A project well planned is a job well done. We all like to plan all our actions well in advance just to be sure that nothing will go wrong. This is especially true with the moving – a process so complicated in terms of planning, logistics, time management and cost optimization. In a perfect world, most of us need at least eight weeks to prepare and pack for a move. Quite often, however, we are faced with a last minute relocation task, having four or less weeks to complete the move. In other words, you may be faced with a complex moving task of completing an eight-week job into just two. This might look like a mission impossible situation even for a moving pro so hopefully the below last minute moving tips might help you get organized and make a successful next day relocation.
- Start to plan and organize your move right from the first minute you take the decision to relocate. Even if you think that there is enough time ahead, the clock will start ticking faster with the approach of the moving day and too many tasks left for the last minute are the perfect recipe for disaster.
- Use a moving checklist. An extremely useful instrument to get yourself organized. Plan and write down all that have to be done. Use timetables and strict deadlines. Check on a daily basis what is already done, what have to be done and when. The more detailed the checklist is, the lesser the chance of forgetting anything important. If you are unfamiliar with the moving and its related activities, use this printable moving checklist, designed by the experts in the industry.
- Start sorting out your household items. Surely you’ll find long-time unused things that you no longer need – get rid of them or donate them, they still may be useful for somebody else. You can also sell some your old stuff, but you’ll hardly find the time to organize a sale. Find somebody, preferably a good friend, who can store them for you until you move and organize the sale later on. Reducing the items will not only cut your moving costs, it will also leave you with lesser to pack and label. Which means – time spared.
Ask your family or friends for help. More helping hands will finish the job faster and you can even have fun doing it.
- Get outside help. More to do in lesser time means you need an increased workforce, a helping hand. The most natural solution would be to ask your family or friends for help. Relatives are always eager to help, just remember to provide each one with clear instructions on what he/she should do. Calling professional service companies for help is the other option. They are always available and especially the professional packers can save you a lot of time and efforts by packing your entire household. Of course, their services will not come for free and some of them can be really expensive. Better to do a quick research and choose the ones, suitable for your budget.
- Pack by yourself. If you don’t have time to waste on searching for and hiring professional packers, the best way is to do the packing alone. Packing materials are available everywhere – find old carton boxes, paper and staffing material (bubble wrap, stretch wrap) in your garage, ask your neighbors or the nearest grocery/liquor store or buy from specialized local moving retailer, a mail service store or an office supplies outlet. Do not forget to label all boxes accordingly, it will save you a lot of time on unpacking and arranging your new home. Packing yourself will not only help you optimize your time, it will also save you a lot on the final moving cost.
Finally, if you think that you cannot handle so many tasks in such a tight deadline, probably the best thing to do is calling a professional, experienced last minute movers who can handle even the most complicated moving task in no time. The also called emergency movers will not only handle your extreme moving job but also provide you with expert opinion and advice on the specifics of your individual move.
Last minute relocation is one of the most challenging moving jobs at all. You need to stay focused, organized and be able to handle multiple tasks at a time. In any case, there is no reason to panic. You can always rely on the professional short notice movers who can get you out from every moving situation, no matter how complicated or unsolvable it may look.
