Last minute move – 5 key points

I think we can all agree that nobody wants to go through a last minute move for a number of reasons. However, life isn’t always kind to only give us what we want, instead, it throws us plenty of curveballs. Last minute moves happen usually due to breakups, natural disasters and other emergencies, and usually can’t be predicted in advance or prepared for.

In most cases, the reason for the move alone causes an enormous amount of stress, and it’s easy to overlook a few small details to come back and haunt you in the future. I will help you through the process of last minute moves, give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare for it through this blog.

Priorities for your last minute move

If you fear the safety and wellbeing of you and/or your children, forget everything else. Get yourself somewhere safe first. Belongings have no meanings if you’re not safe and sound. If you’re escaping from a violent environment, what you’re seeking should be a shelter, not a house moving. You can contact White Ribbon Australia regardless of the state you’re in to receive various help and services.

Booking with a removalist

In most cases, you will find booking with a reputable removalist is a difficult task to achieve. However there are always reschedules and cancellations, so don’t give up and call up your local removalist. Explain to the removalist of your situation and ask them to give you a call if a time slot opens up due to rescheduling or cancellations. You might be tempted to call the first available removalist and book with them.

However, this might have dire consequences financially. You can find out more about hiring the right local removalist in this blog – Why call a local removalist first. It will help you understand the four fundamental factors which impact the cost of a move and ultimately help you decide on your removalist. I highly recommend reading through our blog to avoid a nasty surprise in fees. If you are able to get a booking, that’s great! If not… then not all is lost.

Book on a weekday

You’ll find that booking on a Saturday or a Sunday to be extremely difficult on short notice. To increase your chances, try to book on Monday through Thursday. It doesn’t guarantee a booking, but at least now you have a realistic expectation.

If you cannot get a booking

It’s not easy to get a booking for a last minute move. You’d have to be pretty lucky to score a booking with a day or two days of notice. What will you do if you desperately need to move out but removalists aren’t available?

• Do you have much to move? If not, perhaps you can get help from family and friends.
  If you aren’t moving any furniture and you only need to move a dozen boxes, then it’s possible to have your boxes moved with a few cars, or using a van.
• Consider a storage service: If you’ve plenty to move out of your home and the removalists are available, OR if you have not found a new place and there just isn’t enough space for your items in your parents’ or friend’s place. You can hire a local storage service. Store your items elsewhere, while you find a place and sort out financials.
• You can save tons of cash by using a removalist’s storage services. Rather than moving your belongings to your family or friend’s property temporarily, just to move again in a couple of weeks time, if you store some of your belongings with your removalist’s storage, you will find that it may require a lot less work and even work out cheaper depending on the fuel charges. Easy Peasy Removals, for instance, offer storage services starting from $15 a day. We also have valuable advice for you on how fuel charges work.

Closing up the loose ends

There are plenty of other things to consider such as a bond, and first month’s rent deposit. (Depending on the state you’re in) These are some of the things that we tend to overlook when moving out on minimal notice.

• Bond: Depending on your arrangement you may be entitled to your portion of the bond. Even if you can’t get your bond contribution straight away, you should keep a record of it for a future date.
• Transfer bills: If utility bills were under a joint name or your name, don’t forget to notify the respective companies to update their database.
• Notify your agent: If you were renting you should definitely let your agent know that you are moving out. You may still be reliable for future unpaid rent and other expenses depending on whether you’ve cosigned the rent or not. Notifying your agent does not release you of your responsibilities agreed under the rental agreement, but having a record of email communication may prevent you from being responsible for future damages to the property.

It really is a difficult task to pull off a last minute house move. Do not be easily discouraged for turndowns and roadblocks. Consider your situation and options available carefully. Always if in doubt, you can contact Easy Peasy Removals.