A last-minute move usually starts with one of three things: a new job, a lease ending sooner than expected, or the sudden realization that the moving date is much closer than it felt last week.
The good news is that you can still get packed and out the door without turning the whole move into chaos. You just need to make decisions faster than usual. Book the help first. Cut down what you’re bringing. Pack the things you actually use before worrying about the things sitting in the back of a closet.
Here’s how to pack and move in a hurry when time is short and the truck is coming soon.
1. Contact the Movers ASAP
The first thing to do is to get in touch with a reliable moving company and book their services. Don’t put this step off until the last minute. Otherwise, you might end up toting everything yourself.
And if you have to rent a truck — or beg, borrow, or steal one from a friend — the entire process will be that much more difficult.
When you call the movers to book moving services, make sure you understand what’s involved in those services. You may want to do all the packing yourself, but if you need help with that task, let the representative know immediately.
How much assistance you require will affect the availability of professional movers, as well as the price you’ll pay.
2. Do a Quick Cull
Next, it’s time to clear out the clutter, so that you’re not stuck moving things you don’t want to keep. It’s best to be merciless at this stage, and it can feel great to unload a lot of unnecessary junk. After all, why not make this a completely fresh start?
Donate, give to friends, or throw away any items you haven’t used in a while, or don’t have plans to use again in the near future. If you have time to post some items for sale on Craigslist or hold a quick yard sale, do — but if not, put those belongings on the curb for the first lucky taker.
Remember that many charity organizations will come to pick up donations, and it will be a huge timesaver for you to take advantage of this offer.
3. Think Convenience Over Other Factors
In everyday life, qualities like being thrifty and environmentally friendly are wonderful. However, when you’re trying to pack and move in a hurry, they can slow you down.
So don’t worry about that last inch of shampoo left in the bottle; empty it and recycle the bottle. Instead of waiting to pack up your silverware, dishes, and the contents of your fridge until the morning of the move, get it all squared away and live off of takeout and plastic utensils for a few days. It’s worth your sanity!
How to Pack and Move in a Hurry?
Even if you don’t currently have plans to move, it’s good to learn how to pack and move in a hurry — just in case you’re ever in this situation!
Need help with any aspect of the moving process? Give us a call and let us put our expertise to work for you.
How do I move out quickly if I only have a few days?
Start by booking movers or reserving a truck before you pack anything. Then sort your belongings into three groups: must-take items, donation/trash items, and things that can wait. Pack one room at a time, label boxes by room, and keep a small bag with clothes, chargers, medicine, IDs, keys, and basic toiletries. If time is tight, pay for packing help instead of trying to do everything yourself.
