Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events. A last-minute move can elevate that stress to an entirely new level. This can happen due to a sudden job relocation, a change in your personal life or hesitation.
Finding yourself with only a short time to pack up your life and relocate can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—there are effective strategies you can use to handle a last-minute move without losing your mind.
Here’s how to keep calm, stay organized, and make your move as smooth as possible.
Create a Quick Plan and Prioritize
When faced with a last-minute move, you first need to take a deep breath and create a quick but effective plan. It’s easy to feel paralyzed by the enormity of the task. If you start with a plan, it can help break it down into manageable steps.
- List Your Priorities
Begin by listing the tasks that you have to do. These can be: securing a moving company, sorting through your belongings and gathering packing supplies. Whether you’re moving within the city or between Washington DC to New York City, identifying the most time-sensitive tasks could help you calm down. This can include notifying your landlord or real estate agent, scheduling with a mover, canceling utilities and scheduling time off work. - Set a Timeline
With limited time, it’s crucial to set a timeline. If your move is extremely last minute, break your plan by day or hour. Setting deadlines for each task will help keep you on track and ensure nothing important is overlooked.
Declutter Ruthlessly
- Start with the Essentials Begin by identifying the items you genuinely need or cherish. These essentials should include important documents, daily items, and sentimental belongings. Everything else should be considered for donation, sale, or disposal.
- Be Decisive When decluttering, try not to overthink each item. If you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s probably time to let it go. This is especially true for clothing, kitchen gadgets, and other items that tend to accumulate over time. Remember, the less you move, the easier and quicker the process will be.
- Consider Donations Donating items can be a fast way to declutter while doing something good for others. Many charities offer pickup services, which can save you time and effort. Schedule these pickups as fast as you can. As you may know, finding availability at the last minute can be challenging
Packing Strategy
- Room-by-Room Packing Focus on packing one room at a time. This method helps keep you organized and prevents items from getting mixed up. Start with rooms that you use less, like guest rooms or storage areas and leave daily-use areas like kitchen and bathroom for last.
- Label Everything As you pack, label each box with the room in which it belongs. This will make unpacking much easier and save you from digging through boxes to find what you are in need. If time is the issue, you can mark boxes with priority items that you’ll need upon arrival.
Hire Professional Help
- Look for Last-Minute openingsMany moving companies offer last-minute services, so start calling around as soon as you know your moving date. Be sure to explain your situation and ask if they are available. You should ask about rates and any additional services they offer, such as packing or storage.
- Consider Full-Service MoversFor those living in New York City, efficiency and speed might be the thing you’re looking for. And If your budget allows, full-service movers can handle everything from packing to loading, transporting, and unpacking your belongings. This option can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time and energy. Also, if you are considering interior designers, there are interior designer moving services available.
- Check Reviews and Suggestions Even in hurry, check reviews or ask for suggestions to ensure you’re hiring a reputable company. A reliable company can alleviate stress and ensure your belongings arrive with care at your new home.
Stay Calm and Flexible
It’s important to stay calm and flexible throughout the process. Last-minute moves can be chaotic, but maintaining a level head will help you navigate challenges more effectively.
- Expect the Unexpected
Things might not go as exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Be prepared to adapt and make quick decisions if something unexpected comes up. It can be a delay with the moving truck or a last-minute packing crisis. You should stay flexible to handle these challenges without extra stress.
- Take Care of Yourself
Don’t neglect your well-being during this hectic time. Eat some lobster rolls, hydrate with a cola, and take short breaks to recharge. Moving is physically and emotionally demanding, so looking after yourself is important to keep your energy levels up.
- Celebrate Small Wins
As you complete each task, take a moment to acknowledge your progress. Celebrate the small wins, whether finishing packing a room or confirming your moving date with the company. These small moments of recognition can keep you motivated and positive.
Conclusion
A last-minute move may feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can handle it without losing your mind. Creating a quick plan, efficient decluttering, gathering supplies, strategic packing and hiring professional help can make the process smoother and less stressful. Remember to stay flexible and take care of yourself throughout the process. With these strategies, you’ll be settled into your new home before you know it.
Let Empire Movers help with your last-minute move! Contact us today and leave the rest to us!
