45% of Americans said that they leave packing until the last minute. It’s the most stressful part of the moving process, and that stress leads to procrastination.
What happens when you need to move right away? If you put off packing for too long, you’ll end up sitting in your home filled with regret over everything you left behind or brought with you but didn’t need.
1. Make a Moving Checklist
The more time you spend planning a move, the quicker and easier it’ll be. Make a moving checklist that includes everything you need to do and all the items you need to pack.
Packing tips don’t just apply to large items like furniture; they can help with every part of your home. Collect all the paperwork that you’ll need to bring with you and put it into one folder. This could include insurance, financial, legal, and medical records.
Look through all of your records to make sure that everything is up-to-date and ready. You’ll need to transfer your utilities to your new home, update your address on bills and credit cards, and forward your mail.
Make sure to write out a list of all the packing supplies you’ll need and get them as soon as possible. You won’t get far without:
- Packing boxes
- Tape
- Storage containers
- Bubble wrap or plastic wrap for fragile items
Cleaning is an important part of packing and belongs on your checklist. Wipe off any large items you’re bringing with you, clear out the fridge, and separate your cleaning supplies from everything else. If you want to save as much time as possible, you can hire a professional cleaner as well as a mover.
Prioritize every item on your moving checklist based on how urgent it is. Give them all a deadline to remind you when they need to be done.
2. Organize Everything
One of the most important tips for packing in a hurry is to gather up an essentials bag. It should have everything you need so that you’ll always be ready to go. Don’t forget to include:
- Hygiene products
- Sheets and pillows
- Essential electronics such as your phone and charger
- Food and water
Declutter your home before you start packing for a move. Sort everything into a keep, donate, or throw-away pile. You may even want a “maybe” pile for items you just can’t decide where to put yet.
Keep a trash can with you as you sort through your house. This makes it easy to throw away items as soon as you’ve decided that they can go. You may also want to carry around another garbage bag or storage container for items you do want to keep.
Make sure to put a label on every box or container. You’ll be able to easily identify what they are and which room they’ll go into when you move.
Putting similar items together in your luggage kills two birds with one stone. Your suitcases and everything inside of them will be ready to go. You also won’t have to use as many boxes or storage containers.
Stacking is another great way to keep yourself from running out of space. Put small items inside of large ones whenever you can, but try to make sure they go together.
Stuffing each box to the brim means wasting time later when you try to lug them onto the moving truck. Put heavy items on the bottom and lighter ones on top to distribute the weight more evenly.
The only thing worse than running out of space is having your precious possessions break while you move. Protect anything fragile with soft items such as fabric or dishtowels.
Don’t try to organize everything you own in one fell swoop. Tackle one room at a time to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed. Start packing up your kitchen last because it has so many items to sort through. It’s full of large appliances and food you may not be able to decide whether or not to keep.
3. Hire Professional Movers
1.35 million Americans attempt to move to a new home by themselves. 1 million use a rented truck but load and drive it themselves. Only 650,000 get professional help.
Hiring a moving company has many benefits, especially if you’re moving in a hurry. They’re affordable, make the moving process faster and less stressful, and reduce the risk of accidents or damage.
Finding the right moving company is part of planning a move and requires a bit of research. Make sure that they’re available on your preferred date. Find out if they offer other services such as:
- Storage
- Packing boxes and materials
- Unpacking
Check the moving company’s qualifications. They should be bonded, fully insured, and certified by the ORS or Office or Regulatory Staff. Choosing a company that doesn’t meet these basic requirements puts you and everything you want to move to your new home at risk.
Find out how other customers felt about their experience with the movers you’re considering. Look at their reviews, complaint history, and safety rating.
You may not have time to get multiple quotes if you’re moving in a hurry, but make sure you get at least one. You need to know if the company’s price fits within your budget. Paying more for a faster service may be worth it in certain cases, but always balance cost and quality.
More Tips for Moving in a Hurry
Packing and unpacking are the most stressful parts of moving. A tight deadline such as an apartment lease that’s about to run out makes it even worse.
Following a few tips for moving in a hurry can help the process go smoothly!