Moving is not as easy as many might think, especially since it requires careful planning and a lot of time. Idealistically, you would be able to pack your belongings at your own pace, but what happens if you are running on a tight schedule? What if you have to relocate on short notice and you only have a few days to get everything ready? When time is not on your side and you need to get things done quickly, preparation and speed are essential. This means collecting supplies and materials, taking care of non-packing obligations, renting a moving truck, and putting everything away efficiently.
This might make you feel extremely nervous, but keep in mind that panicking will get you nowhere, so always try to keep a cool head to not only avoid wasting your precious time but also stress and frustration. You will be fine as long as you are equipped with the right knowledge and have people who can help you.
There will be no time for procrastination and you will have to complete many tasks. Although it sounds daunting and quite tiresome, especially if you are unsure where to start or even what to do, here are some useful tips you can follow that will not only help you get things underway but also make sure you complete everything in the shortest possible time.
1. Make a List & Create a Schedule
Lists are useful no matter if you are going grocery shopping, planning a party, or moving. Write down everything that needs to be done and assign different tasks to your family members. Count how many days you have until you leave and make a schedule for each day.
For example, you can focus on one big room on one day or tackle several smaller ones. Do not forget to take care of other responsibilities such as notifying your electricity distributor of your move or changing your address on any subscriptions.
Once you finish a task, make sure to cross it off your list. This way you will not only be able to track your progress but also feel satisfied with your accomplishment which might help boost your motivation and increase your focus and productivity.
2. Quickly Gather Your Packing Supplies
If you have enough time, you can pay a visit to your nearby supermarkets or convenience stores and ask them for boxes. Most stores have a lot of them and they might even be willing to give them for free. While you are there, you can pick other supplies you might need such as duct tape, markers, a box cutter, packing paper, and the likes.
If you do not want to waste time driving to a supermarket, you can always ask your neighbors or friends if they have any boxes they do not need.
However, there is an even faster way of not only gathering supplies but packing as well – hiring a moving company.
3. Let the Professionals Do the Work
If you don’t do well under pressure or feel like moving in a hurry is too much for you to handle, it might be smarter to hire professional movers to do the job for you. This option is also less stressful since these experts will not only move your stuff but can also take care of the packing, providing boxes, materials, supplies, and much more in the process.
Companies such as Easy Peasy Removals also offer storage facilities and few items removal services too.
4. Use Shortcuts
There are many things you can do that will save you a lot of time. Unless you have something fragile inside and as long as they are not too heavy, leave all items inside drawers and dressing tables, and simply load them like that into the truck.
Do not waste time sorting and packing your clothes into boxes but use garbage bags instead. You can speed things up even more by wrapping them around your clothing and hangers as well. Instead of wrapping everything up in bubble wrap, use your towels, sheets, and any other soft materials. This will not only save you time but money too.
Forget about sorting and simply tackle one room at a time, labeling your boxes according to the rooms instead of the items in them.
5. Start Early
This might sound like a no-brainer but not everyone is an early bird. However, getting up early will allow you to get more things done and help you easily tackle any unexpected problems or tasks you might have overlooked.
Even if you hate getting up early every morning, put it into practice, at least until you are packed and ready to move.
6. Get Rid of Unnecessary Stuff
To make the packing process super easy, consider getting rid of things you do not really use or need. You can throw some of the items away but if they are in good condition, you should consider donating them.
Although you will probably be sentimental during the process, it is important to think practically and logically, so know when to let go of things you never use. This will also help you when you have to start unpacking in your new home.
7. Prepare an Essentials Bag
Once you get to your new home, you probably won’t be able to start unpacking right away, not to mention that you might have trouble finding things that you need since everything was packed in a hurry.
This is why it is a good idea to prepare bags with some essentials for every family member. You can add things such as pajamas, a fresh set of clothes, toiletries, and anything else you can think of.
Conclusion
Whether you are in a hurry to move because of a sudden job offer, because your landlord is pressing you to leave as soon as possible, or for a completely different reason, the most important thing to do is to stay calm and plan everything before you actually start the packing process.
Although no one likes moving, especially when they have to do it in a rush, at least this way you will manage to finish everything on time and save yourself from unnecessary frustration and problems.
