You’ve just found out you’ve been hired for the job of your dreams. The only catch is that it’s halfway across the country, and they want you to report to work in two weeks. Here are tips on how to pull off this residential move in style.
Don’t Panic. Make a Plan Instead.
Rather than panicking, use your energy constructively to strategize about how to accomplish this task. Carefully assess what is required, divide it into tasks, and establish a timeline. Check items off as you complete them.
Pre-Pack
Begin to pre-pack items you seldom use as soon as possible; aim for several boxes a day as soon as the move seems likely. As you pack, purge items you don’t need or use anymore. Be sure to use quality boxes; otherwise, the different sized boxes won’t fit efficiently into the truck or, worse, fall apart as they are put in the truck.
Research and Choose a Mover
Ask friends to recommend movers. Some movers specialize in last-minute moves. Interview at least five movers to find a good one and increase the chances that a top mover will have a slot for you. Check their references and verify their license and insurance. Book your date as soon as you can.
Consider Hiring Out
Often people underestimate how long packing can take and overestimate how much hiring packers might cost. Obtain an estimate from your mover on packing to determine whether paying for this service makes sense, particularly given your time constraints. In some regions, you can hire moving coordinators to handle the details of your move. You might also consider enlisting help from friends to pack or provide child care while you do so.
Find Housing in Your New Location
You’ll want to find a new home as quickly as possible. Knowing the layout of your new home will help you determine what to keep and discard, as well as in labeling which room you’d like the box to be delivered to.
Often in a short-notice move, you are unable to find the perfect apartment or home. Instead, you may live temporarily in an apartment or with family. If this is your plan, you’ll need to choose a storage facility or have your mover store your items. You’ll also want to mark and separate those items that will go into storage from those that will go with you.
Stay Focused
Commit to staying focused on the task at hand so that you don’t become overwhelmed. Follow your checklist and timeline. When unforeseen challenges occur, remind yourself about that new job that’s waiting for you at your new home. That will help you remember that all this effort was worth it.
Take Care of Yourself
Because your time is so limited, you may be tempted to skip meals and run on short sleep until the move occurs. However, this is the time when you need to be at your best. Eat well-balanced, scheduled meals, get seven to eight hours of sleep a night, and take a break and do something fun to reward yourself when you’ve accomplished one of your tasks.
Long Distance Movers
Do you need the help of a pro mover? We can assist with your long-distance relocation. Contact us today for a quote.