Last Minute Moving: Our Checklist for Getting Out in a Hurry

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As the clock starts ticking, you might be tempted to start packing as quickly as possible, but a bit of strategizing now saves you time and scrambling later. Use our moving checklist to map out your move. You'll be moving faster than the suggested timeline, but you'll know what needs to be tackled and when.

The key to any successful move, no matter how last-minute, is to figure out the logistics. Here are the questions you should ask yourself when you begin planning:

• How will you move your stuff? Renting a truck or using moving containers with labor-only help can cut costs, but requires more effort on your part. Full-service movers are pricier, but they handle almost everything—ideal if you're short on time.
• What items are you moving? Decide if you're taking all of your furniture or if there are things that won't fit your new place. You might even have pieces that aren't worth moving, which means you can donate, sell, or get rid of them.
• What items stay with you? Flag items not to pack in the truck, such as passports, birth certificates, cash, jewelry, health records, medication, and eyeglasses. Hard-to-replace items should go with you in your vehicle.
• What packing supplies do you need? Free boxes and household items like linens and towels can work for everyday things, but delicate items like artwork or TVs are safer with sturdy, store-bought boxes like mirror boxes or TV kits, plus bubble wrap for extra protection.

Once you have a plan, book your movers or rental truck and start packing. The amount of time it takes to bundle up your stuff depends on what you own. It generally takes a few days to pack a one- or two-bedroom home. Scale your estimate up if you have a lot of clutter and fragile items, and down if you live a minimalist lifestyle.

Start Your Change of Address ASAP

It's best to change your address at least a month before you relocate, but better late than never. Get the most important updates done first, like utility companies. Keep a list of who needs to be notified so nothing falls through the cracks. In the meantime, arrange mail forwarding with USPS in case anything gets mailed to you.

You can often log into online accounts and update your address with a click, especially for things like your bank account or subscription boxes. Otherwise, phone, email, or drop by in person, and have your account numbers handy.

Here are some businesses and government agencies that need to know your whereabouts:

• Current landlord
• Water, gas, and electric companies
• Schools
• Employers
• Insurance providers (health, home, car)
• Bank/credit card companies
• Government agencies (passport, driver’s license, income tax)
• Subscriptions
• Healthcare providers

Get Rid of As Much as You Can

The #1 way to move in record time is to have fewer things to pack and haul. It might seem like it's easier to shove everything in boxes, but moving items just because you've always had them slows you down. Be ruthless about donating items or throwing them away. Otherwise, you'll spend too much energy moving things that don't serve a purpose.

Be honest with yourself:

• Do you use the item?
• Is it a priority for your new space?
• Do you love the item with all your heart?
• Would you miss it if it were in storage for a year?

The cost of an item isn't a reason to keep it, either! That expensive coat does you no good if it stays in your closet. You can donate items to a thrift store or offer them to Buy Nothing groups — people will often take things off your hands for free. You can also ask a relative to sell items for you while you focus on the move.

To make it easier to purge, have a friend be the voice of reason as you sort through your belongings. They can reassure you that yes, you can do without that exercise ball you used once or the pile of books you won't read a second time.

Call for Reinforcements

It only takes a moment to spread the word about your last-minute move predicament to friends and family. Post a quick message on social media or in a group chat to see who's willing to help pack up your kitchen cupboards or load boxes into your truck.

It's also easier for them to say yes if you assign tasks, like taking apart furniture, emptying your bookshelves, or driving a load of boxes to your new place in their car. The key is to make the job manageable so they know they're not losing an entire weekend. You can consider making the process more fun by hosting a packing party, where friends can socialize and sip cocktails while stashing your things in boxes.

Moving isn't all about physical labor, either. Friends are likely to offer up dollies, carts, label-makers, and the extra boxes in their garages. They can run errands or look after your children or pets, so you can concentrate on moving. And even if you hire movers, any extra hands will help get things done faster and ease your stress.

How to Pack a House Quickly

You've got your movers lined up and address updates underway. Now let's get to the heart of the matter: packing tips for moving in a hurry.

Step 1: Stock up on supplies. 

Gather all the supplies you need before you start packing. You don't want to run out of boxes or packing tape just as you've found your groove.

Step 2: Set aside essential items.

Place medications, documents, and valuables in a special designated area away from the rest of the packing so they're not accidentally put into the moving truck. Include items you'll need for the first day or two after your move, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and phone chargers. You might not know where your favorite coffee mug or sweater is, but you'll have essentials to tide you over until you find them.

Step 3: Cut down on the amount you have to pack. Be ruthless when decluttering! Also, ask friends to take items to thrift stores and recycling centers, and call charities to pick up large furniture items.

Step 4: Start packing.

When you're moving on the fly, the goal is to get everything into boxes. Don't aim for perfection. You can pack dinner plates with stuffed animals, and paper towels with books. Take care to cushion items and fill in empty spaces so items aren't bouncing around, but otherwise, when you’re this crunched for time, you can sort things when you arrive at your destination.

Work room by room and continue decluttering as you pack. Moving hacks can help you get things done more efficiently, like packing cutlery trays in their entirety with a towel bundled around them to keep the forks and spoons in place. Light items can stay in drawers if you have a sturdy dresser that's not too heavy.

Step 5: Write on boxes as you pack.

Numbered boxes and detailed spreadsheets are a great way to track inventory when you have the luxury of time, but for expedited moves, a permanent marker will do. After you've sealed each box, write what's inside, such as "Living Room–board games." You might forget your craft supplies are in there too, but you'll have a general idea of the contents.

Packing Tips for Moving in a Hurry

Even when you're in a rush, a little structure keeps you moving toward the finish line. When you need to gauge where you're at, use this quick checklist:

• Let friends and family know you need help.
• Get rid of as much stuff as you can, ASAP.
• Update your address with utilities, schools, and government agencies.
• Check online for affordable last-minute movers.
• Gather moving supplies and a volunteer crew.
• Pack important items in a necessities bag that travels with you.
• Don't bother sorting, just pack and label.

Only Clean What's Necessary

If you're currently renting your home, do a quick clean before you move out, especially to get that much-needed deposit back. And if new owners are moving in, it's considerate to leave the space tidy.

While you don't have to do a deep clean, remove visible crumbs and dirt to make a good impression. A damp cloth and a bottle of multipurpose spray will do the trick, along with a vacuum or broom.

• Sweep or vacuum hallways and high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
• Wipe down cabinets and counters.
• Clean up spills in the refrigerator.
• Lightly wipe the outside of appliances.
• Spot clean the toilet, sink, tub, and bathroom mirror.

To get you on your way faster, clean as you go. Wipe cupboards and shelves right after you've emptied them so you don't have to come back a second time. You can also delegate a friend to check empty rooms once the contents are moved onto the truck.

Consider Pro Moving Help

Even if you're up to the task of loading your belongings into a rental truck, things go a lot faster when you hire professionals. Last-minute movers have experience loading boxes at surprising speeds. They can expertly angle that bookshelf to get it into the elevator and wield a moving cart to load things in fewer trips.

The most convenient option is a full-service moving company. The movers arrive with a truck, do the heavy lifting, and transport your belongings door-to-door. But if the cost of a full-service move is too high for your budget, pairing a rental truck (that you drive) with local labor-only movers who load and unload offers the best of both worlds. It's more affordable than a full-service move and still gets you professional help with your move. You can also pay for packing services on top of your move if you're running out of time.