Moving is already a stressful event, but when you’re pressed for time, the pressure can feel overwhelming. At Melroy Movers, we’ve helped countless families relocate quickly and efficiently within the DMV area and surrounding states, not to mention long distance. With over 10 years of experience as a family-owned moving company based in VA, we’ve seen it all when it comes to last-minute moves. Whether you have just a few days or even hours to pack, here are 5 packing tips for moving in a hurry that can help you stay organized and reduce the stress of a time-crunched move.
Start with a Priority List
When time is of the essence, it’s crucial to identify what needs to be done first. One of the most important packing tips is to make a list of essential items that need to be packed right away. Start with things you can’t live without—important documents, medications, basic toiletries, and a change of clothes. This step ensures that even if the rest of the packing isn’t perfect, you’ll have your necessities covered. Once your essentials are secured, you can work through less critical items. Breaking it down into manageable chunks helps to keep things from becoming too overwhelming when you’re racing against the clock.
Use What You Have for Packing
When you don’t have time to source proper packing materials, the next best thing is to use what you already have on hand. Think of all the bags, suitcases, laundry baskets, and even garbage bags around your home. This is one of the smartest packing tips for moving in a hurry because it saves valuable time. Suitcases with wheels are perfect for heavier items like books or electronics, and soft items like clothes, linens, and towels can be thrown into large trash bags. Additionally, you can use towels or blankets to wrap fragile items instead of wasting time hunting for bubble wrap or newspapers. Quick thinking can save you from running out to the store and keep your packing on track.
Skip the Sorting Process
In an ideal world, you’d have plenty of time to sort through your belongings, donate or sell what you don’t need, and only pack what’s truly necessary. However, when you’re packing in a hurry, you need to throw that strategy out the window. A key part is to skip the decluttering and sorting process for now. Instead, focus on getting everything into boxes or containers as quickly as possible. You can always sort things out when you’re unpacking in your new home, but for now, the goal is to get everything packed up and ready to go. Efficiency is more important than perfection in this stage of the moving process.
Label As You Go
It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of a last-minute move, but labeling your boxes as you pack them is essential to avoid confusion later. Don’t forget to label every box with its destination room and a brief description of the contents. You don’t have to go into extreme detail—something as simple as “Kitchen: Pots and Pans” or “Bedroom: Clothes” will do. This makes unpacking much easier once you reach your new home. Additionally, labeling helps movers know where to place each box, saving you time and frustration during the move-in process.
Hire Professional Help
When time is running out, one of the most effective plans is to hire professional movers who offer packing services. At Melroy Movers, we understand that sometimes life throws curveballs, and you need to move fast. Our team of experienced movers can assist with packing everything up quickly and efficiently, saving you precious time and reducing stress. With our full packing services, you can focus on other important aspects of your move while we take care of the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively.
Our Final Thoughts
Yes! Moving sucks! But moving in a hurry doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With these packing tips for moving in a hurry, you can pack smart, stay organized, and get through the process as smoothly as possible. At Melroy Movers, we’re here to help, whether you need packing assistance or a reliable team to get your belongings safely to your new home. Contact us today at (571) 427-0180 to book your move with us!
