Moving in a Hurry? Here’s How to Make the Process Smoother
Usually, moving is a relatively long-term process that can take weeks or months to complete. When you have plenty of time, you can go at your own pace and ensure that you don’t forget anything.
However, what happens when you need to move in a hurry? What if you have to be out of your place in a week? In this case, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but fear not! We have a five-step plan to make this stressful situation much smoother. Here’s what to do when moving in a hurry.
Step One: Start With a Plan
With so many things to take care of in a short period, it’s hard to stay focused. Writing down a plan of action will help you figure out the most vital details first, then you can work from there. As a rule, the order of importance is:
- Setting Up Your New Place – Make sure you have utilities hooked up and can get the keys to move in when you’re ready.
- Closing Your Old Place – Cancel utilities and make sure you get your security deposit back (if applicable).
- Moving Services – How are you getting from point A to point B? Obtain moving quotes.
- Packing – Yes, packing is last, not first. Worry about logistics before getting any boxes.
Step Two: Separate and Pack the Essentials
Figure out what you’ll need to live off of for the next few weeks. The essentials should include toiletries, clothing, and any other supplies you use daily or regularly. For example, if you need your computer for work, make sure to have it out and ready to go. One way to ensure that you don’t forget any essentials is to walk through your daily routine and note anything you use. For example, don’t forget phone chargers and towels for the shower either.
Step Three: Pack Now, Sort Later
When you have time to move, you can sort all items by importance or the room they’ll go in when you arrive. However, when moving in a hurry, you don’t have that luxury. So instead, the goal is to pack everything as quickly as possible. Then, once you get to your new place, you can sort it out and get settled.
When packing this way, it helps to have a “last-in, first-out” system. This means that you pack the items you need the most last so that they’re easily accessible. Examples can include small appliances (i.e., a coffee maker) and dining sets. Another pro-tip is to mark each box with the essential item you know you’ll need later. This way, you don’t have to go through every box to try and find it.
Step Four: Shed as Much as You Can
Moving is always an excellent opportunity to get rid of “stuff.” Since you’re leaving in a hurry, you probably won’t have time to sell these possessions, so make donation runs or ask friends if they can use anything. If you can get a few bucks, great, but it’s better to get rid of it for free than spend money bringing it with you.
Step Five: Use Help (Like Us!)
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t have enough friends or family available, use a professional moving service. We’re always available to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Contact us today, and we’ll get you going.