide what needs to be packed first and which items are essential.
- Address changes: Note the people and organizations that need your new address.
Include Essential Contacts:
- Utilities: Schedule disconnection and activation of services at both your old and new addresses.
- Service providers: Notify your current service providers about your move.
Organize Your Packing:
- Materials: Make sure you have all the packing supplies you need.
- Label boxes: Plan how to label and organize your boxes for easier unpacking.
Even on short notice, you can make a plan for your move. It doesn’t have to be a detailed blueprint. Continue to list out the action items you MUST get done.
Even on a time crunch, a quick to-do list organizes your thoughts and can help you reduce missed steps.
Related Post: A Checklist for Moving Into Your First Apartment
3. Create a Work Area to Pack Your Things
Segment off an area that will be your personal packaging station. Keep all of your must-have packaging supplies relegated to that space:
- Boxes
- Packaging tape
- Wrapping paper
- Scissors or box cutters
- Plastic baggies
- Cushioning material (towels or blankets)
- Sharpies or markers
4. Declutter
The less you have to pack, the easier it will be. Donate the old clothes or items that you no longer need.
Start in each room and make separate piles for things you’ll keep, things you’ll donate, and items you’re just not sure about. Because you’re short on time, keep any items you’re not sure about. Worry about donating them later.
If you have furniture to donate, you can choose from several local organizations:
5. Hire a Junk Removal Company
If you have items piled up that you no longer need and are unlikely to salvage, hiring a junk removal service is a great solution. Before the junk removal team arrives, take a moment to inspect less obvious areas such as the attic, basement, garage, and storage closets.
There are plenty of junk removal services in the Cincinnati area you can choose from:
Make sure you don’t overlook items behind appliances or furniture. A thorough check ensures everything you want to discard is accounted for, making a last-minute move easier.
6. Pack the Essentials First
In an ideal world, you’d have a lot of time to think and deliberate about what things to take with you and what things to leave behind. But if you’re short on time and need to move fast, stick to the essentials.
Prepare a separate bag with the things you’ll need for the first night in your new home, such as a change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, and important documents. This will help you avoid scrambling for these items once you arrive at your new place.
The most important things to pack first:
- Chargers
- Medicines
- Day-to-day toiletries
- Change of clothes
Once you have your essentials packed and ready to go, you can focus on the larger task at hand: packing the rest of your household items.
7. Forget Perfection, Just Pack It
With time being of the essence, being perfectly organized isn’t essential here.
Skip matching item sets and focus on packing your items safely. If you have time, label the boxes, but don’t worry about sorting everything out perfectly—this can be done later.
Last-Minute Packing Tips:
- Take photos of electronics setups: Before disconnecting your electronics, take a photo of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything in your new home.
- Bring out your boxes one at a time as you fill them: Avoid getting bogged down with piles of cardboard boxes cluttering your workspace, as this can slow your pace.
- Pack your clothes as they are: You might even consider leaving the hangers still on them. Don’t bother with perfectly folding and pressing them; wrapping a plastic garbage bag over them will provide some protection. Similarly, pack your drawers with clothes still inside them.
- Use what you have: Use soft items like blankets, towels, or socks to wrap fragile items. This not only saves money on packing supplies but also provides extra cushioning.
8. Ask for Help or Hire Professionals
Moving is hard in and of itself. It’s even harder when you’re pressed for time. So ask friends and family to help you. Order them pizza, bake them a treat, or buy them a drink as compensation.
When things are down to the wire, hiring a moving company to help you pack everything up and ready to go is a lifesaver. Pack as much as you can before the movers show up. You’ll end up paying a higher fee if you leave a bunch of items for your moving company to pack.
But if you’re genuinely in a hurry, paying an extra fee for a group of professionals to get you moved as quickly as possible is well worth it.
After a bit of chaos and stress, you can rest easy and say, “Finally, I did it!” After your last-minute move is completed, there’s one final yet equally challenging task: unpacking your belongings. Having friends or family help you with this is the best way to go.
Related Post: How to Choose the Right Size Moving Truck
Get a Free Moving Quote Today
Contact us at Nelson Markesbery Moving & Storage in Cincinnati, Ohio, or call
(859) 371-8111, for a free moving service quote. No matter how long your move is, we’ll handle it for you.
Get a Free Moving Quote Today
Contact us at Nelson Markesbery Moving & Storage in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a free moving service quote. No matter how long your move is, we’ll handle it for you.
