Planning a move at the last minute might seem tough, but it’s possible. Here’s a guide on packing your house in a week or less.
Even if moving is usually easy and budget-friendly with enough time, packing everything you own can be a lot. It becomes even more tiring when you’re short on time. But don’t worry, with a good plan and following through, you can make a last-minute move work.
Whether your time is tight because of procrastination or something else, the This Old House Reviews Team is here to help you move quickly. By following the schedule below, you can get your moving tasks done in just one week.
Day 1: Prepare Start your week with a deep breath and tell yourself you can do this. Begin by getting ready for your move. This day will include calls, paperwork, tasks, and a quick shopping trip. Here’s what to do six days before you move:
- Plan your week ahead. Use a moving planner, notebook, or a digital planner to keep everything organized.
- Get packing materials. Take a look at what you own and get the materials you need, like moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, plastic stretch wrap, and packing tape.
- Call a moving company. Decide if you want to rent a truck or hire a moving company. With a week or less, you’ll need last-minute movers. Check with at least three companies for quotes before deciding.
- Ask friends and family for help. See if local friends and family can pitch in to save you time and money.
- Transfer utilities. Let your current utility companies know your move-out date and new address, and set up accounts for your new home.
- Set up mail forwarding. Change your address online or in person at the post office for a last-minute move.
- Hire extra services. Some moving companies offer services like packing and cleaning, pet relocation, and more. Consider what you need.
Days 2–3: Organize The second and third days involve hands-on work. Here’s what to do four or five days before you move:
- Focus on one room at a time. Start with the easiest room or the largest one; it’s up to you. Finish one room before moving to the next.
- Get rid of things you don’t need. Go through everything and declutter to make the moving process easier.
- Take inventory. If you hire movers or get moving insurance, take inventory to keep track of your things.
- Group similar items. Organize your belongings into groups for easier packing and unpacking.
- Donate unwanted items. With little time, donate gently used items to places like Goodwill or The Salvation Army.
- Save containers for packing. Keep any empty totes or boxes you come across, and use towels or blankets for packing.
Days 4–5: Pack Now that things are sorted, it’s time to pack. Here’s what to do two or three days before your move:
- Pack one room at a time. Focus on one room, starting with the least-used one. Pack non-essential items first when dealing with daily-used rooms.
- Pack similar items together. Take your time and pack similar items together; it’ll make unpacking easier.
- Label boxes clearly. Indicate the room and contents on each box, and number them for easy tracking.
- Keep an inventory of important items. Note where important or valuable items are packed.
- Wrap fragile items carefully. Use newspaper, cardboard, or bubble wrap, and consider paying for fragile packing services.
- Pack essentials in a suitcase. Put everything you need for travel and the first night in a suitcase to keep with you.
- Store boxes neatly. Stack boxes neatly after emptying a room to streamline loading.
- Keep small parts organized. Pack screws and parts in a plastic bag and attach them to larger pieces with tape.
- Keep cleaning supplies accessible. Don’t pack supplies needed for deep cleaning.
Day 6: Deep Clean By the sixth day, everything should be packed and ready. Now it’s time to clean, especially if you want your deposit back. Here’s what to do the day before you move:
- Clean one room at a time. Clean each room one by one, checking off the list as you go.
- Vacuum and mop floors. Thoroughly clean floors with a vacuum, dust mop, and a wet mop or steam cleaner.
- Clean out appliances. Focus on the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher if they’re staying.
- Wipe down kitchen cabinets, sink, and counters. Use a gentle cleaner to clean inside and outside kitchen cabinets, sink, and counters.
- Wipe down windows and trim. Clean built-in shelves, windowsills, baseboards, and door frames.
- Clean bathrooms. Wipe down cabinets, counters, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, mirrors, and showers.
- Check for leftover food. Double-check cabinets, refrigerator, storage closets, and pantries for any forgotten food.
- Clean previously inaccessible areas. Pay extra attention to now-empty closets and cabinets.
- Take out the trash. Once everything’s clean, get rid of the trash.
Day 7: Move Although most of the work is done, you still have some responsibilities on the big day:
- Let movers do their job. If you hired movers, let them handle the heavy lifting. If not, ask friends or family for help; don’t try moving large items alone.
- Do a final check. Walk through your home one last time to make sure nothing’s left behind.
- Pack remaining items in your car. Load items traveling with you, like essentials and valuables, in your car.
- Turn off lights and lock doors. Before leaving, turn off lights in every room and ensure all windows and doors are locked.
Conclusion A last-minute move might feel rushed, but with a plan and some help, you can organize, pack, and clean your entire house in less than a week. Take it one day (and one room) at a time, and you’ll get it done.