According to the National Association for Realtors, over 8 million Americans have moved since the start of COVID-19. Things have changed quickly in many people’s lives, and with quick changes come quick moves.
Last-minute moves are one of the most stress-inducing endeavors you can put yourself through, but sometimes you just don’t have any other option. Unexpected breakups, damage to your home, a new job, or simply procrastination can leave you in a position where you have to up and leave in a hurry. Here are a few tips to keep your head and get out of your place like a professional mover.
Make a Checklist
Before you do anything, take a step back and see what needs to get done. Go room by room and write down a list of all of the things you need to pack or dispose of. Prioritize your list so that you can optimize the little time you do have. This list is your rock. You will be coming back to it throughout your move for guidance and support. It will show you everything you accomplish and whatever is left to be done.
Get Supplies
Odds are you don’t have all of the supplies you used in your last move, and maybe you don’t have any. Don’t worry. Many department and hardware stores have all of the bubble wrap and moving boxes you need. There’s probably a moving company near you, too, that you can contact for whatever supplies you’re lacking. Make sure to get:
- Markers for labeling
- Boxes
- Scissors or box cutters
- Garbage bags
- Packing tape
- Labels
Use your checklist to help estimate the number and size of the boxes you need. Get zip lock bags for nuts and bolts from furniture that needs to be disassembled so you have them in a centralized location when you get to your new home. You may need to make more than one run to the store for these supplies, but you can mitigate that by…
Throwing Things Away
Now’s not the time to get overly sentimental about anything you don’t use regularly. The more stuff you have, the more chaotic the move. Go through all of your rooms, closets, cupboards, and dressers. Anything that you don’t need, get rid of it. You can create a pile for donations or recycling, but if you don’t have that kind of time just get rid of things. It will make packing and moving much easier.
Make a Go-Bag
Grab a duffel bag and pack any essentials that you would normally pack for an overnight trip. Spare clothes, phone and laptop chargers, prescriptions you take daily, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and anything else that comes to mind. This bag will be packed and placed securely out of the way of the other items you need to pack. When moving day comes, you’ll be happy to have a go-bag of your day-to-day essentials.
Pack
Now it’s time to pack. Go room by room and refer to your checklist, throwing everything into boxes. You don’t need to worry too much about sorting the things you pack. In fact, you likely don’t have the time. Just throw everything into the boxes that they can fit in. Use up every inch of the packing boxes. As long as it holds together, you’ll be alright. You can use trash bags for non-fragile items like blankets, sheets, towels, etc. You can leave clothes on hangers, too. It’s best to start with the biggest rooms and work your way to smaller tasks from there.
Or…Just Hire Movers
If all of this sounds like a bit too much, you can always just contact professional movers to handle everything. Moving services can provide all of the equipment, do the packing, and move everything to your new home. Of course, it comes at a price. If you don’t have the budget, try handling the equipment and packing on your own, and using movers to transport everything. Movers also may charge more for last-minute scheduling, but if you don’t have the right vehicle or equipment, they may be your only option.
If you’re looking for professional movers to help you with a last-minute move, look no further than 208 Moving Company. We provide residential and commercial moving services, packing, and long-distance transportation. Visit our website or contact us today for a free estimate.
