The Complete Guide to Last-Minute Moving: How to Handle a Short Notice Move

Sometimes life throws you a curveball. Whether it's a sudden job change, a family emergency, or a home sale that happened faster than expected, you don't always have months to plan your move. Moving is already one of the most stressful events a person can experience—and a last-minute move can add even more pressure.

Don't panic. At Two Small Men, we've helped countless clients move with short notice, and we've compiled our best tips for pulling off a successful last-minute move.

Step 1: Book Your Movers First

When you realize you need to move quickly, the first thing to do is book your moving company. Once you've done this, you'll feel more organized because you'll know the exact date and time everything needs to be ready. Larger moving companies like Two Small Men have more trucks, more staff, and therefore more chances someone will be available on your preferred moving day.

Pro tip: If you can move between the 4th and 24th of the month, you may be able to take advantage of mid-month discounts—up to $30 per hour off your move.

Step 2: Use a Moving Checklist

This may sound counter-intuitive when you're short on time, but a checklist is even more essential during a last-minute move. It takes about 95% of the guesswork out of your planning, allowing you to save your energy for the move itself. Find a checklist that describes your move, cross out what you don't need, and power through your preparations from there.

Step 3: Handle Administrative Tasks Right Away

When you're focused on packing, it's easy to forget about things that need to be booked or scheduled in advance. Set aside time early to handle these essential tasks:

• Switch your utilities (electricity, water, gas) to your new address

• Forward your mail through Canada Post

• Schedule internet and cable installation

• Book elevators if moving into or out of an apartment building

• Update your address with banks, subscriptions, and government services

Step 4: Get Packing Supplies Quickly

When you have time to plan, you can gather free boxes from stores and collect newspapers for padding. But when moving on short notice, consider how long gathering supplies will take. Many moving companies sell complete packing bundles that come with everything you need—boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. These kits can save you from a midnight panic when you realize you're out of packing tape.

Step 5: Pack Efficiently

You have more stuff than you think. Start packing as soon as you can and follow these tips for efficient packing:

• Pack room by room to stay organized

• Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room

• Put everything you can into boxes—things that can't be boxed should at least be bagged

• Consider hiring packing services if you're overwhelmed

Step 6: Downsize Ruthlessly

Here's the silver lining of a last-minute move: there's no time to second-guess yourself. Be ruthless about what you really want to keep. Moving everything and dealing with downsizing later will cost more time, money, and energy. Designate a donation pile, a junk pile, and a sell pile, and hold yourself accountable.

Step 7: Create an Essentials Box

Even when taking shortcuts elsewhere, you must create an essentials box with things you need for your first night and day in your new home:

• At least two changes of clothes

• Toiletries, toilet paper, and paper towels

• Phone charger and essential electronics

• Medications

• Snacks and water

• Important documents (ID, health cards, lease/purchase papers)

Keep this box in your vehicle rather than sending it in the moving truck.

Step 8: Do a Final Walk-Through

When rushing to pack, it's easy to forget about that closet in the basement no one ever opens. Before the movers arrive, do a thorough walk-through:

• Check all rooms including closets, cabinets, and storage areas

• Review items you're leaving behind to ensure nothing important is there

• Confirm with movers that everything you want has been loaded

Step 9: Clean After You're Empty

Wait until you're completely moved out to clean. Dust and debris hide in dark corners, and cleaning room by room after the house is empty ensures nothing gets missed. Take photos for your records of the condition you left your old home in. If cleaning feels overwhelming after a last-minute moving frenzy, consider hiring a cleaning service.

A last-minute move will be stressful, but following these steps can save you energy and prevent major headaches. Need to book movers for your short-notice move? Reach out to Two Small Men—with over 30 years of experience, we're equipped to handle the extra challenges of rushed moves. Get your free moving estimate today!