Sometimes, people have the luxury of knowing they are going to be moving for months or even years. This affords them plenty of time to plan and prepare for the inevitable. In other situations, though, individuals are told they must relocate with very little warning. Often, this happens to military families, but it can also affect those who have careers in the private sector. Quick relocations can also become necessary when people have to care for ailing relatives or have other personal emergencies arise. As you read on, you’ll discover some helpful tips for how to pack in a hurry if you unexpectedly have to uproot your life.
- Figure out the logistics first – Before you even begin trying to tackle your house or apartment, figure out how you are going to get where you are going. You will, for starters, need a moving truck. Begin calling local moving companies to see who still has availability for your moving date. Once you’ve settled that, determine how you are going to get to your new residence. If you are traveling a long distance, a plane ticket may be the best choice. Otherwise, you will probably be able to drive your own vehicle. If you don’t have a vehicle, look into rental cars you can pick-up in your area.
- Donate or toss anything you don’t want – Start going through your current home room by room. Anything you no longer want or need should either go directly into a trash can or in a “donate” pile. The less you have to pack, especially for a move you weren’t anticipating, the less stressful the process will be. Taking only those items you really love or really need will eliminate a lot of hassle in the long run.
- Pack a bag that will come with you – This tip is important no matter what, but is especially pertinent for those who will be flying to their new homes while their possessions are being driven by professional movers. Packing a duffel bag or backpack with your personal necessities will help you feel calmer throughout the relocation process. Make sure you include any medications you take, toiletries you’ll need, and special items you don’t want to risk with sentimental or monetary value.
- Recruit friends and family members – If you’re packing your house or apartment yourself, you might feel totally overwhelmed by the thought of doing it alone. The odds are good, however, that you don’t have to. Even if you’re leaving your current location to be closer to your family, you probably have some friends you can call upon for assistance. Or, if you have a family of your own, let your children help you pack; you can even make it into a fun game!
- Don’t hesitate to pay movers to do everything – If your budget allows, you may find that the only way you can cope with your fast-approaching move is to hire professionals to do both the packing and the moving for you. There is nothing wrong with this! Moving is stressful, especially on short notice, and you should never feel guilty about letting experts do their jobs.
If you have to unexpectedly move soon, give us a call today at 978-232-9190 to discuss the services we offer. You can also reach out to us on our website! We will work with you to make sure you have everything you need from us as you go through the entire relocation process. We look forward to meeting you!