How to Organize a Last Minute Move on a Budget

When looking to organize a budget-friendly relocation, you usually have to invest a lot of time and energy in return. But what to do when you do not have enough time? Do not worry - there are many things you can do to organize a last-minute move on a budget.

Splitting the work with movers is the best way to organize a last-minute move on a budget

There are many paths you can take when organizing a move. You can arrange a DIY move, hire a professional moving service, or do something in between. What you should opt for mostly depends on your financial capacity. However, in this situation, time is a factor as well. A DIY move is the cheapest option, for sure. However, it is not particularly safe when you need to organize a DIY relocation on short notice because of the complexity of the process and short timeframe.

On the other hand, full moving service is the most convenient option, but it is not the most budget-friendly one. Therefore, the best solution when organizing a last-minute relocation on a budget is to do part of the work on your own and hire professionals for the most challenging aspects of the move like loading, transportation, and unloading.

Split the work with your movers – that is the best way to do it.

Calculate your moving budget 
Finding a moving company on short notice is not easy. That is why it is essential to start searching as soon as possible. However, you need to do a few more things before you hire movers. First, you need to calculate your moving budget. How will you hire movers and organize everything else if you do not know your limits? You will not need more than an hour to do it. Start now.

Get rid of excess items fast
The weight of your moving inventory plays a significant role in the cost of your move. Of course, since you are tight on time, you do not have to organize a complete decluttering of your home. However, if you take a few hours, you can get rid of many useless items that would only complicate your move and increase the costs. If you have enough time, you can even try to sell your excess things to add to your budget. Look for a used item retailer in your neighborhood, for example. If not, call a charity organization or recycle.

Create an inventory before you start searching for movers
Once you get rid of the junk, you can take an hour or two to make a moving inventory list. A list of your items is essential. It will provide your residential movers with enough information so they can give you a precise moving estimate. Otherwise, they would have to come to your place to do an on-site estimate, which usually takes a lot of time.

Moreover, since you are moving on a budget, you want to get estimates from several different moving companies to find the best offer. And the only way you can get estimates from several movers quickly is through the internet. A moving inventory list will also allow you to precisely calculate the number of boxes that you will need to acquire. And you will use it to check your items and boxes after delivery.

In your situation, it is very important to make a moving inventory list.

Get quotes from several moving companies to compare
Now it’s time to start searching for moving companies like Big Boy Movers but in the event you are moving on short notice, you probably do not have time to do some proper research. So you could be in great danger of hiring some unreliable or even fraudulent movers. Luckily, on databases such as bestcrosscountrymovers.com, you can find reliable moving companies from around the country in a matter of minutes. And you can ask them for quotes! Of course, first, check their services. Once you receive their offers, compare and pick the best one.  

Get packing supplies
If you hired a moving company, the only thing left to do now is pack before they arrive. Of course, first, you need to get packing supplies. But be careful; you do not have time or money to make a mistake here. Use that inventory list as a reference and calculate the exact number of supplies you need.

You can get around your neighborhood and look for free moving boxes if you have enough time. Your local grocery shops, bookstores, or liquor stores certainly have some excess boxes that they would gladly get rid of for free. Still, whether you are getting free moving boxes or buying packing supplies from your movers, remember that you will also need bubble wrap, packing tape, garbage bags, and labels for boxes with fragile items.

Calculate the exact number of boxes you will need.

Pack before movers arrive
This is, unfortunately, the most challenging part of your move. So, if you can, get some help. You will need it, at least for heavy and bulky items. Nevertheless, there are a few things to keep in mind while packing for the move.

Pack one room at a time. This will speed up the packing process as well as simplify unpacking. Fill up your boxes so the items inside cannot move but be careful not to overweigh them. Add additional packing tape to the bottom of the box if you are not sure.

Be careful how you pack fragile items and label those boxes properly. Add additional plastic sheets over your boxes if it’s raining. And that is it. If you are organized and swift, you will not need more than a day or two to pack your household. If you are not sure you will make it, you can always hire a packing service to help.

Final thoughts
That is all you need to know if you want to organize a last-minute move on a budget. As you can see, you will need at least two days if you are packing on your own. If you hire professional packers, you can cut that time in half. However, that mostly depends on your moving budget.