4 Tips to Move Your Family in a Hurry

When it comes to moving advice, the assumption is you have plenty of time to pack, move, and unpack. Life is not a perfect picture. Sometimes, the homeowner or tenant has less than a week to move. Sometimes your family responsibilities can prevent early packing and preparation. While it’s overwhelming to move in one day, two days, three days, or a week, it is possible. Four proactive measures will make the moving process less stressful for you, your spouse, and your kids.

1. Turn Off Utility Services

Whether you found a place to stay or not, contact all utility companies to shut off all services before you leave the current home. Schedule the shutoff date for the now-previous house to a few days before or after leaving the house. Otherwise, the next homeowner will use your services on your dime. After finding a new place to stay, transfer your water, gas, light/electric, phone, internet, and cable accounts to your new residence. 

2. Book a Moving Method Now

These days, there are many ways to transport belongings to another after you search for a way to “sell my house.” You can reserve a date with the moving company, rent a moving truck, use a portable moving container, or DIY the move using your family and your friends’ vehicles. While there’s little room for thorough research, do take a few moments to skim all options and the companies offering those options. Grab quotes and weigh the pros and cons. Then, select the option that fits your last-minute timetable. Be sure to consult with your spouse about what the best option for your family might be. Consider that your children, especially if you are moving without much notice, might be going through a difficult time. Think of ways to make things fun and joyful for them. For example, plan a fun excursion to a hotel or let them pick the food they’ll eat on the journey there.

3. Photograph and Record Belongings

Our smartphone gives us access to a camera to take photos and record whatever we wish. Put that ingenuity to excellent use. Snap photographs of belongings and furniture before packing and moving. The pictures serve as proof of the items’ total amount, type, and condition in case something is missing or damaged during transport. Snap pictures of the home decor layout; you can recreate it in the new residence. Record complicated configurations such as TV hookups, closet organizers, electronic devices, and bed/furniture assembly. Have your kids participate in this process too. Have them lay out their belongings so you can photograph them. Doing so will reassure them that you have their interests at heart as well.

4. Pack an Essentials Bag

Set aside a carry-on suitcase, purse, tote, or duffel bag for the essentials. An essentials bag is crucial in case things go wrong during the move (boxes lost in transit, staying in the old home longer than expected, arriving days before boxes, etc.). Items qualifying as essentials are ID/social security card, wallet/cash, real estate/financial documents, smartphone, laptop, tablet, chargers, medications, scissors, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, toilet paper, a bath towel, a comb, a brush, a few clothes, pajamas, underwear, socks, and shoes. Help your kids pack a little one for themselves and pack them all together. This can help them plan for when they will move in the future.

Every second count when a homeowner or tenant has to move within a limited timeframe. However, with razor-sharp concentration, lightning-quick speed, and careful planning, moving in a few days will be just as seamless as moving in a few weeks. While moving, even under the best circumstances, is a stressor for families, incorporating your children’s needs and thoughts into the planning process will help them along. These helpful tips will assist in organization, which will make the moving process less overwhelming to digest.

By Lizzie Weakly

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.