Moving is one of life’s big milestones, but when you find yourself having to pack up and move at the last minute, it can feel like chaos has ensued. Whether it’s due to a job offer, sudden changes in living arrangements, or a lease ending unexpectedly, a rushed move doesn’t have to be a disaster. With the right approach, a little organisation, and some helpful strategies, you can get through a last-minute move with your sanity intact.
Here’s how to plan and execute a smooth, stress-free move — even when time isn’t on your side.
1. Prioritise and create a quick plan
First things first: don’t panic! The key to handling a last-minute move is staying calm and creating a plan, no matter how short on time you are. Take a deep breath and make an achievable to-do list.
Create a quick, realistic to-do list:
Your list should cover all the essentials — packing, notifying utility companies, organising paperwork, and hiring a moving company if needed. Don’t worry about making it perfect or comprehensive; focus on key tasks that will move the process forward. Break it down room by room, or by category, like "clothes," "kitchen," or "documents." Keep it simple and manageable.
Or better yet, use our ultimate moving house check-list, it has everything you need and then some!
Assign time limits to each task:
Time is your biggest enemy in a last-minute move, so it’s important to work efficiently. Assign rough time limits for each task on your list. For example, give yourself two hours to pack the kitchen, an hour to notify utility companies, etc. Prioritising and allocating time helps you stay focused and prevents the overwhelm of trying to do everything at once.
2. Declutter ruthlessly
A last-minute move is the perfect opportunity to declutter your belongings — after all, the fewer items you pack, the faster the move. Be ruthless in your decision-making, and aim to only take what you truly need.
Make fast decisions:
Use the “4-box method” to make quick decisions: keep, donate, bin, or sell. If you’re running out of time, don’t stress about selling items if you don’t need to — just focus on keeping or donating. Charities often have pick-up services too, so give them a call to schedule a collection for items you no longer need.
Minimise what you pack:
Remember, you’re moving fast, so this isn’t the time to haul unnecessary clutter with you. Ask yourself, “have I used this in the past year?” If the answer is no, leave it behind. The less you pack, the easier the whole process will be.
3. Enlist some help ASAP
When you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to ask for help! Whether it’s friends, family, or professionals, having an extra pair of hands (or two) makes a world of difference in a rushed move.
Call in reinforcements:
Call up your closest friends or family members and ask for help packing, moving boxes, or running errands. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks. For example, one person can start packing up the kitchen while another focuses on organising paperwork or securing boxes. Offer up some pizza or a small favour in return — most people are happy to lend a hand in exchange for food or future help.
Hire a professional removal company:
If you can, hire a reputable removal company. Even for a last-minute move, most moving companies can accommodate urgent bookings. Look for same-day or next-day services and be prepared to be flexible with timing. While it might cost a bit more, the peace of mind that comes from having professionals handle the heavy lifting is often worth it. They’ll ensure your items are transported safely and swiftly, reducing your stress level.
Looking for a reasonably priced removal firm? You’re definitely in the right place.
4. Streamline your packing process
Packing in a hurry? No problem. You don’t need to make it perfect — you just need to get it done.
Pack the essentials first:
Start by packing an essentials box that will get you through the first few days at your new place. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, phone chargers, and anything else you’ll need immediately after the move. Having this box ready will save you from digging through all your belongings on your first night in your new home.
Use what you already have:
No time to buy boxes or packing supplies? Use what’s already around the house. Suitcases, laundry baskets, reusable shopping bags, and even rubbish bags work in a pinch. Don’t worry too much about fancy packing methods. At this stage, functionality is more important than appearance.
Keep labelling simple:
Label boxes by room (e.g., “kitchen,” “bathroom,” “bedroom”) rather than itemising everything inside. This will save you time while ensuring that the movers or you know where everything should go once you arrive at your new place. Quick, easy, and efficient.
5. Notify important Parties
Once your packing is underway, don’t forget to notify important parties of your move.
Utility companies and services:
You’ll want to contact your utility providers (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.) as soon as possible to schedule disconnections at your current home and connections at your new one. Most providers can process requests within a day or two, but it’s best not to wait until the last minute. Also, make sure to notify your bank, insurance providers, and any other services you use regularly.
Change of address:
Submit a change of address form to your local post office, which can usually be done online. This ensures that your mail is forwarded to your new address. If you’re in a rush, you can also ask a friend or neighbour to collect any mail that arrives after you’ve moved out.
6. Stay calm and focused
Moving at the last minute can be overwhelming, but staying calm and focused will help you get through it.
Breathe and take breaks:
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but remember to take short breaks to clear your mind. Even a five-minute break to breathe deeply, stretch, or grab a snack can help reset your energy and prevent burnout.
Avoid perfectionism:
Don’t expect everything to go perfectly. Moving is never flawless, especially when time is limited. Accept that there will be some bumps along the way, but keep moving forward. Adjust your expectations and focus on the end goal: getting everything moved from point A to point B.
7. Consider hiring a full-service moving firm
If you’re really strapped for time and can afford it, consider hiring a full-service moving company. These professionals will pack your belongings, load them up, transport them, and even unpack at your new home. While this option comes with a higher price tag, it can save you significant time and effort, making it a great solution for last-minute moves.
Here are some questions to ask your removal firm if you're thinking of taking that route.
8. Final checks before moving day
Before you leave, make sure you do a final sweep of your current home.
Do a last-minute sweep:
Walk through each room and check cupboards, closets, and drawers to ensure nothing has been left behind. Don’t forget often-overlooked spots like under the bed or in the attic. Having a checklist of important items — like keys, documents, and valuables — can help ensure you don’t forget anything.
Plan for the first 24 hours in your new place:
Lastly, think about the essentials you’ll need immediately in your new home. Do you have bedding to set up a quick place to sleep? Are you bringing toiletries, basic kitchen supplies, and a change of clothes? Planning for these first few hours ensures you’ll be comfortable and ready to settle in after a hectic moving day.
Advice from the experts
A last-minute move can be stressful, but with the right approach, you can handle it like a pro. Prioritise tasks, ask for help, and don’t get bogged down by perfectionism. Whether it’s creating lists, hiring a removal company, or simply staying calm, these strategies will help you stay on track and minimise stress. You’ve got this!
Start your start removals journey today!
From a partial packing service to the full works to storage solutions, we have a range of services that you can mix and match to create your perfect bundle. With 25 years of combined experience, there’s nothing we haven’t packed before. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you in your move.
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