Moving is rarely a walk in the park, but when you’ve got to do it with little to no notice? That’s a whole new level of stress. Whether it’s a sudden job transfer, a lease that didn’t get renewed, or a personal situation that forces you to relocate quickly, short notice moves can feel like organised chaos. But take a deep breath — with the right mindset and a few practical steps, you can get through it without losing your cool.
Here are some tips to help you manage a short-notice move, even if the clock is ticking.
1. Stay Calm and Make a Quick Plan
Panic is your worst enemy when time is tight. Instead, grab a notepad or open your phone’s notes app and write down everything that needs doing. Think of this as a mini-moving checklist. Focus on the essentials — booking a removalist, giving notice to your current landlord, collecting moving supplies, and letting utility providers know you’re moving.
2. Book a Professional Removalist ASAP
The earlier you lock in your moving team, the better. Many reliable companies book out fast, and that’s even more true when you’re on a tight timeline. Look for a local, trusted name with experience handling last-minute relocations.
They know the region, are familiar with tight schedules, and, most importantly, have the equipment and people to make things move quickly and safely. A good removalist can differentiate between a disaster and a smooth transition.
3. Start Decluttering Immediately
The less you have to move, the faster (and cheaper) the process will be. Go room by room and sort items into four piles:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Bin
Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it in the past year, there’s a good chance you don’t need it. This step not only lightens your load but also makes packing much easier.
4. Get Your Supplies Together
There’s no time to waste driving around looking for boxes. Hit up local shops or supermarkets and ask if they have spare cartons. Many will happily give them away. You’ll also need packing tape, bubble wrap, newspaper or towels for cushioning, and permanent markers for labelling.
Consider buying purpose-built moving boxes, especially for fragile or valuable items, if your budget allows. Some removalists rent out sturdy boxes and packing supplies to make things easier.
5. Pack Smart, Not Hard
This is the perfect time to focus on packing items that matter most. A solid tip? Work backwards — start with things you use the least. Think out-of-season clothing, books, décor, and kitchen gadgets you rarely use.
Label everything as you go, not just with the room it belongs in but also with a short list of contents. For example: “Kitchen – Plates, mugs, kettle.” It’ll save you loads of time when you’re unpacking later.
6. Ask for Help (and Accept It!)
This isn’t the time to go it alone. Friends, family, neighbours — even workmates — can be a huge help. Ask someone to help pack, clean, or entertain the kids while you sort things out.
Hiring professional packers might be worth it if nobody’s available or your move is particularly complex. For example, Butler’s Removals & Storage offers flexible packing services that can save you time and energy when you’re under the pump.
7. Sort Your Utilities and Change of Address
Updating their details is one of the most common things people forget during a short-notice move. Call your electricity, gas, water, and internet providers as soon as you know your new address. Most companies require at least 48 hours notice to schedule a connection or disconnection.
Don’t forget to redirect your mail and update your address with your bank, insurance provider, and ATO. Doing this early helps prevent missed bills and delays.
8. Clean As You Go
Leaving your old place clean is not just a matter of courtesy — it’s often a lease requirement. To avoid an all-nighter scrubbing floors the day before your move, clean each area as soon as it’s emptied.
Start with the least-used rooms, like spare bedrooms or storage areas. Doing this in stages helps break up the workload and saves you from feeling overwhelmed.
9. Give Yourself Some Grace
Short-notice moves are challenging. You’ll probably feel frazzled at some point — and that’s okay. Things might not go perfectly, and you might need to leave a few things behind. Be kind to yourself and focus on the big picture: you’re getting it done.
Celebrate small wins, like finishing a room or closing that last box. And don’t forget to rest when you can. Even short breaks can recharge your energy and help you stay on top.
Wrap It All Up With a Trusted Local Team
When it comes down to it, your moving day will be much easier if you’ve got the right help. Professional movers know how to handle last-minute jobs without stress. They can lift heavy furniture, protect your belongings, and get everything from A to B faster than you could do alone.
If you’re moving within Cairns or the surrounding area, you’ll want to go with someone who knows the local roads, traffic patterns, and weather quirks. That’s where a removalist Cairns team like Butler’s Removals & Storage shines. They’ve got the tools, the trucks, and the talent to help you move, even at the last minute, without breaking a sweat.
