Introduction
Life can throw many unexpected circumstances that can make a sudden move necessary. Moving homes at the best of times can be quite stressful and that can be even more daunting if it is not planned for. Unexpected moving can be made slightly less difficult with some quick preparation tips and suggestions provided below.
1. Planning and preparing a quick checklist
The first step is to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done. Putting it down will help you get a clear picture of the exact tasks that need to be sorted out. A checklist will help you keep track and check off tasks as they are completed. Preparing the checklist will be the first step to setting a workable timeline for a quick move.
Make an inventory of all your items that need to be packed and transported or placed into storage. If it is possible to do a quick declutter because it will reduce the amount of things you will need to pack. Tackling this job immediately will be one of the bigger tasks done, which will help you to plan the rest of the move accordingly. You will know exactly how much you have to take with you and start planning the packing and transport.
2. Storage and packing material
Normally when you have time to plan your move you can organise storage and packing material early, as well as the actual packing starting with non-essential items. When you are working on a quicker timeline you can follow the process of packing similar items together and labelling them clearly. Other than the essentials which can all be placed together, pack everything else away. Hiring packing materials and boxes, is not a difficult task these days and checking online will help you find a local service quickly. There are many self-storage facilities on offer across the UK and you will be able to find one that suits your requirements in your local area. Ask friends or family to help with packing so that the process is quick and not overwhelming for you. Workout a colour coding and labelling system so that everyone sticks to the same making it easier for you when it comes to unpacking.
3. Informing relevant parties
With others handling the packing process for you it will leave you with time to handle tasks like informing relevant parties such as household service providers, utility providers about a change in your billing and delivery address. If you are working then notify your workplace and your bank as well.
4. Booking temporary accommodation
If your move is so sudden that you have not had time to sort out proper accommodation then immediately look for accommodation options for a temporary relocation. There are many reputed online sites that list places that are on offer for short periods of time so that you should be able to find a place within your budget and specifications, without too much trouble.
5. Important items and documentation
Unlike with a well-planned move, when it is sudden or unexpected you do not have much time to plan things as methodically as you may have preferred. When rushed it is easy for items to become misplaced or lost. As soon as you know that you will be moving collect all your important items and documentation, such as birth certificates, passports and other such items of value and pack them and place them in a secure place or hand over to a trusted family member or friend for safe keeping till the move is completed. This will give you peace of mind that they are safe leaving you with less to worry about so that you can focus on other areas of the move.
6. Preparing the family
Moving is a stressful process at the best of times and when it is unexpected and can be even more so. As soon as you know that the move will be necessary inform and prepare any family members that will also be affected by the sudden change. Kids and elderly family too need time to adjust to the move and is best to answer any questions or concerns they may have so there are no misunderstandings. It will also help them feel more included in the entire process. If you have pets find temporary place for them to stay with either friends, family or a professional minder so that they are not unduly stressed by the changes happening around them. It will also reduce the risk of them getting hurt or lost amidst all the chaos of the move.
7. Consider hiring a moving service
To reduce some of the stress from an unexpected move it would be advisable to seek the help of professional movers. Movers offer their experience, expertise and equipment to make a move less stressful. Reputed moving companies will have their own fleet of vehicles so that the logistics will be managed for you without you having to worry about hiring vehicles or pestering friends and family for their vehicles. With the professional manpower your items will be moved and stored and transported to your new location with minimum hassle which is basically the bulk of the move sorted out.
Conclusion
Despite it being a stressful change with some preparation you can make an unexpected move less of a troublesome experience. Having a list of items to sort out will help you not miss out on any important areas that need to be attended to. Hiring professional movers will ensure that the actual moving and transporting of your goods will happen smoothly which goes a long way to reducing some of the stress. You could even enlist their help with packing if that is something you may not have time to handle on your own. Do whatever it takes to make the process easier for yourself.
Find a mover in your area and take a deep breath and allow yourself to embrace this new change in your life with enthusiasm and vigour.