How to Move in One Day

“I have a new job opportunity and need to relocate by next week. What should I do?”

This is a scenario in which many people find themselves in when they have been presented with a great opportunity but not given enough time to prepare. Moving in one day is possible, but it requires planning months or even weeks in advance.

The following are ways you can prepare for a move in one day.

Make Sure You Can Move on Such Short Notice

It would be best to make sure that the reasons for needing to relocate urgently are worth taking such drastic action. You might be moving due to unemployment, underemployment, or because you want to further your career. Some people also move because they’re forced to, such as when a spouse is transferred.

This short-notice relocation usually doesn’t come with any financial aid, so make sure that the additional expenses of moving in one day (i.e., packing supplies, transportation costs) are worth it to you before you proceed.

Find out if your company offers any form of moving assistance. If they don’t – why not? Can you negotiate a relocation package?

In cases where you are moving for better work opportunities, make sure that these do exist. Don’t move for a company that is going to fold in a month because the economy isn’t stable enough. If your spouse has been transferred, find out if they have also been given an official transfer letter or just verbal orders.

Also See: Job Relocation Guide

Pack the Essentials

It would be best to pack up your most important belongings as soon as possible. You will not have time to pack them once you get the acceptance letter for the new job opportunity, especially if you are moving far away. Make sure that you pack clothing, toiletries, identification papers (including your birth certificate and social security card), your work laptop, documents (i.e., contracts you’ve signed with clients or customers), medication, important phone numbers (like family members’ contact details) and any other items which you deem worthy of bringing with you.

Pack the most important items first, even if you have to cut short on some of the other items. Once these are out of the way, pack your remaining belongings as quickly as possible so that they don’t pile up and disorganize your move in one day.

Find a Way to Move Your Stuff

This might not be too difficult if you are moving across the city. However, if you are moving to another country or continent, finding a way to transport your belongings will be much more complicated.

You should make sure that whatever method of transportation you use is dependable and safe for your belongings. This means that if you’re hiring movers, you should look for a company that has been in the business for a long time and does not have any complaints filed against them.

Additionally, if you’re moving your belongings on your own, you should make sure that your mode of transportation is safe as well. Do not rent a car if you don’t know how to drive it safely, for example.

Also Read: How to Move a Stove

Find a Place to Stay

Once you have your important belongings packed and moved, you should look for a place to stay while you search for a new home. You might be moving in one day, but that doesn’t mean that it has to feel like an emergency where you sleep on park benches or hotel rooms.

Remember to consider your budget. Suppose you’re moving from a relatively expensive city to a more affordable one. In that case, you might be able to cut down on the cost of your accommodations by staying with friends or family members while looking for a place of your own to live in.

This is also an excellent way for you and any family members who might be with you to get acclimated to your new area.

See Also: Long Distance Move On A Budget

Find a New Place to Call Home

Once you’ve found out where you will stay in the meantime, it’s time to look for a permanent place in which you will live. You don’t want your move in one day to turn into an extended stay.

Renting is a common option when moving in one day, especially for people who are temporarily staying in the area (i.e., their spouse has been transferred). You don’t want to have to deal with a prolonged legal battle when you’ve been looking for somewhere to stay in the meantime. Ensure that you know your rights as a tenant and what recourse you have if your landlord mistreats you or breaks an agreement with you.

Buying a house is also an option, especially if you’re moving from one city to another and plan on staying in your new home long-term. In this situation, it might be worthwhile renting out your old property or selling all of your belongings, as this will make the transition much easier.

Also Read: How to Throw a Housewarming Party

Few Mistakes to Avoid When Moving in One Day

There are three main mistakes you should avoid when moving in one day. First, don’t forget to contact your utility providers (power, internet, etc.) well before moving out of your old place. You might need them to switch off the services or change the address they’re sending bills to.

Secondly, never burn bridges behind you by vandalizing or trashing your old place. This might make you feel good at the time, but it could come back to haunt you if potential landlords (or even employers) look you up online and see that you did this to a former residence.

Finally, don’t leave any loose ends untied. You don’t want to be stuck with any bills or fines, and you definitely don’t want to deal with criminal charges for breaking a lease if your old landlord decides to pursue them. You should ensure that all of your financial and legal affairs are in order before deciding this.

Conclusion

Moving in one day can be a daunting task, but if you plan and follow these steps, you’ll be able to relocate without any major problems. Remember to take your time and don’t try to do everything at once–that’s how mistakes are made. Enjoy your new home!

Also Read: How to Move on a Short Timeline

FAQs

How much does it cost to move in one day?

The price of moving in one day will vary depending on several factors. If you’re using a moving company, they’ll be able to provide you with an estimate based on your location and the size of your home. However, if you’re doing everything yourself (or by yourself), it will just be the cost of gas and your time.

Why would someone want to move in one day?

There are many reasons why someone might need to move in one day, including work transfers, school transfers, new relationships (marriage/babies), and financial hardships. No matter your reason for wanting to be out of a home in one day, it’s important that you plan so that everything goes smoothly.

What are the steps for moving in one day?

There are five main steps to take when planning to move in one day. First, set a budget. Then, start looking for somewhere to stay temporarily. Next, start packing your belongings into boxes and loading them into your car. When you’re at your new temporary dwelling, empty your boxes and unpack everything. Finally, find a permanent place to live and make sure all your old utilities are shut off or changed over to your new address.

Also Read: Why Is Moving So Stressful?

What if I can’t find somewhere to stay in one day?

If you can’t find somewhere to stay and can’t afford a hotel room on your budget, start looking for free things. This could include staying with friends or family, staying in your car after it’s packed full of your belongings (with the engine off), or even sleeping at your old home if no one is living there.

How are utilities moved in one day?

Utilities can be moved in one day, but this ultimately depends on the company. Some companies will allow you to move your utilities over to your new home before moving out of your old place, while others require that you have already vacated the premises. Before moving out, you must verify this information with your old and new landlords to ensure nothing goes wrong.

Written by
Alex Sherr

Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.