Tips for Last-Minute Moves and Finding Housing Fast

Person carrying boxes.

In an ideal world, we always have plenty of time to organize, strategize, and prepare for a major life transition. But for one reason or another, that’s not always how things pan out. Sometimes it’s a positive development—like going away to college or transferring to a new job—or maybe time just got away from you. In any case, it can be stressful when you’re against the clock and there’s a deadline looming overhead.

Let the experts at Go Store It ease your fears and burdens a little with the following tips for moving on short notice, navigating the search for available homes, and how short-term storage could save you a few headaches in the meantime.

Moving on Short Notice

First and foremost, remain calm. If your head isn’t clear, then every subsequent task will be more difficult and stressful than necessary. Do you have anyone who can help you with the move? A few friends and family can often be requisitioned with some kind words and a promise of pizza. A quick online search may also reveal paid moving services you could book for appointment, if necessary.

Gather enough packing and moving supplies. This includes boxes, packing tape, markers for labels, and various tools to secure and reduce damage to your belongings—such as bubble wrap, packing popcorn, packing paper, and furniture protectors.

Unfortunately, you will need to abandon some less-than-essential items and organization sensibilities in lieu of practicality. When time is of the essence, it’s just important that it’s all packed; anything that you don’t want to keep can be donated or recycled.

Lastly, if you don’t have enough time to clean, hire some professionals to save yourself the commitment. Change your address as soon as possible, and let your various utility companies know you are transferring or cancelling services as appropriate for your situation. The timelines for these things likely won’t line up neatly, but it’s best to do it as soon as possible to minimize overlap.

Searching for a New Home

A quick and reliable means of finding a new home is hiring an agent or realtor to handle the work for you. They will locate all the available rental spaces near where you plan to move, as closely to your criteria as they can adhere. They can even do tours and video tours if you won’t be available to make the tour yourself.

If you’d prefer to do your own hunting, the internet has several esteemed databases that allow you to customize your search criteria. Services such as Zillow, Trulia, and Apartments.com, among others, let you search for home types, square footage, and included amenities. Alternatively, local availability can still be found in analog resources like newspapers and magazines.

For students, you may already have a dormitory or similar housing accommodation prepared, so your main concern would be whether you’ll need to utilize student storage as overflow for some of your items.

Save Yourself Some Stress with Self Storage

One of your most useful assets in a last-minute move is the availability of short-term storage units. Perfect whether you need space the size of a walk-in closet or a large garage, our drive-up and climate-controlled can help keep your belongings protected as you make your big move. Search for your location to find a Go Store It Self Storage facility nearest you.

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