Moving Day Tips for Last Minute-Moving: How to Move Quickly
With planning complete and boxes packed, moving day has arrived. These last-minute moving tips focus on ensuring the day goes smoothly.
1. Get Plenty of Sleep the Night Before
Aim for a full night’s sleep so you have the energy to lift, load, and clean without feeling exhausted. Go to bed early and avoid last-minute packing that can keep you up late.
2. Start Early
Begin loading the truck early in the morning to maximize daylight and take advantage of cooler temperatures. Early starts are especially helpful in the summer when midday heat can drain your energy.
3. Have Refreshments and Food on Hand
Moving is physically exhausting, even for those in great shape. Staying well-fed and well hydrated helps maintain momentum. Keep water, sports drinks, and snacks ready for yourself and any helpers, whether they’re friends or hired workers. Having sandwiches or a light meal prepared on hand also ensures you won’t need to stop the process for meal breaks.
4. Load the Truck Efficiently
Loading the truck takes strategy. Place heavier items such as appliances, mattresses, and sofas toward the front of the truck (closest to the cab) and on the bottom. Use vertical space by placing lighter boxes on top of furniture. Keep fragile boxes secure and avoid stacking heavy items on top of them. If you hired movers, communicate any special instructions, such as boxes that should be unloaded first.
5. Clean Your Home
A final clean demonstrates courtesy to the new occupants and can help you recover a rental deposit. Move-out cleaning doesn’t have to be exhaustive; focus on high-touch areas and visible surfaces:
Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and appliances
Vacuum or sweep floors
Clean bathrooms quickly: wipe sinks, toilets, and bathtubs
Dispose of trash and recycling
Tidy up rooms as you finish packing. Cleaning in small increments prevents an overwhelming workload at the end. Get the kids to pitch in, or consider hiring a house cleaner, if you’re pressed for time.
6. Do a Final Walk-Through
After everything is loaded, walk through each room, closet, and storage area. Check cupboards, drawers, and attic spaces to ensure nothing is left behind. Verify that windows are closed, lights are turned off, and doors are locked.
7. Double-Check Your List
Look over your moving checklist one last time. A quick review reduces the chance of overlooking a vital step like transferring your utility service or turning in your keys to your landlord.