Sometimes life gets in the way, and we have to alter our circumstances quickly and efficiently–moving on short notice is definitely one of the times. The additional stress that goes with this usually has to do with making what could be potentially costly arrangements on short notice. So, here are some tips you can keep in mind when you need to move quickly to make it as hassle-free as you can:
1. Send a Letter to Your Landlord
If your circumstances are not about being asked to leave, you want to get this communication as soon as possible to the rental office to avoid any additional rental fees. Find your lease first and read over it carefully so that you can make sure what the actual legal time frame is for you deliver your notice. That way, your wording will reflect your actual financial responsibilities. You can see a sample letter here to get an idea of what you should include in your correspondence.
2. Take the Essentials First
If you have a time frame of several days to move, then delegate your duties and take first what you are going to need for the next several days as opposed to the kitchen items you haven’t used in months. Most things we use each day can fit easily in your car while you are waiting for the rental truck to arrive. This includes packing the following items in your essentials box first:
- Bathroom essentials (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, blow dryer, comb and brush, deodorant, toilet paper, and other hygiene essentials)
- Technology devices for work or school
- Work clothes (for at least two days)
- Sleep time essentials (pillow, pajamas, blanket, and a set of sheets)
3. Turn off the Utilities
There are horror stories that renters tell about moving and then receiving a bill later from a place they have not lived for months for utility services from the tenant that moved in after them. That is why it is imperative that even if you are moving on short notice that if you were responsible for the utility bills then call the gas and electric company to turn the service off immediately. Then, make sure you include in your letter to your landlord that you had this done and on what date it was scheduled to occur. This absolves you of any responsibility for future utility bills.
4. Have a Moving Party
If you are tight with moving costs, then put a shout out on social media either in a private message or strictly a friend announcement (don’t make it public, that can be dangerous) to have your friends come over and fill up their cars with as much of your stuff as they can. Make it fun and top it off with a pizza party which is much cheaper than renting a big truck. If no one has a vehicle large enough for your furniture, then you will only have to rent a smaller truck to move the big stuff and save some money.
5. Hire Movers
If you’re moving on short notice, you may not think there’s enough time left to hire a moving company. However, as Imperial movers NYC points out, many moving companies offer last minute or same day moving services, especially during the off-season. Last minute movers can help you get your things packed and loaded onto a truck quickly, while still ensuring the safety of your belongings. It might cost you some money, but it’s worth helping you maintain your sanity.