Sometimes, a move cannot be avoided. Many circumstances may occur that require us to move house on short notice.

This could be because of:

While house moves are stressful, moving quickly maybe even more stressful. However, moving house at the last minute is possible—as long as you are organized.
​

​You won’t have as much time to plan, but you should still plan accordingly. Consider things wisely and organise everything to the best of your ability. This will save you time and money in the long run. One of the first things you should do is hire a reliable and reputable removal company. It would be best to research the companies in your area to find the best one for your needs.

Once you have found a reputable man and van company and have a moving date, you can prepare for your last-minute removal. Moving at short notice can be stressful, but these tips may help you remain stress-free.

Whilst we know this isn’t always possible, you should give your removal service at least 4-6 weeks before your move or completion date if possible. If your move will be sooner, you will need to see what dates movers have available. Some may have some last-minute slots available.

Try the quieter periods, as these bookings will be less competition. Certain days or months see fewer moves, so a company may be able to fit you in. Midweek moves during the day are a good choice, as fewer people move then, and you can avoid the rush hour and weekend traffic. However, Sunday is also known to be a day people won’t choose to move house, so you may find time slots available then, too!

Make sure you compare quotes before making your decision. If you're making a last-minute move, you may be able to snap up a cancellation instead of paying extra because of the urgency. Fridays are very busy, so I will book quickly to avoid this day. Choosing a removal company is easy with a bit of research.

A simple plan should see you well. Make a moving house checklist and determine what needs to be moved and what you can throw away, donate, or sell. Why move items that you no longer want?

You should also list important moving jobs, such as changing your address and arranging your utilities.

With a plan, you can manage your time more effectively. You can pack room by room and be ruthless when choosing what to keep.

You can start as soon as you know you will be moving as soon as possible. You can pack yourself, but some removal companies offer a packing service as an extra expense. If you choose a company offering this, they will arrive before the day of your move and professionally pack everything for you before returning on a moving day.

You should also consider putting some items into a storage unit you may not need immediately. Please pack these items and move them to your self-storage unit until you need them. Only the essentials go to your new home until you are settled. By reducing the items you need to move, you may find it easier to book a removal company!

Don’t hesitate to ask friends and family to help you move. They will know how stressful it is and will gladly help you. If you have children or pets, you could even ask them to help care for them during the day of the move.

A last-minute move often means that some things get forgotten. It can be easy to forget the essentials, such as gas, electricity, water, and even the internet. These are all things you will want at the new property, so you will want to ensure these accounts are set up as soon as possible.

It is easy to panic in this situation. The worst thing you can do is panic, though. Try not to let things overwhelm you. Plan ahead, make lists and take advice. Make sure you also take some time for yourself where you can. By remaining calm, researching, and planning ahead, you can save time and money.