11 Smart Last-Minute Moving Tips

You have to move. Immediately. What next?

Most people plan a move several months in advance. This gives them time to organize, clean their homes, and pack leisurely.

But sometimes, a last-minute move can’t be avoided.

Maybe you received an unexpected job offer in another state, and the boss wants you on-site in a week. Or perhaps you just discovered that you can’t renew the lease on your apartment, and you have to find another place to live ASAP.

Whatever the driving factor, it’s possible to accomplish a move on short notice without too much pain, depending on the quality of your decisions during the brief window before the move itself.

Here are tips to make your move on short notice more manageable.

1. Get rid of anything you don’t need.

Start decluttering your home. This will make packing more manageable and help you save money on moving costs. The less stuff you have to move, the cheaper it will be.

If you’re short on time, focus on getting rid of larger items that will be more expensive to move, such as furniture. You can always buy new furniture after you move.

Do you really need a television in the spare bedroom or an end table that does nothing but collect unopened mail?

2. Pack smart.

When packing last-minute, it’s tempting to throw everything into boxes haphazardly and hope for the best. But this is a recipe for disaster. Take the time to pack correctly, even if it means enlisting the help of friends or family.

Pack your boxes according to room, and label them clearly. This will make unpacking much easier and less stressful.

3. Create a moving calendar.

Once you’ve determined how much time you have to move, you can divide your home into sections — cordoned off like a crime scene! On Monday, you’ll pack the bedroom. On Tuesday, the bathroom, save for a few essentials like toilet paper and toothpaste.

You’ll need these items in your moving kit anyway — indispensable things that should always be within easy reach. With this approach, you can pack one room per day and be ready in a week. And if your home has more than seven rooms, stop reading this article immediately and call your friends for help.

4. Rent storage, if necessary.

If you don’t know where you’ll be living, it’s easier and cheaper to put non-essentials in storage and to live out of a suitcase for a while. There’s no need to organize a storage unit with the same care it takes to arrange and decorate a new apartment or house.

Pack accordingly. Set aside the everyday things that you can’t do without. Everything else goes into boxes.

5. Festina lente. Make haste slowly.

Last-minute moving doesn’t have to be hectic. Maybe the packing isn’t perfect. Perhaps the labels aren’t as detailed as you’d like them to be. Your goal is execution, not perfection. Just get ‘er done! — like the All-Pro quarterback who nails the two-minute drill.

You can be that quarterback, eerily calm in the face of the storm! Pack the fragile stuff carefully, keep track of the things you can’t live without, and have the rest of your life to sort everything else out.

6. In a pinch, get moving help.

That’s what true friends are for, right? To help you when you need help the most?

Make calls to your buddies. If you’re lucky, you have friends and family who can help with your last-minute move, packing and stacking boxes. Or, if nothing else, they can act as support as you deal with everything from kitchen spices to boxes of books blocking your path.

Even better, friends can help you unpack and get settled in your new place — a big job that’s made easier with an extra set of hands.

7. Hire last-minute movers who know the drill.

Even if you’ve recruited a legion of helpers, an experienced last-minute moving company can make a world of difference. They’ve seen and been through it all. They have the know-how and equipment to shuttle boxes and equipment from your home to the truck without hurting themselves or damaging your stuff.

The last thing you need is to worry about basic logistics, making sure the boxes end up in the right place. You’ll be tired, stressed out, and ready for a break. Let somebody else take care of the Xs and Os.

8. Communicate clearly with your new landlord or property manager.

If you’re moving to a new rental property, let your landlord or property manager know about your anticipated arrival time. This will ensure that any necessary arrangements, such as key pick-up or utility activation, are in place. Keeping a clear line of communication prevent any unnecessary delays on moving day.

9. Prioritize essentials in your moving kit.

Prepare a moving kit that contains all the essentials you’ll need during and immediately after the move. This can include items like a change of clothes, basic toiletries, important documents, snacks, and device chargers. Having these essentials easily accessible help you settle in faster once you arrive at your new home.

10. Take time to rest.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of packing and moving, remember to take breaks and rest. Moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and brief pauses can help maintain your energy levels and focus. Whether it’s grabbing a quick meal or taking a moment to breathe, self-care is essential for a smoother moving experience.

11. Remember the most important last-minute moving tip.

Remind yourself, as the world comes crashing down around you, that it’s not the end of the world despite appearances. You will survive! Take a deep breath, make some quick decisions, and get packing. You’ll be in your new home before you know it.

FAQs: More Last-Minute Moving Tips

Q. What should I do if I have to pack at the last minute?

Start by decluttering and disposing of any unnecessary items to reduce packing time. Then, create a detailed plan to pack systematically, focusing on one room at a time, and gather packing supplies to avoid last-minute scrambles.

Q: How can I make the packing process more efficient?

Use clear labeling on your boxes to indicate room assignments and contents. Consider packing by priority, focusing first on essential items and then moving on to less critical belongings.

Q: Is it worth hiring professional movers for a last-minute move?

Hiring experienced last-minute movers can alleviate much of the stress involved. They have the expertise and necessary equipment to manage the logistics efficiently and ensure the protection of your belongings.

Q: What should I include in my moving essentials kit?

Your kit should contain clothing for a few days, necessary toiletries, important personal documents, basic snacks, and device chargers to make settling into your new home easier.

Q: What if I run out of time to pack everything?

Focus on the essentials first and be willing to leave non-essentials behind, if necessary. You can always sort through items after moving to deal with what you don’t need right away.

Q: How can I ensure I have the energy to keep moving?

Schedule short breaks to rest and recharge. Hydrate frequently and have healthy snacks on hand to maintain energy levels throughout the moving process.

Q: What mindset should I adopt when moving last minute?

Keep a positive and flexible outlook. Remind yourself that while moving can be chaotic, it’s an opportunity for fresh beginnings. Prioritize your tasks and don’t hesitate to ask for help.