How to Move on Short Notice

Most people try to plan a move several months in advance. This gives them time to prepare, pack at a leisurely pace and keep things organized. However, today's fast-paced world often requires moves to happen quickly. A job transfer, change in family situation or other event may mean you need to move on short notice. Learn how to move within a month, a few weeks or even a week's time.

Instructions

1. Learn as much as you can about your new home or apartment once you know where you're moving to. This will allow you to plan what furniture and belongings you need to take with you and how to pack everything. For example, if your new home is smaller than your current one, then you may need to get rid of furniture or extra "stuff" that you won't have room for.

2. Realize that if you don't know where you'll be moving or if your stuff will be in storage for a while, you need to pack differently. Begin by setting aside the things you'll need until you're settled. Then pack everything else in as organized a fashion as possible so that they'll be easy to locate if you find yourself digging through your storage space for a lost item.

3. Determine how much time you have to move and divide your current home into sections based on that time frame. For example, if you're moving within a week, then you might do one room of your home each day. Start with the rooms and items that you use least often and work up to the items that you use every day.

4. Be sure to label everything well and with at least some detail. Don't just write "books" on a box, but instead write "textbooks and reference books."

5. Note all of the items on any box that holds items you know you'll need right away. For example, you might write "bedside lamp, alarm clock, day planner" on a box of items from your night stand.

6. Pack delicate or breakable items first since you'll be less rushed during the beginning stages of packing. Towards the end if you're throwing random things into boxes, you don't want to have to worry about the fragile stuff.

7. Remember that moving on short notice means that things will be hectic. Don't expect to pack everything perfectly or label everything exactly. As long as you pack the delicate stuff carefully and keep track of the things you can't live without, you can sort everything else out later.

Tips & Warnings

• You can usually find lots of great boxes quickly at your local grocery store. Ask particularly for milk boxes, since these are very sturdy and a good size to pack most of your belongings.

• Use towels or other linens to wrap breakables; you'll save time by packing two things at once.

• Designate one room to stack all of the boxes so that you can completely empty and clean each part of the house as you pack. Each room you finish means one less thing you have to worry about on moving day.

Resources

• Find moving resources here.
• Quick relocation resources site.