13 Tips for a Last Minute Move

Moving is always exciting, but it can get overwhelming if you have to move on short notice. Between searching for a new place to stay, packing the entire household, and figuring out the best way to move your things, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, our NYC professional movers shared a few tips to set you up for success. To help your relocation go smoothly, we’ve prepared 13 Tips for the last-minute move.

Get moving quotes ASAP

Last-minute moves are generally more expensive than moves arranged months in advance. That’s why your first step when moving on short-notice is to find a moving company ASAP. You should get at least three different quotes from credible movers and storage NYC, and you should consider the services they offer when comparing them. For example, you may need to store your things somewhere until your new home is ready, in which case you’ll also need to rent storage. Or you might need to move a hot tub, piano, or another oddly-shaped item, which means that you will need specialized NYC movers. Whatever the case might be, take some time to research and choose the best option, but start searching immediately after you know that you’re about to move.

Make a plan

Creating a plan is always helpful, especially when you’re moving last minute. Go ahead and make a checklist including all the tasks that need to be done. This will help you stay on track and not forget anything while planning relocation. Start with writing or typing down the most important tasks, such as finding a new home, hiring movers, packing, etc. After you have all the priorities written down, progress towards the smaller tasks.

Give notice

A month in advance is usually considered appropriate enough for giving notice to your landlord, but you should check the lease to make sure you’re compliant. In case you fail to give notice before moving out, you can end up paying rent for the next month, or even longer, depending on the agreement that you signed.

Get moving supplies

Once you’ve sorted out how you’re going to transport your things, you’ll have to pack them. Before deciding what goes with you and what stays, gather packing and moving supplies. You will need moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, scissors, etc. You can find them for free online, but it is a smart choice to purchase them since you have no time to waste. If you’re moving on a budget, check your local grocery store or an office supply outlet. You can also ask your movers if they offer packing supplies.

Declutter

When you’re moving last-minute, avoid bringing clutter to your new home. This is the right time to declutter your home. Get rid of all unnecessary things in your household by selling or donating them. By doing so, you will have fewer things to pack, fewer moving boxes, and the cost of moving services will be lower.

Pack essentials

You should prepare an open-first box for easy access to all necessities. It should contain all the things you need for the first couple of days after you move in, such as toiletries, clean bedding, a few clothing items, medications, etc. Having an essentials box is really handy in case the moving truck with your things doesn’t arrive on time or if it’s scheduled later than your move-in date.

Make an inventory list with photos

This step is a bit time-consuming, but moving last-minute doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions. Making an inventory list and including photos of each item will serve as proof in case you need to claim lost or damaged items. If movers damage any of your household items during transportation, it will be much easier to file a claim if you have pictures to prove their condition before relocation.

Ask for help

Unless you decide to hire full-service movers (in which case they will also pack your items), you will need a few helping hands in order to meet the deadline. Call a few close friends to assist with decluttering or packing. Packing in a rush will go much smoother if you have a couple of close people to support you. Don’t forget to thank them by treating them to a nice dinner or some drinks after your relocation is over.

Hire help for kids and pets

The best idea is to hire a babysitter to look after your kids for a day, but you can also ask a family member or a close friend to take care of your kids and pets.

Keep your composure

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when moving in a rush, so make sure to take breaks and focus on the outcome. If you feel way too stressed, it’s a good idea to call a friend and share your concerns. Stay calm and remember that it will all be over before you know it.

Change the address

You can change your address easily online, but you can also do it in person, by calling, or sending an email. Change it a couple of weeks before you move out to make sure you don’t miss any important mail.

Arrange utilities

Don’t forget to transfer utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and other services that you’re regularly using. Your service providers should know about the change of address in advance to check if it’s possible to provide the same services for your new home.

Hire professional packers

If your deadline is way too close and you can’t accomplish everything on your own, you can hire packing services and save a lot of time. It certainly is a more expensive option than DIY packing, but it is a perfect solution if you only have a couple of days to arrange the entire moving process.

Rabbit Movers can be the best choice for your last-minute move. Contact us for a free moving quote.