It all comes down to getting organized, having a plan, and stocking up on the tools that will help you get the job done.
Here are our expert moving tips for planning a move on short notice without losing your mind in the process!
Tips for Moving on Short Notice
Get Organized
Things can get stressful rather quickly when it comes to moving with all the things that have to be done, so the first step should be to get organized so you can move forward with a clear head. A to-do list and timeline are two of your most valuable tools during a move.
First, make a list of all the things that must get done for the move. This includes booking the movers, packing up the house, getting change of address forms, organizing important documents, setting up childcare, transferring your kids’ schools, etc.
Next, you’ll want to make a timeline. When planning a move on short notice, this is especially important because you have limited time to get everything done which can make you feel like you must do everything at once. To make things simpler, prioritize your tasks into a sensible schedule so you can focus on one thing at a time without worrying when everything will get done.
Make Moving Arrangements ASAP
The next step is to make all your moving arrangements as soon as possible. Depending on the season, movers could have a busy schedule so it’s important to book them as soon you can. If you are going to do-it-yourself, reserve the moving truck and give the date to any friends or family members that have offered to help so they can clear their schedules. Also, be sure to put in for the time off at work if you have to move on a weekday, make arrangements for your kids and pets, and get all of your personal documents and changes of address in order.
Purge, Purge, Purge
Decluttering is an essential part of moving. Before you start packing, go through every room and get rid of anything you don’t want or need to take to the new house. Not only will you save time, money, and space on everything you don’t bring with you, but it’s a very freeing process to purge things from your life so you can move on to a fresh start. For tips on how to declutter your home for a move, click here.
Get the Right Supplies
Every job is easier when you use the right supplies. While it can be tempting to use free boxes from the grocery store and old newspapers, you could end up regretting it when the boxes fall apart and struggle to fit into the truck because they are so many different shapes and sizes, and the ink from the newspapers transfer to your items. Here are the moving supplies we recommend for a faster, more efficient move.
From the get-go, stock up on everything you need – and then some. Having more on hand than you originally estimate (especially when it comes to moving boxes) will ensure that you won’t have to waste time stopping for a supply run if you run out of anything.
Stay Focused
There is a lot that goes on during a move and it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the big picture, so commit to staying focused on the task at hand. Follow your checklist, abide by your timeline (but stay flexible in case any surprises do pop up), and remind yourself of the positive reasons why you are doing it all in the first place. Even if the move was initiated by not-so-great circumstances, find some positive things about it and keep them in mind when things get rough. You can do it!