Last-Minute Moving Tips: Things To Remember When Relocating On Short Notice

No matter how many people on the internet say that relocating requires time and a lot of planning, various life circumstances prevent us from allotting a sufficient amount of time to make a move happen.

You are constantly being told not to procrastinate, that “time is running out,” or that you should start packing at least one month before moving, but how are you supposed to do that when you suddenly receive a notice of eviction, or it is your turn to deploy overseas this time?

It might be impossible or at least extremely difficult to follow all the rules, but here are some useful tips which should come in handy no matter what situation you find yourself in.

Last-Minute Moving Tips To Keep In Mind

Here are a few tricks and some of the most important things to remember if you do not have much time at your disposal:

Create A Last Minute Moving Checklist And Start Working On It Right Away

No matter how little time you have to organise, pack, and move out, it is crucial that you have a plan. You should have a list of things you need to accomplish and the order in which you should do them, as well as a list of all tasks that must be done or people who need to be contacted during the relocation process. 

One way of making sure all these plans are accomplished is by creating a moving house checklist and placing it somewhere where you can see it as often as possible. Moving house checklists typically include packing your belongings, taking care of the finances, notifying the post office and the utility companies, etc.

Having a checklist will help you remember to pack all essential personal belongings, such as your passport and driving license, in time. Despite this, if there is something that you have overlooked during the process of moving house preparation, it is not a tragedy, even though losing these items can be extremely bothersome when you don’t have much time left until the actual move.

Need more packing tips? Here’s our Comprehensive Packing Tips for Moving.

Figure Out The Best Way To Transport Your Belongings

Smiling young delivery men carrying cardboard boxes while walking outside truck

If you have a limited amount of time to make a move happen – think about an eviction notice, for example – you must have a very good idea of how you want to transport your belongings.

If you are thinking about hiring someone to move your stuff, a moving company or a man with a van service might be the most affordable and convenient option. After all, such services offer a door-to-door service which means you do not have to worry about finding a storage unit or packing your stuff in the car.

For last-minute moving, though, it might be in your best interest to hire a man with a van rather than a moving company. After all, man with van companies are more flexible when it comes to scheduling. That means you can book your move on short notice and even get your stuff moved at night.

Some people might be tempted to rent a van to save money, but keep in mind that driving and moving everything by yourself could add days to the moving process. This is because moving companies and man with vans are efficient, and they can arrive on time and get the job done quickly. So if you want to avoid such a situation, considering using a man and van service is definitely a good idea.

Here are more Reasons To Hire A Man And Van For Your House Move

Compare Man and Van Movers With WhatManandVan

WhatManandVan is a platform designed to help you compare various man and van companies across the UK. With our user-friendly interface, you can quickly gauge which service is best suited for your needs, ensuring you get the best value for your money. From user reviews to service details, WhatManandVan provides a comprehensive overview, allowing you to make an informed decision. Whether you’re moving a few boxes of books or an entire apartment, this platform ensures you find the right team for the job.

Our mover comparison services are available across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, and Manchester.

Plan Ahead For Your Pets

Moving with pets is also a challenge because you need to make sure they are comfortable throughout the process. Pets are also stressful for movers so you should pack their favourite blanket or toy in advance so that your pets can feel at home while you’re loading things.

Pets will probably be hungry after a long time of waiting, especially if they are left alone. You should pack their food and supplies ahead of time so they can eat as soon as the movers leave.

Just like pets, cats and dogs will also need medication to keep them calm. So, pack their treats or pill pockets before your move so you don’t forget.

Pack Some Light Snacks For Yourself

Aside from your pets, you’ll also need to make sure that you are prepared for the long journey ahead of you. You should pack plenty of water and light snacks to keep up your energy levels throughout the moving process.

You might think that having a meal is more important but there’s a good chance that you’ll get hungry during the move so it’s important that you have something to eat other than heavy meals. If possible, pack your favourite meal and share it with your helpers or family members when everything has been moved in.

Declutter Your Belongings

While a full decluttering session is out of the question with regard to time, it wouldn’t hurt to sort out your belongings to make your moving process easier. If you know that you do not need a certain item, selling it or giving it away is much more advisable than packing and taking it with you.

Doing this might seem like an overwhelming task in case you don’t have too much time, but the task can be divided into smaller chunks and accomplished in a more reasonable amount of time. For example, you can start by decluttering your living room, bathrooms, and kitchen before moving on to the garage or bedrooms.

This way, you will have a much easier time packing everything in boxes and transporting them from one location to another without worrying about packing up too many items or possibly leaving them behind.

Consider Packing Services

The packing process is arguably one of the most challenging parts of any house move, especially last-minute. Fortunately, you can always count on professional packers to relieve you of the duty.

Typically, only professional movers offer packing and unpacking as part of their moving services roster. However, in recent years, man and van companies have joined the bandwagon, which means you can find man and vans offering packing services as well.

When you do find one, it is highly suggested that you consider availing of such services. This way, you will not only save on time but also on energy since this type of service is very demanding. You can focus all your attention on other matters while the movers take care of the packing and unpacking part of things.

If you are lucky, you might even find a company that will also provide packing supplies or packing materials like packing tape, bubble wrap, trashbags, and many more. Some might even provide you with packing tips for valuable items you just cannot entrust to strangers!

Have A System In Place For DIY Packing

Asian young couple packing big cardboard box for moving in new house, Moving and House Hunting concept

If you plan on doing it yourself, it is important that you have a system to get things done. This way, you will not only save time but also prevent mistakes from happening. Pack up your home one room at a time to stay organised.

You will also want to create an inventory for each box you pack. This way, you will know immediately if one or more boxes are missing when the time comes to unpack everything. Also, remember to wrap breakables in packing paper and bubble wrap. Doing so will not only protect your belongings but will also prevent them from moving around.

It is also advisable that you label your boxes appropriately. You should definitely use standard-size letters and numbers as well as your initials to make sure everything goes smoothly right from the start. After all, unpacking is very time-consuming, so you want to avoid any distractions or mix-ups.

Have An Essential Box Or Pack Ready To Go

Another good idea is to have a box or two ready and packed before you start organising your move. This essential box should contain items that are non-negotiable, such as your passport, driving license, certain documents, medication, credit cards, a cell phone charger, clothing, toiletries, trash bags, etc., so that relocating won’t turn into a tragedy even if you lose all other belongings.

Search For The Most Suitable Storage Option

If you do find yourself with limited time to move out, it is important to have a backup plan in place. This way, if something goes wrong or you simply do not have enough time to pack your entire house and take care of everything by yourself, you can always call your storage company and ask them to store all your belongings until the situation has been resolved.

Storage facilities are often very flexible when it comes to this type of request, which means you do not have to worry about anything. Plus, if it turns out that you don’t need to go into storage, you can always get back the things you left there within a matter of days or weeks.

Take It Easy

Above all, no matter how ready you are and with as much help as you can get, it is most important that you remember not to rush things. Moving house under any conditions is never easy, but when you do it on short notice, there is always the possibility of making mistakes. So take everything one step at a time, don’t rush into anything, and enjoy the experience! Take a deep breath and remember that everything is going to be okay!

11 Things You Should Know About Moving House

With that being said, here are 11 things that you should keep in mind, whether or not you are planning a last minute house move:

#1: Planning Goes A Long Way

When it comes to moves, nothing beats a well-thought-out plan. Keeping track of all your essentials, from clothes to furniture, ensures a smooth transition. Remember, a well-organized move starts with listing down all the types of items you own.

#2: Setting A Realistic Budget Is Of Utmost Importance

Budgeting is one of the essentials when relocating. From utilities to hiring assistance, every detail incurs a cost. It’s crucial to keep track of all expenses to avoid any financial chaos later.

#3: Hiring Movers Is Far More Beneficial Than You Think

Professional movers have the expertise to handle all sizes and types of furniture, ensuring their safety. With a team by your side, the hurry and stress of moving day become more manageable. Plus, they come equipped with all the necessary tools, from hangers to blankets.

#4: It Never Hurts To Get Additional Insurance

While most moving companies offer basic insurance, it’s always a good idea to consider additional coverage. This ensures that your property, from books to electronics, is protected against unforeseen damages.

#5: Packing Your Belongings Requires Planning And Efficiency

Start by sorting your items by area, like closet or kitchen. Use labels for boxes and ensure fragile items like plants and glassware are packed securely. Don’t forget an essentials bag with chargers, medications, and other basics you’ll need immediately.

#6: Label Your Boxes Properly

Labels are more than just names; they’re a guide to what’s inside. From clothes to toys, proper labeling helps you and your team know where each box belongs. This efficiency speeds up the unpacking process and reduces the chances of misplaced items.

#7: For Your Peace Of Mind, Handle Your Valuable Items Yourself

Items like jewelry, important documents, and keys should always be in your hands. While movers are generally trustworthy, it’s always better to be safe and keep your valuables close.

#8: Coordinate With Your Utility Companies Before Moving Day

Before you move, ensure that utilities like gas, water, and electricity are set up in your new space. This step ensures that you’re not left in the dark, literally and figuratively, when you arrive at your new apartment or house.

#9: A Change Of Address Checklist Is Important

From your bank to your favorite online shopping site, everyone needs to know you’ve moved. Keeping a checklist ensures you don’t miss out on any important notifications or deliveries.

#10: Don’t Skip Out On Cleaning Services and Pest Control

A clean space is a happy space. Before settling into your new home, consider hiring professionals to clean the floors, windows, and other spaces. Additionally, pest control is essential to ensure a bug-free environment.

#11: A Moving Day Survival Kit Is A Must-Have

Packing an essentials bag for moving day can be a lifesaver. From chargers to snacks and medications, this bag ensures you have everything at hand. In the midst of moving chaos, having your basics in one spot offers peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Are you ready to move house on short notice? If you are, be sure to consider the tips mentioned above. They will help you get prepared and make your moving experience as easy and effortless as possible. 

For more moving tips, you will also want to check out our Moving Advice Section.