Not every move comes with months of advance notice. Job transfers, family emergencies, lease expirations, or unexpected opportunities sometimes mean you need to relocate in just a couple of weeks.
While a rushed move is never ideal, it’s absolutely manageable with the right approach. The key is prioritizing ruthlessly, staying organized, and knowing when to call in professional help.
Here’s your survival guide for pulling off a successful move with just two weeks’ notice.
Why Last-Minute Moves Happen
Understanding why you’re in this situation helps you plan better.
Common Scenarios:
- Sudden job transfer or new employment opportunity
- Lease ending without renewal option
- Family emergency requiring relocation
- Buying a home with a quick closing
- Relationship changes requiring immediate housing
- Military deployment or reassignment
Whatever the reason, accept that some things won’t be perfect. Your goal is a successful move, not a flawless one.
Week One: Assessment and Critical Tasks
When you’re short on time, the first week is about making big decisions and handling tasks that can’t be rushed.
Day 1-2: Assess and Plan
Measure Your New Space: If possible, get dimensions of your new home. This helps you decide what furniture to keep and what won’t fit. Don’t waste time moving a couch that won’t fit through the door.
Create a Priority List: Focus on must-do tasks:
- Book movers (do this immediately)
- Arrange time off work for moving day
- Notify landlord or close on home sale
- Set up utilities at new address
- Change address with post office
Emergency Moving Budget: Last-minute moves cost more. Expect to pay:
- 15-25% premium for short-notice moving services
- Rush fees for packing services
- Premium for expedited utility connections
- Higher costs for last-minute supplies
Build a realistic budget now to avoid surprises.
Day 3-4: Book Your Movers
This is your most critical task. In Orlando’s busy moving season (May-September), movers book out weeks in advance.
Finding Available Movers:
Call multiple companies immediately. Be upfront about your timeline. Many movers keep some capacity for emergency relocations, but availability is limited.
Questions to Ask:
- Do you have availability on my moving date?
- What’s the rush fee for short-notice bookings?
- Can you provide packing services if I run out of time?
- What’s your cancellation policy if my timeline changes?
- Do you have all necessary insurance and licensing?
Red Flags:
- Companies that seem too eager without asking questions
- Quotes significantly lower than others (possible scam)
- No physical address or proper licensing
- Require large deposits upfront
- Can’t provide proof of insurance
If No Movers Available:
Consider moving mid-week instead of weekend, ask about waitlist options if someone cancels, or look at truck rental with hired labor (more work but sometimes available when full-service isn’t).
Day 5-7: Ruthless Decluttering
You don’t have time for careful consideration. Be brutal about what goes and what stays.
The Speed Decluttering Method:
Go room by room with three boxes: Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash. Make decisions in seconds, not minutes.
Quick Decision Rules:
- Haven’t used it in 6 months? It goes.
- Costs less than $20 to replace? Leave it.
- Don’t love it? Don’t pack it.
- Broken or damaged? Trash it immediately.
- Duplicate items? Keep one, donate the rest.
Fast Disposal Options:
Donations: Call Salvation Army or Vietnam Veterans of America for free pickup. Schedule immediately as they may need a few days’ notice.
Bulk Items: Schedule bulk trash pickup with your local waste management or rent a small dumpster for $200-400.
Quick Sales: Post valuable items on Facebook Marketplace with “must sell by [date]” and price to move. Don’t waste time negotiating over $10.
Don’t Bother Selling:
- Items under $25 (your time is worth more)
- Things that require shipping
- Anything that won’t sell within days
Focus on getting rid of stuff, not making money from it.
Day 6-7: Handle Utilities and Address Changes
Utilities Checklist:
Call your utility providers:
- Schedule disconnection at old address for day after move
- Set up connection at new address for day before move
- Transfer internet/cable (or set up new service)
- Update trash/recycling service
Critical Address Changes:
- Post office forwarding (do this online immediately)
- Employer payroll department
- Banks and credit cards
- Insurance companies (home, auto, health)
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Voter registration
- Subscription services
Use Online Tools:
USPS address change services notify many companies automatically. This saves hours of individual calls.
Week Two: Packing and Final Preparations
The second week is all about execution. You’re in sprint mode now.
Day 8-10: Aggressive Packing
Get Supplies Fast:
Where to Find Boxes Quickly:
- Home Depot or Lowe’s (buy new, skip the hunting)
- U-Haul or moving supply stores
- Liquor stores (free, sturdy boxes)
- Grocery stores early morning (ask when they stock)
- Buy online with same-day delivery
Essential Supplies:
- 20-30 medium boxes
- 10-15 large boxes
- 3-4 wardrobe boxes
- Bubble wrap and packing paper
- Heavy-duty tape (buy 6+ rolls)
- Markers for labeling
Don’t waste time hunting for free boxes all over town. Your time is more valuable than $50 in boxes.
Speed Packing Strategy:
Room Priority Order:
- Storage areas (attic, garage, basement)
- Guest rooms and rarely used spaces
- Decorative items and books
- Bedrooms (except current bedding)
- Kitchen (except essentials for final week)
- Bathroom (except daily toiletries)
- Daily essentials (pack last day)
Fast Packing Techniques:
Drawer Contents: Leave clothes in dressers if movers allow. Wrap the entire dresser in plastic wrap or blankets.
Closets: Use wardrobe boxes or leave clothes on hangers in garbage bags with a hole for the hanger hook.
Books and Heavy Items: Pack in small boxes to keep weight manageable. Fill any gaps with soft items.
Kitchen: Wrap dishes in packing paper, not newspaper. Stack plates vertically like records, not flat. Fill empty spaces to prevent shifting.
Don’t Overthink: You don’t have time for perfect packing. Good enough is fine. Wrap fragile items well, label boxes with room and general contents, and move on.
Day 11-12: Handle Final Home Tasks
At Your Current Home:
Take Photos: Document the condition of your rental or home for security deposit or sale records.
Minor Repairs: Fix only what’s required by your lease or sale agreement. Don’t undertake major projects.
Cleaning Plan: Save deep cleaning for the last day. Focus on packing now.
At Your New Home:
Verify Move-In Ready: Confirm your new place will be ready. Check that utilities are connected, locks work, and space is clean.
Measure Doorways: Ensure large furniture will fit. Take photos of the space if you haven’t been there recently.
Plan First Night: Identify where boxes should go room by room so movers can place them correctly.
Day 13: The Pre-Move Essentials Box
Pack a box or suitcase with everything you’ll need for the first 24-48 hours in your new home.
Essentials Box Contents:
For Everyone:
- Toiletries and medications
- Change of clothes for 2-3 days
- Phone chargers and electronics
- Important documents (lease, closing papers, IDs)
- Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors, box cutter)
- Paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags
- Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils
- Snacks and bottled water
For Kids:
- Favorite toys or comfort items
- Diapers and wipes if needed
- Bottles or sippy cups
For Pets:
- Food and water bowls
- Pet food for several days
- Leash, collar, medications
- Favorite toys or bedding
This box travels with you, not on the moving truck.
Day 14: Moving Day Preparation
The Night Before:
Final Walkthrough: Do one last check of every room, closet, cabinet, and storage area. It’s easy to forget items in the garage or medicine cabinet.
Prepare Cash: Have $20-40 cash per mover for tips if they do a good job.
Confirm Everything: Call your movers to confirm time and address. Verify utility disconnection and connection appointments.
Clear Pathways: Remove any obstacles between rooms and the truck. This speeds up loading and prevents damage.
Plan for Kids and Pets: Arrange for them to be elsewhere on moving day if possible. If not, designate one room as a safe zone away from the action.
Charge Devices: Make sure phones, tablets, and other devices are fully charged. Moving day means lots of calls and photos.
Moving Day Strategy
Morning:
Be Present: Someone needs to be available to answer questions and direct movers.
Walk Through with Movers: Show them your new home layout if possible (photos work). Point out fragile items and any special handling needs.
Inventory Check: Note the condition of furniture and count boxes as they’re loaded.
Afternoon/Evening:
Final Sweep: After movers leave, do one last check of every space including outdoor areas.
Turn Off Everything: Lights, appliances, water, air conditioning/heat.
Lock Up: Secure all doors and windows. Drop off keys as required.
At New Home:
Direct Traffic: Tell movers where boxes and furniture go. It’s much easier than moving heavy items later.
Check for Damage: Inspect furniture as it’s unloaded. Note any damage immediately.
Basic Setup: Make beds, set up bathroom, and find your essentials box before movers leave.
What to Do If You’re Really Behind
Sometimes even two weeks isn’t enough. Here’s your emergency backup plan.
Hire Packing Services:
Professional packers can pack an entire home in 4-8 hours. Yes, it costs $500-1,500 depending on home size, but it might save your sanity.
Leave Non-Essentials in Storage:
If your new home isn’t ready or you’re overwhelmed, put some belongings in short-term storage. You can retrieve them later when you’re settled.
Ask for Help:
Swallow your pride and ask friends or family. Offer to buy pizza and drinks. Even a few people for a few hours makes a huge difference.
Consider Partial DIY:
Move small items yourself in your car over several days. Let movers handle furniture and large boxes only. This reduces moving costs and your workload.
Extend Your Timeline if Possible:
If you can negotiate even a few extra days at your current home or delay move-in at your new place, take it. Sometimes paying pro-rated rent for overlap is worth the stress reduction.
Common Last-Minute Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Insurance:
In a rush, people skip adequate insurance. Don’t. Last-minute moves are more prone to damage because everything’s rushed.
Not Labeling Boxes:
You think you’ll remember what’s in each box. You won’t. Take 10 seconds to write the room and basic contents on each box.
Forgetting to Eat and Hydrate:
Moving is physical work. Dehydration and low blood sugar make everything harder. Keep water and easy snacks accessible.
Trying to Move Everything:
Accept that some things won’t make the cut. It’s okay. You can replace a $30 lamp easier than dealing with the stress of moving it.
Not Reading the Moving Contract:
Even in a rush, read what you’re signing. Understand liability limits, fees, and cancellation policies.
After You Arrive: First Week Priorities
Day 1:
- Set up beds
- Unpack bathroom essentials
- Set up kitchen basics for meals
- Locate important documents
Day 2-3:
- Unpack kitchen
- Set up living areas for basic function
- Arrange one room completely (usually bedroom)
Day 4-7:
- Continue unpacking systematically
- Update remaining address changes
- Explore your new neighborhood
- Register kids for school if applicable
Don’t try to unpack everything immediately. Focus on making your home functional, then tackle the rest over the next few weeks.
When to Call Orlando Express Movers for Emergency Relocations
At Orlando Express Movers, we understand that life doesn’t always provide advance notice. We maintain some capacity specifically for last-minute relocations and can often accommodate moves with just 1-2 weeks’ notice.
Our Emergency Moving Services:
- Expedited scheduling when available
- Professional packing services to help you meet your deadline
- Flexible timing to work with your constraints
- Experienced crews who work efficiently under time pressure
- Clear pricing with no hidden surprise fees
We’ve successfully handled countless emergency relocations throughout Orlando and know how to make tight timelines work. While we always recommend booking as early as possible, we’re here to help when unexpected situations arise.
You Can Do This
A two-week move feels overwhelming, but thousands of people successfully relocate on short notice every month. The key is accepting that some things won’t be perfect, focusing on what matters most, and knowing when to ask for help.
Stay organized, work systematically through your checklist, and don’t be afraid to spend money to save time. Professional movers, packing services, and convenient moving supplies are investments in your peace of mind.
Ready for Your Emergency Move?
Whether you just found out about your relocation or you’ve been putting off planning and time is running out, Orlando Express Movers is here to help.
Contact Orlando Express Movers today to check availability for your moving date. The sooner you call, the better we can accommodate your timeline.
Call us now to discuss your urgent relocation needs. We’ll work with you to make your last-minute move as smooth as possible.