Normally, people plan their NYC move well in advance to give themselves enough time to get through all of the tasks, including organizing and packing. However, sometimes things don’t always go as planned, and you may find yourself having to move out in a hurry. Regardless of why you need to make a last-minute NYC move, chances are you’ll probably be feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Luckily, you can make a successful rushed move with the following tips.
Make a Moving Checklist
Just because you need to move in a hurry doesn’t mean you should forego the basics. In fact, it’s even more important when you don’t have a lot of time, as it’s all too easy to forget something when you’re rushing. A moving checklist should be a rundown of everything you need to get done and by when. That way, you can stay organized and see exactly what you have completed and what you need to do.
Essential Moving Checklist and Stay Organized
| Task | Why It’s Important | NYC Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Movers | Secures your moving date and avoids last-minute stress. | Book early, especially during NYC’s busy summer moving season. |
| Purchase Supplies | Boxes, tape, and packing materials are essential to protect belongings. | Consider plastic bin rentals in Brooklyn for eco-friendly packing. |
| Declutter | Reduces moving costs and makes unpacking easier. | Donate items to local NYC charities or thrift stores before moving. |
| Pack | Keeps items organized and ready for transport. | Label boxes by room—helpful for Brooklyn walk-up apartments. |
| Separate Essentials | Ensures you have daily necessities immediately after moving. | Pack a bag with toiletries, clothes, and documents for the first night in NYC. |
| Transfer Utilities | Avoid service interruptions in your new home. | Schedule Con Edison, National Grid, and internet transfer early. |
| Change Address | Keeps billing, subscriptions, and mail on track. | Update USPS, banks, and insurance for NYC address changes. |
| Update ID | Legal requirement to match your new residence. | NYC residents must update ID at the DMV within 30 days of moving. |
Organize your list based on how quickly you can complete each task and its importance. Always start with the most important things first and then work your way down the list. Below are a few examples of what you can include on your list:
- Contact movers
- Purchase boxes and other moving supplies
- Declutter as much of your stuff as possible
- Pack
- Separate out the essentials
- Transfer utilities
- Change address for billing and other purposes
- Update the address on the ID
And so on. It might seem time-consuming, but the more you can write down on your checklist, the less stressful it will be.
Purge as Much as Possible
The less stuff you have, the easier it will be to move. Even if you need to move the following day, it’s still a good idea to get rid of as much stuff as possible. Heck, you could use the looming deadline to your advantage since you won’t be able to mull over your decisions. If you haven’t used something in over a year, let it go!
Quick Decluttering Checklist
| Step | Action | Time Needed | NYC Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sort items into Keep, Discard, Donate | 30–60 min | Use local NYC donation centers for fast drop-off |
| 2 | Identify items not used in 1+ year | 10–15 min | Drop off at NYC thrift stores like Goodwill or Housing Works |
| 3 | Pack essential items first | 20–30 min | Label boxes by room for easier NYC apartment moves |
| 4 | Dispose of trash/recyclables | 15 min | Follow NYC sanitation guidelines for bulky waste |
You won’t have any time to sell your items, so instead, sort everything quickly into a keep and discard pile. If you have enough time, you might even be able to add a third pile – donate. Don’t leave this step for after you’re already moved into your new place, as it will be easier to sort while you’re packing. Plus, you will also pay a lot less if you hire NYC movers since you will have less stuff to move.
Buy Packing Supplies
Sure, you might be able to find boxes and other supplies for cheap or free, but do you really have the time to do so? If you’re already in a rush to move, the answer is probably no. Instead of trying to save a bit of money, save yourself time instead and go to your local hardware store and pick up boxes. Get more than you think you need so you don’t have to take multiple trips, and don’t forget other supplies like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, tape, and packing paper.
Better yet, consider purchasing moving supplies directly from the NYC moving company you hire. So long as they know what and how much they are moving, they can suggest the amount and sizes of the boxes, as well as other supplies you might need. You can also purchase specialized boxes and inserts for fragile items.
Get Packing
When you’re on a deadline, try to avoid spending too much time on the process. Of course, you don’t want to just throw items into boxes blindly, but you don’t need to sort everything precisely. Remember, done is better than perfect! There are a few tips you can use to make packing go even faster:
- Pack one room at a time and start with the space and items you use the least
- Don’t take your clothes off the hanger and put them in a box. Many moving companies provide free wardrobe box rentals, so make sure to use them!
- Don’t empty out the drawers for your dresser or desk. Instead, wrap them up securely with plastic wrap so the drawers don’t open during the move
- Label your boxes by room, and only use detailed labels for items you know you will want to find immediately
- Avoid the urge to pack perfectly organized boxes. You’ll have more time to unpack than pack, so it’s okay if things are a little disorganized
Fast & Smart Packing Tips
| Tip | Packing Strategy | Items/Tools Needed | NYC Moving Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pack one room at a time | Boxes, tape | Start with the least-used rooms in your NYC apartment |
| 2 | Use wardrobe boxes for clothes | Wardrobe boxes | Many NYC movers provide them for free—ask ahead |
| 3 | Wrap drawers instead of emptying | Plastic wrap | Prevent dresser/desk drawers from opening during NYC moves |
| 4 | Label boxes by room | Marker, labels | Only detailed labels for items you need immediately |
| 5 | Prioritize fragile items | Bubble wrap, packing paper, sturdy boxes | NYC movers can provide special packing materials for electronics and glassware |
| 6 | Accept “done > perfect” approach | Boxes, tape | Focus on speed; NYC movers can help with full-service packing if time is tight |
You will want to spend your time on fragile items like dishware, glassware, and electronics. Make sure you use the proper boxes and materials to prevent potential damage or breakage to them.
Better yet, if you don’t have the time and you do have some money to spare, consider asking the movers to pack everything for you!
Ask for Help
When doing a last-minute NYC move, the best way to get it done quickly is to reach out to friends and family for help. Whether it’s packing, unpacking, or just providing support, an extra set of hands can help lessen the burden. Having an extra helper can help keep you focused and prioritize, which will let you get the job done faster.
For time-consuming tasks like packing or dropping off items for donation, it will be easier with another person helping. If you do manage to get help, don’t forget to show your appreciation, whether that’s getting them a meal or offering them some other treats once you’ve settled into your new home.
Hire NYC Movers
There’s no reason for you to rent a U-Haul, especially when moving in NYC. It will only lead to more stress and potential injury if you try to do it all yourself. Even if you’re moving during peak season, chances are you may still be able to find one who can help. Unlike other NYC movers, NYC Great Movers doesn’t add any surcharge for last-minute moves. After all, we’re here to help get you to your new place as quickly and easily as possible. So no matter how hurried your move may be, we can help you out.
FAQ
Do I need to clean my old place before leaving?
If you want to get your security deposit back, you should absolutely clean your place as best you can before leaving. The closer it is to how it looked when you moved in, the better your chances of getting your security back.
What if I can’t move into my new place immediately?
If you have to move out, but can’t move into your new place then consider asking the moving company you hire about their storage solutions. Many provide short and long-term options.
What should I pack for a last-minute move?
Always pack a back of must-haves such as any prescription meds, toiletries, important documents, kids toys, and clothes for at least a couple of days.
