Sometimes a move cannot be helped. A number of circumstances may occur which mean we need to move house at short notice.
This could be because of:
- Landlords
- Nightmare neighbours
- Work commitments
- Swift relocation due to a relationship break up or fleeing abuse
- A once in a lifetime opportunity.
Whilst house moves are stressful and moving quickly may be even more stressful, it is possible to move house at the last minute – as long as you are organised.
You won’t have as much time to plan but you should still plan accordingly. Consider things wisely and organise everything to the best of your ability. This will save you time and money in the long run. One of the first things you should do is hire a reliable and reputable removal company. You should research the companies in your area to find the best one for your needs.
Once you have found a reputable man and van company and have a moving date, you can start preparing for your last-minute removal. As moving at short notice can be stressful, these tips may help you to remain stress-free.
How Much Notice Do I Need To Give Removal Companies?
Whilst we know this isn’t always possible, you should give your removals service at least 4-6 weeks before your move or completion date if you can. If your move will be sooner, you will need to see what dates movers have available. Some may have some last minute slots available.
Try the quieter periods as there will be less competition for these bookings. Certain days or months tend to see less moves so a company may be able to fit you in. Midweek moves during the day tend to be a good choice as less people move then and you can avoid the rush hour and weekend traffic. However Sunday is also known to be a day people won’t choose to move house so you may find timeslots available then too!
Make sure you compare quotes before making your decision. With a last-minute move, you may be able to snap up a cancellation instead of paying extra because of the urgency. Fridays tend to be very busy so will book up quickly so try to avoid this day. Choosing a removal company is easy with a little research.
Plan Ahead
A simple plan should see you well. Make a moving house checklist and work out what needs to be moved and what you can throw away, donate, or sell. Why move items that you no longer want?
You should also make a list of important moving jobs – these include changing your address and sorting out your utilities.
With a plan, you will be able to manage your time more effectively. You can pack room by room and be ruthless when choosing what to keep.
Start Packing Immediately
As soon as you know you will be moving, get started as early as possible. You can pack yourself but some removal companies offer a packing service as an additional extra. If you choose a company offering this, they will arrive before the day of your move and professionally pack everything for you before returning on moving day.
You should also consider putting some items into a storage unit that you may not need right away. Pack these items and get them moved to your self-storage unit until you need them. This means that only the essentials go with you to your new home until you are settled. By reducing the items that you need to move, you may find it easier to book a removal company too!
Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family to help you with your move. They will know how stressful it is and will be happy to help you. If you have children or pets, you could even ask them to help care for them during the day of the move.
Don’t Forget The Essentials
A last minute move often means that some things get forgotten. It can be easy to forget the essentials such as your gas, electricity, water and even internet. These are all things you will want at the new property so you will want to ensure these accounts are set up as soon as possible.
Try Not To Panic
It is easy to panic in this situation. The worst thing you can do is panic though. Try not to let things overwhelm you. Plan ahead, make lists and take advice. Make sure you also take some time for yourself where you can. By remaining calm, researching, and planning ahead, you may be able to save time and money.