Moving out on short notice is a very stressful and overwhelming process to find yourself in. As with any move, there are a lot of things to do, but not a lot of time to do it. However, if you can manage to keep a clear head, you can easily handle everything. All you need to know is how to approach everything properly and stay organized. But remember: you won’t have time to waste at any point during the process, so you need to be efficient. In order to help you out, we’ve put together a list of tips for organizing a short notice move in DC.

Start with a list and a timeline

The most important thing when organizing a short notice move in DC is a time and a list of tasks. However much time you have left until the move needs to be used efficiently, every day, until you’re ready to move it. The list should include things such as booking your movers, setting up utilities, changing your address, fully packing up your home, gathering important documents and so on. All of this needs to be before the move, so be sure to plan accordingly. If possible, try to set aside a day for specific tasks and do them in order. However, since packing is such a long process, you’ll have to set aside some time every day for packing as well. And while on the topic of packing, remember to get all of the supplies you need for packing as soon as possible, since without them you’ll get nowhere.

planner on table
Making a plan should be your first step in a short notice move.

Hire movers as soon as possible

DIY moves are difficult enough even when you have plenty of time to prepare. As such, hiring movers is going to be your best call for moving successfully, especially when it comes to a move in DC. However, because of your short timeline to get everything organized, you likely won’t have the time to properly research moving companies before deciding to hire them. Still, you should try to find reliable and trustworthy movers regardless. Local DC movers are probably your best choice, as they’re familiar with the area. So, remember, only rely on certified people when it comes to the safety of your belongings. And while you can never guarantee that everything will go smoothly, you can at least do a little bit of research to make sure you’re not getting scammed. Getting into a moving scam is the last thing you want regardless of the kind of move.

Label everything

Label all of your boxes is a good idea whether you’re going through a short notice move or not. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay organized in general, and finding organization where you can is vital. Knowing exactly where you put all of your belongings can be a real blessing when you’re rushing to do anything. As such, taking a little bit extra time to label boxes while packing is extremely worth it no matter what. During the move itself (and when you arrive in your new home) labeled boxes will save quite a few headaches. Additionally, if you find the time for it, you should familiarize yourself with the types of trucks for your relocation. While you might not have enough time, choosing the right one can save you a lot of pain regardless. Remember, in a short notice move, every little bit counts.

couple preparing for short notice move
Labeling your boxes properly will save you a lot of headaches.

Take advantage of good moving supplies

In a short notice move, you won’t have time to fuss over saving a bit of money on moving supplies. Yes, you’ll have to spend more, but getting moving supplies quickly and making sure they hold is more important. After all, since you won’t have as much time to properly organize all of your belongings, keeping them safe in other ways should be a priority. This is where brand-new storage supplies come in: new supplies are much better at keeping items safe than leftovers. Additionally, experts from Helix Transfer & Storage note that quality supplies are the best call during short notice moves. This is mainly because you don’t have to worry as much about keeping your belongings safe with brand new supplies. As such, you’re left with more time to focus on other things rather than just packing. Considering the situation, the tradeoff is very much worth it.

Try to keep a clear head

When it comes to organizing a short notice move in DC, panicking is your worst enemy. We realize that it’s very easy to get overwhelmed during this, especially depending on how short the timeframe is. However, compared to the mess that might come out of trying to do things while panicked, taking a moment to breathe in and calm down can help a lot. Sometimes, we all need to take a step back and reset before continuing to work. So, instead of rushing everything and causing unnecessary damage, relax and take a deep breath. Once you’re calm, take a look at your list of tasks (or what’s already been done) and fix any mistakes which might’ve been made. Everyone makes mistakes, so don’t get too stressed about it. And if your movers happen to make a mistake, look into filing a complaint as soon as possible.

woman leaning on cardboard box
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so remember to take a step back and calm down when it happens.

Tips for organizing a short notice move in DC – wrap up

Short notice moves are some of the most stressful experiences a human can go through. The process of organizing one can often devolve into a blind rush, and mistakes happen. However, if you can keep a clear head and make a plan, you can handle a short notice move without any issues whatsoever. At the end of the day, it comes down to planning properly and managing your time well. Also, trying to avoid being overwhelmed helps a lot. Feeling overwhelmed can easily lead to panic, which is when the biggest mistakes happen. So, take a few deep breaths, calm down, and start planning. We hope this list of tips for organizing a short notice move in DC is helpful, and we wish you good luck with your move.