People typically need time to plan a move and are advised to start their to-do list a couple of months before it all goes down. Relocating abroad is even less advisable to pull off in a short time, but it’s not impossible. Here are some last-minute moving tips for those who are going overseas in a hurry.
What Constitutes a Last Minute Move? Things to Know About Leaving in a Hurry
A last-minute move is considered anything less than two weeks in the relocation industry. International moving services can’t be pushed back and forth very quickly because of logistics and potentially other clients they may have at that moment.
Planning a move in just three days or 24 hours isn’t practical for anyone involved. Still, you might be able to find someone willing to help; just don’t expect them to do it for cheap. Quick and hasty relocations don’t always go well, so to ensure yours does, you might have to cash out and pay up.
Considering the size of your home, you’ll also likely have to sacrifice a few items you plan on bringing. Generally, planning is important for every relocation process, but it’s crucial for those done at the last moment. If you do have time to plan things out just a bit before actually relocating, take it – it’s precious.
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How Do I Move Immediately? Tips and Tricks for Last Minute Moving Overseas
People are busier nowadays. Tasks like taking care of the family, doing work, catching up on lost sleep, and being anxious about bills take up 25 hours per day. If you throw in the question of how do I move at the last minute into that equation, the Sun may explode.
We won’t question your reasons for relocating overseas, but we might poke the bear a bit by asking – how exactly do you think this will go? Here aresome essential tips for planning your move at the eleventh hour:
- Sit down and create a relocation to-do list,
- Gather packaging supplies,
- Pack only what you need,
- Cancel utilities,
- Pack an essentials bag,
- Contact international movers.
Is It Possible to Hire International Movers for Some Last Minute Moving Help?
The best way to move is by calling a relocation company to help you out. So, what to do while waiting for moving experts? Try to pack at least something on your own, prepare your essentials bag, and call utility companies to cancel.
The benefits of relocating with movers are simple yet effective – you get to do other important tasks while waiting for movers to finish everything. It will be difficult to contact and book them for a hasty move, but if you agree to their conditions, you’ll be able to move without a hitch.
Take an Hour or Two to Plan and Make a Last Minute Moving Checklist
You can move efficiently by planning every step of the way. If you’re relocating the next day, take an hour or two right now and start making your relocation to-do list. Having things planned out perfectly will make things go smoothly; every step of the way can be predicted, but keep a plan B in mind just in case.
The list presented above can serve as a model for when you start creating yours and, of course, add whatever else is important to it. Here’s a potential relocation to-do list in the form of a table to serve as an example.
The tasks on it are essential, but you can add whatever you like.
| Task | Time it takes to do | Priority |
| Gather packaging supplies (around the house, from neighbors and friends) | 3-4 hours | High |
| Contact international movers | 10-15 minutes | High |
| Pack an essentials bag | 1 hour | High |
| Cancel utilities | 1 hour | High |
| Tell people about relocating | 1 hour | Medium |
| Prepare car for shipping | 30 minutes | Medium |
Ask About International Mover Services, the Cost of Relocation, and Packing Plans
When you have a task list, you can also create subtasks. For example, calling relocation experts can have other points, like:
- Getting different relocation quotes,
- Checking for relocation scams,
- Asking about packaging services,
- Checking the benefits they offer (such as storage service and relocation insurance),
- And asking about car shipping services.
At first, it’ll be complicated to think about everything, but these details will help you make the most of your relocation and have a successful day. It goes without saying that relocating at the eleventh hour will be anxiety-inducing, but you have the methods to be efficient right here.
Book a Flight to Your Destination as Soon as You Can
One of the crucial tips for moving internationally is, of course, to book your outbound flight. If you somehow haven’t done this yet, make it the number one priority. When you know the details and schedule of your flight, you’ll know when to book movers and how long you have to take care of the rest.
It will also help to announce your move to the landlord in your destination, as they can also be a helpful factor in making the move efficient and easy. Maybe they can prepare the place to be move-in ready and give you directions from the airport.
The video below shows an experienced traveler who’s booked over 500 flights in ten years. He shares really quick tips on booking flights at the last moment and cheaply; it might help you.
How Do You Move In 24 Hours? Packing Hacks for a Short Period
Now, onto the important stuff – some last-minute moving tips for getting ready in a day or two. This will be very stressful (especially when you realize how much junk you have around the house,) but it will definitely help you.
Pack Only the Items That You Use
If you’re curious to figure out how do I move without neighbors knowing, you must be in a real hurry. Don’t be too loud when packaging, and ensure movers arrive around business hours on a workday to avoid unnecessary questions and comments.
However, this doesn’t really fall under relocation essentials. It’s better to say that you need to pack only what you need and nothing else. Think of your new home and how it’s equipped. If you’re in a hurry, you’ve likely gotten a turnkey home and don’t need to bring any furniture and appliances.
In that case, bringing a few kitchen and bathroom essentials and clothes for every season and some memorabilia will be enough. Say goodbye to everything else and move on to better things.
Leave Your Clothing on Hangers
One of the best relocation hacks when packing clothes is to leave them on hangers. Just take a long or a large volume garbage bag, wrap the clothes on hangers from the bottom up and tie a knot around the hangers’ necks. It’s effortless and quick, and you’ll take care of essentials instantly.
You can also wrap multiple hangers this way and divide them into high and low-priority clothing. These items will travel a long distance, but they’ll be safe either way. The trash bag hack is efficient and could reduce the packaging service cost your relocation company provides.
Get Trash Bags for a Quick Packaging Adventure
Don’t reject the idea of trash bags for packaging just yet. They’re super easy to use and keep items secure. Obviously, don’t pack anything valuable or breakable in them, but don’t treat everything at the house as delicate and priceless.
Whatever can fit in trash bags without breaking or getting damaged should go in them. For example, you can pack shoes or off-season clothing in them. Bedding, towels, and pillows, too. There are so many ways to use garbage bags when relocating that you’ll feel overwhelmed.
How Do You Move House in 3 Days? Have Your Next Home Move-In Ready
This could be a potential relocation mistake, but you must ensure your new house is move-in ready. If possible, browse for turnkey housing options so you can simply move in when necessary. This is crucial for anyone in a hurry to cross a considerable distance and start a new life.
Before relocation day, check if everything is in order at the destination. The worst thing about rushing to get to the finish line is not having the checkered black and white flag posted up. To put it plainly, it’ll be simply impossible to move so quickly without the final destination being ready for your arrival.
Turnkey options, in that case, will work the most for your needs. Homes that have all the furniture and appliances ready to use don’t require effort from you, but they will cost a bit more. Considering how quickly you’re eager to move, though, it’s your best bet.
Ask Friends and Family for Help With All the Details
Another answer to what is the easiest and cheapest way to move is to ask (or even beg) for help. Whoever is free and willing to assist you in making this move happen should be there. More heads are helpful and insightful because you might get overwhelmed and forget some important stuff if only you think about everything.
In case you encounter some unsupportive people in your relocation plan, you don’t have to ask them to do you any favors but sometimes, helping you could change their minds and see your motivations. It’s a risky attempt, but it can work sometimes.
Of course, if you’re trying to leave an unsupportive household and run away from your parents, ask friends that are always by your side to do another great thing for you. Being scared and still deciding to leave is brave and commendable. Anyone who truly loves you will understand and assist you in that situation.
When It Comes to International Moves, Getting Help from Professional Movers Is the Best Option
If you’re relocating for the first time and not in a day or two, calling an international moving company will be the ideal choice. If this is your first move and at the last moment, you should double down on getting help from relocation experts.
What doesn’t kill you indeed makes you stronger, which can be especially valid with last-moment moves. Even those planned can go wrong and leave consequences, but maybe doing everything so hastily will get you to see what matters to you.
Truly important things will stay by your side no matter the distance they cross, and you won’t fall into the pit of overthinking and struggling to choose wisely. This move might just be one of the most fantastic ideas you’ve had. It will be stressful, but you’ll see how it ends. Good luck!