Just found out you have to move? Or, have you been procrastinating a bit too much? As opposed to a perfect world in which there are enough hours in a day to complete everything on our schedules, we live in a world where life waits for no one. Instead, it comes at you fast. Therefore, whatever it is of the two, your ability to handle short-notice tasks just became crucial. But don’t lose your cool, you’ll get there! Go Movers Bay Area present you with the best ways to deal with and simplify last-minute moving.
Simplify last-minute moving by coming up with a good plan
A checklist and timeline are your most valuable tools if you need to make your short-notice move easy. These will help you get started with a distinct goal and proceed with a clear head.
First of all, make a list of all the things you need to do and all the arrangements you need to make. For example, book movers, transfer utilities, get a change of address forms, packing up all of your belongings. Then, move on to making a clear timeline. Keep in mind that although you want to facilitate your imminent relocation, you can’t do all of the things at once. Therefore, the best thing you can do is to prioritize the chores into a sensible schedule. This way, you will be able to focus on one thing at a time. Also, remember to start as soon as possible, especially if you’re moving long-distance.
Simplify last-minute moving by calling for all the help you can get
Bring in the professionals ASAP
Moving has so many elements that it’s easy to feel paralyzed by all of the moving to-dos. This especially applies to those who lack experience in moving – which is understandable given the fact that people typically move no more than 3 or 4 times in their lives. We think you know where we’re going with this.
Hiring professionals who have done it countless times will take so much off your back. This is the best way to simplify your last-minute moving because moving is hard enough even without the additional pressure of a short time frame. They will provide you with all of the necessary moving services for a smooth relocation. Still, you must be aware that one should schedule movers weeks in advance. Well, there’s a way to go around it, and with a bit of luck, a company might be able to fit you in. The key is to:
- Decide on a moving date and stick with it;
- Contact the movers at least one week prior to that moving date (if possible);
- Avoid the popular moving dates (weekends, ends of months, holidays, etc.). Scheduling during the quiet periods will considerably simplify your last-minute moving.
Include friends and family
Of course, professional assistance is a must, but loved ones by your side are so much more. When things are really down to the wire, people close to you will do a great job in completing all smaller tasks such as decluttering and organizing, all the while keeping you sane. If you have any children or pets, ask them to look after them, so you can have a better focus. Truly, there are numerous ways in which friends or family members can make your emergency move more simple.
Simplify last-minute moving by learning how to pack in a pinch
Make lists of what to recycle, donate and discard
Although time-consuming, decluttering is necessary as it will make packing much easier and enable you to travel lightly. However, in situations like this, there’s no time for sentimentality. Therefore, go through each room of your home, and pull out items you no longer like or use, any duplicates, broken electronics, or appliances. Classify these items into three groups: donate, recycle, and throw away. Then simply get rid of them. Take the trash and recycling out, and make donation pick-up arrangements.
Pack the essentials box first
Whether you’re moving locally or across the world, the essentials box is… well – essential! Before you get started on the big project, pack a box that contains all your necessities. These include the things you need to survive the trip as well as the first couple of days in your new residence. Pack items you use on a daily basis (such as change of clothes, toiletries, clean sheets, chargers, medication), as well as any important documents and valuables.
Use what you have
In any other situation, you’d invest time in finding out how to pack your belongings as a professional would. You’d spare no effort in figuring out what the best packing materials are, where to get them, and then you’d take time to make an inventory of all rooms of the house to know how much supplies to get. The good news is – you can pack everything like a pro, but still save time, money, and effort. The solution is to look for the alternatives you have in your home:
- The original packaging is always the best but, if you don’t have it, you can also use any sturdy box you can find, suitcases and bags, plastic garbage bags, and plastic bins. You can also pack smaller items into larger ones to save space;
- You can use socks and towels to wrap smaller breakables, and sheets, clothes, and blankets for larger ones;
- Newspapers are great for cushioning.
No time for packing with a ‘theme’
Most probably, the short time frame will make it impossible to sort items or keep an itemized list of what’s packed in which box. That’s alright. You can do that once you reach your moving destination. For now, you’ll simply have to be satisfied with everything getting to your new home intact. Simply place things wherever they fit, but make sure everything is packed safely and securely.
Cut some corners
When it comes to packing, hacks come in pretty handy, especially when you have to simplify last-minute moving. For instance, one of the best areas where you can put them to practice is your clothes. If you don’t want to waste time taking clothes and other items out of your dresser and then sorting them into boxes, then pack everything as it is. The clothing items which are in drawers can remain inside (simply take out the drawers as they are, and secure them with plastic wrap). Also, the clothes which are on hangers can stay on (just place them as they are in some large garbage bags). Afterward, you will enjoy a much easier unpacking process as well!
