You’ve got days—maybe hours—to move, and no time for perfect plans.
That’s okay, because this isn’t your average moving checklist telling you to sip tea while color-coding boxes.
You’re in survival mode — trying to pack up your life yesterday while still showing up for work, feeding the dog, and pretending everything’s under control. And we’ll treat it as such.
So, whether you’re relocating for a new job, dealing with an unexpected lease ending, or just wildly underestimated how fast moving day came — this guide is for you.
A real person under pressure, who needs practical reminders of what you can’t afford to forget right now instead of fluffy, abstract tips.
Let’s get into it.
1. Don’t underestimate the packing time
You think, “I’ve only got clothes and a laptop,” but wait until you see how fast it adds up.
Chargers, notebooks, toiletries, those 12 mugs you forgot you bought… It’s always more than it looks.
The point is: It’s easy to underestimate how much time it takes to pull everything together when you’re in a rush.
Luckily, that’s something last minute movers NYC can help you with—saving time while doing the heavy lifting. So you can focus on getting the small but crucial stuff together.
2. Prioritize the stuff you’ll actually use in the next 72 hours
Your priority is packing a “life” bag”—laptop, chargers, two outfits, meds, toiletries, and maybe your coffee setup if you’re that person.
Basically, pack anything that keeps your day-to-day rolling.
This matters even more if you’re moving midweek (or during your lunch break while working from home) and trying to squeeze relocation between meetings—
Because, trust us, you don’t want to show up at your new place only to realize the Wi-Fi router is still at the old one, and your next Zoom call starts in 30 minutes.
So yeah, don’t be that person. Pack smart and pack like you’re going to live out of that bag for the next three days — because you probably will.
3. Label your boxes like a real person will be unpacking them (a.k.a. you, exhausted, at 11 p.m.)
Don’t just write “Kitchen” or “Misc.” — that’s code for “open me last and hate your life.”
Be specific: “Plates & cutlery—top drawer,” “Pantry snacks—open first,” “Bedroom—nightstand stuff.”
Also, if you’re using last-minute movers, this helps them place boxes more accurately too — so you’re not lifting boxes off the bathroom floor to find your toaster.
4. Take photos of your old space (and new space, just in case)
If you’re renting, it’s always a good idea to take photos of your old space to document any potential damage. This way, you won’t risk losing your security deposit due to something you didn’t cause.
Similarly, taking pictures of your new place — especially if you’re dealing with things like utility meters, appliance conditions, or furniture setups — can save you headaches later.
5. Don’t forget to clean your old space
Cleaning is often the last thing on your mind during a move, especially when you’re working with a tight timeline.
But leaving behind a messy apartment could cause problems with your landlord or the next tenant.
At least give the place a quick sweep and wipe down —it’ll leave a good impression and make sure you get that deposit back.
6. Don’t forget to update your address and subscriptions
You’ve got to update your address everywhere: The post office, banks, subscriptions, and other services you use.
If you’re in a rush, it’s easy to forget this, but it can cause issues down the line (e.g., missed bills, late fees, etc.). So, set a 15-minute timer and knock it out in one go.
Also, think beyond just these basics.
Meal kits, loyalty programs, pet supply deliveries — even your online shopping accounts need updating.
Otherwise, your next Amazon package might end up sitting on your old doorstep.
7. Make sure utilities are set up ahead of time
Even if you don’t have a lot of time, try to make sure your water, electricity, and internet are set up ahead of time.
‘Cause, trust us, nothing kills a first night in a new place faster than realizing you have no Wi-Fi and a half-empty fridge.
By calling utilities before you move in, you’ll know the basics, like whether your power’s on and when you can expect Wi-Fi to be ready.
8. Plan your first meal — or you’ll end up eating chips on a box
You think you’ll “just order something,” but moving day hunger hits different.
Your kitchen stuff’s in boxes. Your brain is fried. Delivery might take ages if you’ve moved to a new area.
So, plan for one easy meal — even if it’s just frozen pizza and a six-pack. Better yet, put it in a separate bag and toss it into a cooler for the ride.
It’s small, but it’s the kind of thing that turns a chaotic day into a manageable one.
9. BONUS: Prep for your pet’s panic (if you have one)
If you think moving is stressful, know that for your pets, it’s downright terrifying.
They don’t know what’s happening, and suddenly their whole world smells weird.
So, make sure their leash, food, toys, meds, and a cozy blanket or bed are packed in an easy-to-reach bag.
Set them up in a quiet room during the move to keep them calm.
Conclusion
That’s nine solid reminders to keep your move from going totally off the rails — and we’re leaving the 10th spot open for you.
If you’ve ever pulled off a last-minute move (or barely survived one), what’s the one tip you swear by?
Drop it in the comments or send it our way — because when chaos hits, the best advice often comes from someone who’s been through it.
