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The Ultimate Guide to Moving Last Minute

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The Ultimate Guide to Moving Last Minute

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In an ideal situation, you would have plenty of time to organize your relocation plans. Preferably, you'll have three to four weeks to complete all the tasks and necessities of moving. The reality, however, is that a last-minute move is often unavoidable.

There are two main types of last-minute moves: those in which the time between when you find out you have to move and when the actual move takes place is short, and those in which you procrastinate just enough to find yourself staring at an empty house a few days before your hired movers are scheduled to arrive. In any case, you'll need to act quickly on these issues.

First, take a moment to relax and breathe deeply. Then, read on in this article and see some last-minute moving company recommendations we've compiled that should make the transition easier so you can get back to living life as soon as possible.

Last Minute Moving Companies

Relocating is a difficult experience for anyone, whether they are homeowners or renters. On top of that, when you only have a week less to prepare, the stress of relocating only increases. Hence, choosing a reliable moving company last minute is crucial to a smooth relocation. Short-notice moves are challenging, but the finest last-minute movers can make the process easier.

Here, you'll find a compilation of the finest last-minute moving services, along with detailed descriptions of what they offer and how much it typically costs to hire them. Find out what sets each moving company apart and hire the one that best suits your needs.

Anthony Ward Thomas Master Movers

Anthony Ward Thomas Master Movers is the last-minute moving company London service to call if you need to relocate quickly in the London area. For over twenty years, they've helped people and companies relocate all over the United Kingdom.

They have a round-the-clock booking service, so you can schedule any urgent last-minute moving help you need. In some cases, this might just mean moving a few small things, but in others, it might mean moving an entire household. They have skilled packers and rapid service, so your belongings will arrive at your new place in one piece and on time.

They have both long-term and short-term storage options, and their packers can quickly and easily put your things in containers and move them to a safe warehouse where you can get them whenever you want. Depending on the extent of your relocation, a price estimate can be given on the spot over the phone, and you can get started right away.

Services: Small moves, large removals, business moves, international removals, property services, packing materials, and storage services.

Location: London, United Kingdom

Anthony Ward Thomas Removals -- 141 Acton Ln, London NW10 7PB, United Kingdom
Opens 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Landline +44 207 038 0449


Tim's Last-Minute Moving

No matter how far you're relocating, Tim's Last Minute Moving gives you the same level of attention and efficiency. They appreciate your time and don't want to waste it by keeping you waiting. They are a dependable moving business and won't let you down by showing up late.

Allowing them to pack up your furniture and other belongings can greatly reduce the amount of tension you feel during the moving process. So that your things don't get damaged during transport, they have a team of people who pack and cushion everything with great care. As an added service, they will also disassemble and reassemble your furnishings and utilities at your old and new residences.

Services: Van services, truck services, and packing / loading / Off-loading services. 

Location: New York, United States

Tim's Last Minute Moving -- New York, United States
Opens 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Landline +1 718 277 2738


Piece of Cake Moving and Storage

Piece of Cake Moving and Storage is the only last-minute moving NYC service provider that offers on-demand relocation service around the clock, every day of the year. Their reliable processes, fair prices, and expert guidance will make sure that your move goes off without a hitch. Your entire move can be handled by them, or they can simply help you carry large items. The option is totally up to you.

They have one of the most secure transport vehicles on the East Coast, with GPS monitoring and other safety features, and they have all the necessary state and federal licenses, insurance, and accreditation. So, if something goes wrong, you can rest easy knowing that your things are safe. They also know how to move both vertical and horizontal pianos, as well as paintings and grandfather clocks, which are unique and expensive items.

Services: COI services, last-minute moves, 24/7 moving services, office and commercial moving, small moves, local residential moving, contactless moving, and long-distance moving, full packing, box and material delivery, storage services, plastic bin rental, wooden crate packing, fitness equipment moving, valuable items moving, piano moving, and furniture assembly.  

Location: New York, United States

Piece of Cake Moving and Storage -- 287 Park Ave S, New York, 10010
Opens 24/7 | Landline +1 718 277 2738


Last Minute Moving Tips

Most people who relocate do so with plenty of notice, giving them plenty of time to prepare. However, there are situations in which individuals simply cannot afford to take their time. When you factor in all the little things and the long list of chores that come with moving, you can easily spend a few weeks getting ready. To help you out, the following tips will help you prioritize the most critical aspects of your last-minute move, ensuring that you don't forget a thing even if you're pressed for time.

    • Choose your last-minute moving company wisely

Everything becomes urgently important and unthinkably challenging when you wait until the last minute to get it done. The sheer magnitude of the task at hand can leave one feeling helpless. Don't let the long list of things you need to do in preparation for relocating stress you out; instead, breathe deeply and start doing what you can right away.

First, decide whether to hire moving companies last minute or a self-move with a rented truck. The answer to this question will be determined by whether or not you intend to hire moving professionals. You probably won't have much time to look into hiring movers, so you can benefit from a resource like searching for a directory of "last-minute moving companies near me" to quickly discover a list of reliable movers in your area.

Getting truck rental quotes from multiple businesses will help you choose the best one for your needs. Once you've settled the details of your move, you'll be able to focus on other aspects of your move.

    • Create a strategy for your upcoming relocation

The next step is to plan out what you'll accomplish in the days leading up to moving day after you've hired last-minute moving services or rented a truck. Create a moving checklist as a starting point. Make a note of what needs doing and make an inventory.

Next, prioritize these responsibilities based on how much time remains before the transfer, sorting them into those that must be completed today, those that can wait until next week, and those that can't be put off until the last few days. Include the tasks that must be completed on relocation day in your preparations. Keep a notepad handy and add to the list as you think of things to do.

A moving plan will be an incredible asset. Knowing what is necessary and when can alleviate some of the worry and tension associated with a rushed relocation.

    • Make sure you have a go-bag full of relocation essentials

A small duffle bag containing the items you can't afford to lose in the mayhem of moving should be set aside before you begin packing. Everything from your chargers and daily toiletries to any necessary medicines and possibly an extra set of clothes is perfectly acceptable.

Doing this is a good idea regardless of whether you're moving quickly or not; however, it becomes even more crucial when you're in a rush. After you have your travel essentials suitcase ready, you can move on to the next step, which is packing.

    • Purge your home of unnecessary items

Packing will be simpler if you have fewer items to bring along. So, eliminate the clutter from your home or apartment by going through each room, cabinet, and closet and removing the things you no longer need or want. Put them in three piles: those to give, those to recycle, and those to throw away.

Focus on functionality, not sentimentality. If you're moving quickly, it's even more important to reduce your belongings to their most essential ones. Keep in mind that you may not want something once you unload it and realize it wasn't necessary to bring it with you. Before the transfer, it's much easier to organize these things so that you can focus on what's truly important.

    • Use dishwasher-safe containers when packing plates and glasses

The dishes, glasses, and silverware in your home are some of your most prized possessions. Using containers that can go in the dishwasher is the best way to ensure that these valuable items will make it to their new house in one piece.

If you have a good amount of glassware to move but don't want to shell out the cash for new plastic boxes, you can always grab some additional containers to use. Not only are these useful for packaging fragile items that might otherwise be damaged in transit, but they also help keep your belongings neat and tidy. Just remember to identify each box with its contents to avoid any confusion when unpacking at your new place!

Last Minute Moving Truck Rental

You can save money by renting a moving van instead of hiring an expensive last-minute moving service. There are a lot of ways to save money when renting a moving truck. Unlimited mileage packages and ongoing discounts are just two of them. If you can prepare, load, and drive a moving truck yourself, you can surely save a lot of money.

But picking the most affordable last-minute moving truck service from the many that are out there may seem like a hard task. Fortunately, we have conducted in-depth research on the best moving truck rental companies in New York and London.

U-Haul

U-Haul's vehicles, extra services, and packing materials are all offered at reasonable prices. Aside from this, the prices you pay for the services you select from U-Haul are customizable.

When you rent a vehicle from U-Haul, you can add several useful extras to make the experience more to your liking. U-Haul has a website called Moving Help where people can acquire extra services like storage, packing supplies, and last-minute help moving with packing and loading. When making an online reservation, the company will ask if you would like any of these upgrades.

The U-Haul mobile app allows you to schedule a pick-up at your convenience 24 hours a day and use the company's streamlined booking process to choose from numerous convenient locations. U-Haul has one of the biggest selections of optional extras, in addition to a wide range of truck sizes.

Services: Moving truck rental, moving boxes & supplies, and trailer rental.

Location:  New York, United States

U-Haul Moving and Storage -- 394 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States
Opens 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Landline +1 718 237 2893


Penske

While Penske's truck rental rates are higher than those of rivals like U-Haul, the company's fleet of low-emission trucks is among the best in the business. They also frequently offer discounts and offers that can help you save money.

With Penske, you can customize your truck rental experience with a range of convenient add-ons. Help with moving work, access to vehicle towing, and storage facilities are all part of this package. Penske also provides a roadside assistance plan in case of breakdowns or other emergencies on the road.

Services: Towing equipment, moving boxes & supplies, self-storage rentals, moving labor, shell fuel rewards, quicken loads, and general moving services.

Location:  Queens, New York

Penske Truck Rental -- 32-01 Greenpoint Ave, Queens, NY 11101, United States
Opens 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Landline +1 718 706 7611


Enterprise

Enterprise, best known for its vehicle rental services, now also rents out moving trucks, offering customers one of the most comprehensive selections of truck sizes, competitive prices, and round-the-clock roadside assistance. Enterprise, unfortunately, restricts its services to local relocations and provides fewer optional extras than the competition.

Four different damage and emergency protection plans are available from Enterprise when you hire a truck from them. The least expensive plan, known as Damage Waiver (DW), absolves renters of responsibility for accidental damage to the rented vehicle. For a higher price, customers can purchase Enterprise's Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP), which includes services like key replacement, punctured tire repair, and battery jump-starts.

Enterprise only assists with local moves, but they have a wide variety of truck types and sizes to choose from so you can hire the perfect truck for your needs. Competitive rates, no extra fees for miles driven, and all-inclusive coverage for your vehicle's contents are all features of Enterprise's rental services.

Services: Car rentals and car sales

Location:  Brooklyn, New York

Enterprise Rent-A-Car -- 266 McGuinness Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States
Opens 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Landline +1 718 349 7100


Last Minute Moving Checklist

You shouldn't completely ignore the basics of moving, even if this is a last-minute plan. In reality, if you're short on time, a moving checklist becomes even more crucial. Keeping track of all the tasks involved in moving can be overwhelming, but with a carefully curated and prioritized checklist, you can rest easy knowing that you have everything covered and are on track to meet your goals.

Get things done one at a time and cross them off the list as you go during the moving process. Do your research and look for "last-minute moving help near me" to acquire a list of moving companies in your area. If you don't want to leave anything behind, make a distinct packing list. Keep in mind that consistency and realism are the keys to your last-minute moving success.

    • Obtain the necessary packaging materials

This piece of advice may seem self-evident, but you won't be able to progress if you're caught without packing supplies. Avoid frantic last-minute packing and moving supply hunting by storing everything you need in one convenient location.

Keep all packing materials together, including tape, scissors, and extra filling for boxes. Moreover, labelling your boxes beforehand will help you and your carriers identify what's inside when you get to your new place.

    • Give notice

It makes sense that you would be worried about moving plans since moving can stress out even the most laid-back people. Just make sure to inform your landlord and housemates of your move. They need to begin the search for a new renter immediately.

If you're a renter, you should check your contract again to make sure you understand the specifics of how to terminate it, such as the necessary number of days' notice.

    • Notify your utility providers of your recent location change

If you have already chosen a new residence, you should update your mailing information and decide on a date to begin mail forwarding as soon as possible. The same goes for your credit card companies and your bank; double-check that they have your updated billing information and that you have informed them of your move.

It's important to let your cable and utility providers know as soon as possible that you're moving. You should, of course, arrange to keep the utilities on in your previous place until the day you plan to leave.

    • Clean the Old House

Check your bags, drawers, and cabinets one last time before you leave. Get rid of everything in the fridge and freezer. See if anything has been forgotten in the laundry or dryer. To ease the burden of final cleaning, it is advised to enlist the services of expert housekeepers.

If you are a renter, it is a modest price to pay to get your security deposit back quickly. Repairing unsightly nail or screw wall holes caused by hanging artwork is another step you can take to ensure you receive your entire security deposit back. Modest improvements often have a significant impact.

Last Minute Moving And Storage

You've just experienced a major life transition at the last minute. So, a self-storage unit is an urgent necessity. Always ensure, though, that you go with a reputable storage facility.

Even if you don't have anything particularly valuable to store, it's best to go with a storage company that has a solid reputation for dependability, just in case. To help you out, below are some moving companies that offer last-minute storage units with great reviews.

Vanguard Self Storage

Moving and storage

At Vanguard Self Storage, they take the safety of your valuables very seriously. That's why they've gone to such great lengths to guarantee the safety and security of your belongings at their Central London storage sites.

Your possessions will be safe with their 24-hour video surveillance, intruder and alarm systems, and sturdy access security control with individually fire-alarmed units. To add to your peace of mind, they perform constant environmental monitoring in their storage location to guarantee the long-term safety of your belongings.

Services: Self-storage services

Location: Port Chester, New York

Vanguard Self Storage -- 123 Oak St, Port Chester, NY 10573, United States
Opens 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Landline +1 914 939 0500


PODS

Moving and storage

You shouldn't have to look any further than PODS if you need a quick and dependable last-minute moving or storage option. In addition to offering three distinct storage container shapes and sizes to accommodate any of your belongings during storage and transport, as well as prompt and dependable shipment of your storage and moving containers, they also assist with transporting your personal items across town or across the country.

Storage services from PODS are also offered in 48 other countries, including Canada and Australia. With PODS, you can put your worries about moving and storage out of your mind and concentrate on dealing with your situation.

Services: On-site self-storage, storage unit facilities, packing and loading assistance, car shipping, boxes and moving supplies, move-in services, logistics solutions, local moving, and long-distance moving.

Location: Armonk, New York

PODS Moving & Storage -- 94 Business Park Dr, Armonk, NY 10504, United States
Opens 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Landline +1 877 770 7637


Moving Last Minute FAQs

In most cases, relocating is not something we decide to do on the spur of the moment, much less when we are under extreme time pressure. Nonetheless, if you are planning a last-minute move, you may find the frequently asked questions (FAQs).

How Do I Move At The Last Minute?

You must compile a plan regardless of the proximity to or distance from your destination. In times of confusion or distress, you can refer to this as your go-to guide. An anchor that maintains composure and keeps you moving forward.

How Do I Move On Short Notice?

Short-notice relocation preparation requires a detailed to-do list and schedule. You only have a limited amount of time to complete everything, so you must remain on track. Make a to-do list of everything that needs to be done before, during, and after the relocation. Make sure to schedule your relocation, arrange for utility hookups, and pack all of your belongings. Create a time-sensitive list of tasks in order of importance, and cross them off as you complete them.

How Do You Move in 24 Hours?

We're not saying you can't move in less than a day on your own, but getting some assistance will certainly make things simpler. To accomplish this, you can round up your pals, hire a moving business, or rent a vehicle from a storage unit.

How Do You Move In in One Day?

A move can be organized and ready to go in as little as 24 hours, despite common perception to the contrary. It's not easy, but it is possible, and through the checklist and tips we've mentioned above, you can do it step by step.

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