Did you just find out you need to move out in a month or less? Don’t worry. While things might seem overwhelming right now, it’s possible to move out fast when you have a plan.

Today, we’re going to talk about the how-to behind moving out quickly, including what to do when you have a month, three weeks, one week, and one day to move. Let’s get this move on the road!

Room full of packed boxes ready to move
Room full of packed boxes ready to move

How to move out fast (one month or less)

If you need to move out fast, we’ve got you covered. Below is what to do based on how much time you have before moving day:

1 day to move

How do you move out in one day? As hectic as moving day might be, you can move in a single day (if you do it right). Below are some tips: 

#1: Call in a favor. 

Have a few friends who could lend you a hand? Ask for help. Even if it pains you to ask for a helping hand, moving in one day is a hard task, and a few extra hands might be just what you need. Repay your friends with pizza, water, soda, high-fives, or even an IOU. Everyone wins! (Also, don’t forget that last-minute movers can also help with your move, sometimes with as little as a day’s notice.)

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#2: Begin early in the day.

There are only so many hours in a day. Brew a pot of coffee, and try to get a head-start on your move before the sun comes up. You’ll be done faster, leaving you time to rest and unwind toward the end of the day. (Let’s be honest. After a long day of moving, everyone needs some unwinding time!)

#3: Donate. Donate. Donate.

There’s no time to sell anything if you have a day to move. So, instead of spending your time finding a buyer for your old dirt bike or book collection, take those items to Goodwill or another local donation spot. That means fewer items to worry about during the move, which can make it easier to pack up what’s left and get out of your house fast. 

#4: Go room by room. 

Single-tasking is key when it comes to moving (and the secret behind how to pack fast for moving). It’ll keep you from getting distracted as you switch from bedroom to bathroom to game room, helping you stay on track. So, grab your packing supplies, and pack each room one at a time until you’re finished to maximize productivity on moving day. 

1 week to move

If you have one week to move, that gives you a little more time than one day, but it’s still not much time. All of the tips above apply, as well as the following:

#1: Ask friends for boxes.

One week gives you some time to find moving boxes–not a lot of time but time nonetheless. So, talk to your friends, family, coworkers, and hey, even your barista to see if anyone has moving boxes. That will save you money in the back end so that you don’t have to buy all of your packing supplies brand new. 

#2: Create a moving checklist.

Moving out in one week is not for the faint of heart. If you want to know how to move quickly and efficiently, it’s all in a moving checklist. Use a moving checklist to help keep you on track and ensure no detail goes unnoticed. Some things to add include: (1) pack an overnight bag, (2) pack important documents, (3) pack medications, (4) pack each room, and (5) clean each room afterward. 

#3: Label boxes by room.

You might not have time to label boxes if you’re moving in one day. However, one week should give you time for that so that you don’t have to spend hours tracking things down at a later date. Our recommendation? Pick a different label color for each room, and bring those boxes into the designated room once you get to your new home. 

#4: Hire cleaners.

If you only have a week, that doesn’t leave you a lot of time to deep-clean your house after all the boxes are out. So, if you can, consider hiring a professional cleaning company or a family member or two to clean your house for you. That way, you have a better chance of getting your security deposit back and will have one less task to worry about.

Person folding clothes on bed
Person folding clothes on bed

3 weeks to move

Need to move out in three weeks? Here are some quick pointers:

#1: Get your moving supplies.

There are many different packing supplies you might need, including boxes, packing paper, tape, bubble wraps, markers, labels, bags, blankets, and a dolly. If you don’t have these items already, now’s the time to get them.

#2: Start packing right away. 

If there’s one thing you don’t want to procrastinate on when it comes to moving, it’s packing. Most movers recommend beginning the packing process three weeks before you move so that you can get everything crossed off before the big moving day. If you finish early, that’s okay! It just means there will be more time leftover to take care of other parts of your move, such as coordinating with movers or setting up a forwarding address. 

#3: Double-check on your utilities. 

Three weeks should afford you plenty of time to coordinate with your garage, internet, and electric companies. Talk to them to ensure that your services are out of your name as of the day after your moving date (unless you’ve worked out something with your landlord). Then, schedule a time to set these services up at your new house or apartment. 

#4: Set up storage. 

In case you end up needing extra space for your items, storage is helpful. You can either arrange movers to transport your items to storage for you or drive them yourself. (If you drive them yourself, remember to ask your movers for recommendations to ensure you find a quality short-term or long-term storage provider that will fit your needs.)

#5: Deep-clean your home. 

Once your home is empty, it’s time to clean. This is a good time to wash the baseboards, vacuum, steam the carpets, scrub your shower, and clean out your oven. If you have a friend who can help you out, that’s even better! (It’s best not to have your kids or pets home for this part in case you’re cleaning with any toxic chemicals.)

1 month to move

Need to move out fast? Have a month to do it? Here’s what you should do:

#1: Notify your landlord. 

If you’re moving out of a rental, one of the first things to do is alert your landlord. A month in advance is generally a good time to provide your notice to vacate, but don’t forget to check your lease just in case. 

#2: Sort through your paperwork. 

You’d be surprised how much room paper can take up during a move. Save some space, and sort your papers to prepare to move out. Once you have a pile of keepers and shredders, you’ll know what to do. (Just remember to create a binder for important documents, including marriage certificates, life insurance information, Social Security cards, passports, immigration paperwork, etc.) 

#3: Disassemble your furniture. 

Did you know that you can take apart most furniture? It’s true! And doing so before moving day can save you a ton of time. When you disassemble your sofas, recliners, and other furniture, you can rest assured that it will fit better when in transit and stay safe. (It’ll also be easier to carry into your new home.)

#4: Pack your kitchen last.

Most of us use our kitchen every day, which is why it’s best to hold off on packing it until the last minute. You can always pack up small appliances, dishes, and utensils you don’t plan to use over the next month. However, save the bulk of the kitchen for last to be most efficient. 

#5: Clean after the movers finish.

Just as you’d want to deep-clean your home with three weeks to move out, the same applies for one month. So, gather your cleaning supplies, and give your home a thorough cleaning after the movers’ jobs are done. Your home will be spic and span when you’re done and ready for the next tenants. (Also, the cleaner your home is upon leaving, the better the chances are that you’ll get your security deposit back after moving out.)

Person carrying bucket of cleaning supplies
Person carrying bucket of cleaning supplies

How can I move out fast with no money?

If something happens and you don’t have a month or even a day to move, here are some tips: 

  • Bunk with a friend for the night while you get things in order.
  • Make a plan, and adjust your plan accordingly. 
  • Ask your friend or family member to borrow their car for a day.
  • Only pack the essentials (up to a week’s worth of clothing, medication, toiletries, cell phone, charger, and laptop if you need it for work)
  • Set up a time to pick up your remaining items from the house when the dust settles. Bring a friend if you need to do so. 

How do I move out of my house ASAP?

There are many ways to relocate in a hurry. Here are some suggestions:

  • Figure out your financial situation. Talk to a local financial advisor if you need help getting your money in order.
  • Talk to the other person you’re living with so that they can make arrangements.
  • Put in a notice to vacate if necessary.
  • Get rid of what you don’t need. This will just create clutter, which will accumulate in your new place. 
  • Couch-hop, or get a roommate. You can find shared housing options on Craigslist. 
  • Ask your friends or loved ones to help with the move. 
  • Work with last-minute movers.
  • Pack your items into what you have first (suitcases, dressers, etc.). Then, put the rest in moving boxes.
  • Place your items in temporary storage if needed. 

How do I move out of my parents’ house ASAP?

If you want to move out fast at 18, there are a few steps you can take. Here are our suggestions:

  • Talk to your parents. Let them know timelines so that they know how to plan.
  • Get a job.
  • Create a budget, and follow it. 
  • Start building up your credit. 
  • Save up to pay for your first and last month’s rent and a security deposit or a down payment on a home. 
  • Get a roommate, or look into shared housing. 
  • Set up alerts for apartments in your price range and target neighborhood. 
  • Sell unwanted items. Put that money toward your moving expenses (or in savings). 

Need last-minute movers?

At Bellhop, we understand things happen. If you must move out fast, we can help. Our team offers multiple last-minute moving services, including unloading, delivery, and much more. As a bonus, we offer flexible scheduling and great prices!

Find movers near you today. 

Tyler Brown
The Better Way to Move