Life is full of surprises, but you may never have thought you’d be the type of person who had to move fast. In fact, you normally spend weeks preparing for a move because you value organization. Now, a recent life change may be leaving you wondering how you will ever get everything done in time.

Whether you just received a promotion or are dealing with challenging circumstances, you’ll be reassured to know that last-minute moves can be done right. While you might not be able to change your moving schedule, you can keep everything on track with these tips to ensure all goes well on the big day.

Start With a Checklist

You know that lists help with everything from grocery shopping to your daily work tasks. Check online for basic moving checklists that can help you get started. Then make sure to add any special items that apply to your move, such as meeting with an agent to plan the transport of your items overseas.

As you make your checklist, set tentative dates next to each item as goals for when the tasks should be accomplished. You can also add names of people or companies that will assist with each step. This way, you can see at a glance who you need to contact when you are ready to move to the next item on your list.

Pare Down Your Belongings

Never waste time packing and moving items that you no longer need. Instead, carefully go through each room of your house and remove the items that are not useful. Then donate, sell or trash these items so you can focus only on moving what you use every day.

Choose the Right Storage Unit

Once you have pared down your property, you can prepare for the actual move. Often, last-minute moves require you to store some of your belongings until your long-term house opens up or you get enough space again.

Portable storage units are an option that is perfect for last-minute moves because they save you time. Once a unit is dropped off, you simply fill it up. Then it can be transported to your new residence or to a storage facility at your convenience.

Create a Supply Station

While decluttering helps to reduce packing time, the packing portion of your move is typically the most time consuming. Help reduce the packing time even more by having everything you need ready before you start.

Grab an assortment of boxes, and remember to procure special ones for items such as breakable dishes. Then store these packing items along with a basket filled with markers, packing tape and labels in a specific area of the room that you are packing. This way, you will not waste time searching for supplies.

Pack Efficiently

Start packing by focusing on only one room at a time. This reduces the time you spend running around and makes it easier to unpack. Your movers will be able to take each box straight to the room where it belongs.

As you pack, look for ways to use every available space. For instance, you can pack spice bottles in your large cooking pots. Alternatively, you can use towels as cushioning for your breakable kitchen items. Using space efficiently reduces how many boxes you have to set up and move.

Make Arrangements for Moving Day

The final day of your move should be handled with peak efficiency. Arrange for a professional moving service to help you transport your items to your new home. Then ask your friends and family to help with the setup of your new house so everything may be accomplished in one day.

At Island Movers Inc., our team of experts is ready to guide you through your last-minute move. Give us a call today.