According to Move Buddha, over 30 million Americans move every year. Under ideal circumstances, these moves are planned months in advance with comprehensive checklists and reservations with a moving company. However, not all moving circumstances will be ideal, and some people will need to pull off last-minute moves under a lot of pressure. This article will guide you through accomplishing a last-minute move.

Make a Plan

No matter the time crunch, a little planning will go a long way. Before you start packing everything up, figure out a few logistics first. Put together a checklist of packing materials you need and tasks that need to be completed, and make a last-minute reservation with a moving company. Prioritize your checklist and check off items as you complete them. You may be surprised at your own progress!

Grab Moving Supplies

If you do not have time to figure out the exact amount of boxes you need for your move, it's a good idea to err on the side of too many. Grab pre-packaged moving supplies from your local moving company or hardware store. They will contain boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and a marker. Grab a few extra boxes to be sure you have enough, or else prepare to make multiple trips to and from the supplies store. Also, invest in heavy-duty trash bags. They will be indispensable when it comes to our next step.

Get Rid of Stuff

The more stuff you can get rid of, the less you'll have to pack up and keep track of. Now is not the time to get sentimental about the Christmas sweater you wore to your office holiday party three years ago. You can throw things out or donate them. If you have enough time, you may even be able to put up listings online and sell the goods for some extra cash. The main point, though, is to minimize the number of things you need to pack.

Pack, Don't Sort

Speaking of packing, don't get too caught up in categorizing your boxes. Just focus on getting everything you're moving into a box or bag. Don't be frivolous, but don't get stuck in the weeds either. You can use towels, blankets, and sheets to wrap up fragile objects to conserve space. If you want to categorize to some degree, the best way is to do it room by room. Have bedroom boxes, living room boxes, kitchen boxes, fragile boxes, etc. You will probably end up putting some items from your living room in the bedroom box and so on, but if that is the best fit, just get it done.

Pack a Bug-Out Bag

A bug-out bag is a term used by intelligence assets for bags loaded with the essentials that they can take with them in case of an emergency. You're probably not a CIA asset, and you probably won't need multiple foreign currencies and fake passports, but building your own bug-out bag for the day of the move is a must. Pack phone and laptop chargers, medicines you take regularly, a few extra dollars and your wallet, and whatever else you think you can use on the day. It's not a bad idea to pack an extra change of clothes and some toiletries, too.

Call for Help

Even with the help of a moving company, there may be additional tasks and things you need to check off your moving list yourself. This could include driving your cars to your new home, finding child care on moving day, or even arranging for your pets to visit a boarding center until you get space settled for them in the new home. Many hands make light work. Even just one more person can help you in stressful circumstances. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Last-minute moves are anything but ideal. Don't worry, though. If you have a plan and stick to it, you can get it done. If you know you have a move coming up, reserve a moving company now. It will take a lot of the hassle out of packing and moving. For expert moving services in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas, contact Emanuel Movers, Inc today.