You only have to make an emergency move once to realize that moving in a hurry is a major challenge. There are times when you have to do it anyway, and you can make the job a lot easier if you keep a few vital tips and techniques in mind when you are preparing, packing, and moving out. Here are top tips for moving last minute:
1. Save Space
You can save time and energy by packing efficiently and saving space. Using less space means that you don’t need to find as many boxes and that you don’t need to waste time packing as many onto a truck. There are a few easy ways to do it.
Vacuum packing is a process that involves sucking all of the air out of a bag. It is a great tool for shrinking textiles and other soft items, which tend to be bulky when packed in other ways. There are specialized devices for it, but you only need your vacuum cleaner and some bags to do an adequate job with the DIY method.
You can also save space by rolling your textiles up, or by using them as cushioning around fragile items in other boxes. You can even wear extra clothes instead of packing them! For other items, make sure that you never ship an empty container when you could put something in it, and throw away old items that you don’t use instead of packing them.
2. Bind Your Cords
It can be tempting to just throw all of your cords and cables into a box to save time, but that leads to a tangled mess. You’ll waste more time untangling them when you unpack than you save in the first place!
Organize your cables while you pack to avoid that problem. A simple set of zip ties can help to keep them neat while you move. For best results, use color coded ties to make it easier to match cables to the right device later on.
3. Plan Your Route
You can save a lot of time by optimizing your route, especially if you are moving across a long distance. Computers are much better at finding good routes than humans, so your best bet is to rely on a program to make the calculations.
There are a lot of options out there, and any of them can get the job done. If you have the time, consider comparing the routes from several different programs to see which one gives you the best results.
4. Make a List
It is all too easy to forget something important when you are in a hurry. Smart movers make a list of things they need to pack and any tasks they need to complete before they go. It can also be a good idea to have someone else look at your list before you get started to check if you have forgotten to put anything on it. Once you have the list, all you need to do is check things off of it as you do them.
5. Get Help
Many hands make for light work. The easiest way to get everything done on a tight schedule is to get some help. Your friends and family might be able to help, but you can also get professional movers. They have more experience and better tools than the average person, so they can get the job done remarkably quickly.