Sometimes the unexpected happens, but that’s just life! Of course, people know that the more time they have to prepare for a move, the better, but sometimes the need for a last-minute move presents itself. Whether it’s for a job, family, or for fun, a last-minute move can be tricky. Read on for ten tips and tricks to ensure you have a seamless last-minute move.
1. Make a Last Minute Moving Checklist
Just because you are moving last minute, doesn’t mean that you need to be disorganized. Making a moving checklist will help figure out what your priorities are and how you will achieve them. A checklist eliminates stress because you have your responsibilities written out to make them easier to tackle.
2. Set Up Utilities ASAP
Just thinking about setting up utilities in a new home might give you a headache. Don’t procrastinate, though! Make sure you have electricity, water, internet, trash and other utilities set up before you move in. When moving last minute, canceling current service providers and setting up utilities in the new home can be easy to forget. To make your move go a lot more smoothly, add utilities to your checklist so you can set them up in advance.
3. Pre-Packaged Packing Supplies
Pre-bundled moving kits are lifesavers when it comes to last-minute moves. When you are on a deadline you won’t have time to figure out what size of boxes you need and how much tape you’ll need. Find a pre-bundled kit and get multiple sizes of boxes, so you’ll have every size you need. That said, if you hire professional movers to do the packing for you, they’ll supply the packing supplies and materials, so you can cross that item off your list immediately.
4. Move Now, Sort Later
You are on deadline with this move … i.e. you don’t have time to sort through every little thing and find the perfect place for each thing to go. The overall project is the priority, so plan to do an “okay” job of sorting out your items and then just roll with it. This will speed up the process and allow you to skip a time-consuming task. You’ll have more time to unpack than to pack, so sort during unpacking instead.
5. Separate Your Essentials
Even on move day, you still need to brush your teeth and hair! Having essentials set aside will make your move go way better. You’ll still be able to feel somewhat normal and not as if you’ve completely lost your mind. Be sure to include on your checklist a sub-list of the essentials to leave out of the initial packing boxes and save for a last-minute box.
6. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Old Place
With all the craziness going on around you, cleaning was probably the last thing on your mind. It will move to top of mind if your landlord tries to keep your security deposit because you left your old place a mess, though! Even if you don’t rent, houses appraise for more if they’re spotless than if they’re pigsties. Cleaning at time of move-out can be done quickly. There are so many great services out there that you don’t even need to wear the rubber gloves and hold the squirt bottles yourself.
7. Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need
Moving forces you to look through all the items you own. Often when moving you come across items that seem like junk or are just old. Hiring a junk removal service is probably a good idea for the items that are trash. You can also investigate donating things to Goodwill, or any other local thrift store. If you are looking to make an extra profit as well, you can have a garage sale and sell those items.
8. Set Up a Packing Station
When you are moving, it is easy to make a mess of things and get disorganized. Having a packing station will keep all your packing materials in one area so you don’t have to run around the house looking for the tape gun. You’ll be more efficient with your packing and less likely to pack something you didn’t mean to bring to your new home!
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Asking for help can often be hard to do. When working on a last-minute move, though, you need all the help you can get. Go through your checklist and delegate tasks to everyone in the family. If you have even one extra set of hands it will make your move way faster. You will be able to get things done more efficiently and be out quicker. Don’t be afraid to phone a friend when you are in need!
10. Hire Professional Movers
Professional movers, like Bekins, are worth the money. Our crews can pack much faster than you would because they are trained to pack day in and day out . They also have all the packing supplies and tools they need to get you out of your old home and into your new one in a hurry. The only issue is whether your local Bekins agent has availability to complete a last-minute move. Therefore, the second you find out that you are moving, get in touch with Bekins to set up a time and date. Life is unpredictable, but with these tips you can conquer your last-minute move.
