There are a variety of reasons why you might find yourself suddenly having to move at the last minute. From a sudden work transfer or job opportunity to not wanting to renew your lease or your existing rental being sold, or just plain unhappiness with your current environment, finding yourself having to coordinate a relocation in less than a month can happen to just about anyone.
However, though not out of the ordinary, last-minute moving can be exceptionally stressful. After all, you have to plan, coordinate, and pay for everything involved in your move in half or even less of the time you’d usually have to get all of this in order – and you have to get your entire household packed up in the midst of all of this!
It’s because of this very understandably overwhelming set of variables that many find themselves very stressed at the prospect of a sudden move, especially on top of having to find a new home and get settled into a new environment very suddenly. However, though this can be a bit of a dumpy road, especially during peak moving season, our last-minute moving tips can make things go just a bit smoother for you during this time.
How to Book a Moving Company Last-Minute
One of your top stressors when it comes to moving in less than a month, especially during peak moving seasons, is whether or not you’ll be able to book a reputable moving company in time. This is a very valid concern, as during April-September moving companies are often booked out well in advance, and it’s normally recommended to reserve as much as 2 to 3 months before your move.
However, as this obviously isn’t an option for you, you might have to increase your flexibility as to moving date and time to get a company that’s well-recommended and that will give you the best experience. After all, it’ll do you no good to book movers that are available last-minute, but that won’t give you a positive (or even successful) relocation.
How to Research Moving Companies Last-Minute
So how do you find last-minute movers? The best way to get in with a moving company right before you have to move is to try and see if any odd weekdays or time slots are available. Though maybe not ideal for your busy schedule, moving on, say, a Wednesday or Thursday with the ideal professional movers will allow you to have a much smoother and straightforward relocation than getting a Saturday spot with a company you don’t trust. You can also see if less popular time slots might still be available, or ask them to put you on a list to call in case of cancellations.
When looking for a moving company, don’t skimp on research just because you’re pressed for time. Finding the right professional movers truly makes the difference between your items arriving safely and efficiently, or maybe even not arriving at all. We’re not trying to scare you – we’re trying to warn you! Only work with companies with excellent third-party reviews (think Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau), decades of documented experience and successful relocations, and who volunteer their licensing and registration numbers. On top of this, only go with a company that gives you the best possible customer service, and who makes you feel confident in your relocation options.
Last-Minute Moving Tips
Now let’s get into the helpful tips that will give you the most seamless relocation ever – even if you’re pressed for time.
- Start Decluttering Immediately
Not only will this get one of the biggest aspects of the moving process out of the way and off your plate quickly, but it will also give you less to pack! Start going through your home immediately to sort unneeded or unused items into donate, sell, give away, or trash sections to help speed up your process.
- Get Packing Materials
Once you’ve determined what’s making the cut, it’s time to get your packing materials together so you can start on this process. After all, you’re already pressed for time – why add procrastination on top of things? If you’re not using professional packing services for your move, gather materials like boxes, bubble wrap or packing papers, tape (lots of it!), and anything else you think you’ll need to get your items safely put away.
- Organize & Pack Non-Essentials
After you’ve gotten your boxes and other materials, it’s time to kick the process off. Organize and pack away non-essentials that you know you won’t absolutely need in the coming weeks, or that are usually just decorative. Take things one room at a time to keep yourself organized and on track, and always label your boxes to ensure they’re handled and organized safely.
- Notify Important Institutions
Even amidst all of the chaos involved in a last-minute move, don’t forget to notify banks, credit card companies, and especially the post office to ensure everyone is apprised of your new address. Set up mail forwarding immediately, as this can take as many as 10 days to process.
Now that you’ve got some tips on your side to help you prepare for last-minute moving, get the right professional moving company on your side for your relocation. See what Bekins Northwest can do for your household or business today. We’re the best moving company in Washington, and will bring you the best services for affordable prices. Contact us today!
