Moving is a process that requires adequate preparation. We recommend giving it at least a month before performing the move so as to get one’s items and affairs in order, work out the logistics, and prepare for any challenges that may arise; However, some occasions don’t provide one with ample move preparation time, such as the advent of a crisis hence an emergency move.
Emergency moves are necessitated by things flooding, buildings getting condemned by authorities, buildings being marked for demolition due to encroachment into public land, court orders, sudden collapse of businesses leading to loss of income, etc. Generally, in 95% of the time emergency moves happen due to negative occurrences.
Emergency moves are never planned for meaning even financially, the funds might be squeezed and besides, money is needed to rent a new house, make deposits for it, etc. This is the wrong time to have your TV broken during the move or losing your possessions in the hands of rogue movers. It is advisable to call in reliable and reputable moving companies in order to avoid these losses at such a critical time.
Movers are called upon to execute such moves with empathy as it might help the client get calm during such a tough time.
An emergency move doesn’t differ much from other types of moves, except for its urgent nature.
Executing an emergency move is manageable when you hire a full-service moving company. This means that the company will do all the packing for you, help you move and then help you settle in in your new home. This is efficient for the client as they have little to worry about regarding the details of moving; they just give instructions, and the movers run the process smoothly.
Where an emergency move is inevitable, here are some pointers to help you make it run smoothly:
Pack as soon as you can
Start packing as soon as it becomes apparent that a move is inevitable. You might need to ask for help from family members and friends to help you pack. Designate duties to each one of them that way you get to finish packing faster. This reduces the amount of work that the movers need to do, driving down the cost and time required to execute your move.
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Make the necessary arrangements
Whether it’s informing your landlord, buying packing materials, looking for movers and comparing quotations from different movers, make the preparations as soon as possible. Handle these things early to avoid unnecessary stress on moving day.
Ensure you have a support system
Clients are always stressed, traumatized and sometimes confused during emergency moves. It might help in these situations to have a friend around to support you even when you are calling for professional movers
Put your goods in storage
The space in the new house may be smaller than where you live presently. Arrange to store your goods with a reliable provider, whether that’s a trusted friend or by hiring storage facilities. It helps to engage a moving company which has storage facilities because you never know if this will be needed in the end.
Transfer any important Records/documents
This could be things such as medical records, which your new hospital could help you facilitate. Your other important documents should be the first things you pack. Also, these are things you should carry yourself in case you need to access them immediately. A moving company may get to your new home after you do and with all the packed items, but it is always prudent to have your documents with you.
Contact utility providers about your move
We all use multiple utility services in our homes. Amenities such as internet, cable, electricity, etc. are services we pay for regularly. Inform your service providers that you will be moving so that they don’t continue charging you. Some companies will transfer services from your old home to your new home.
Take care of your paperwork
Some things can be addressed after settling in your new home, but certain issues need to be taken care of prior to your move, for instance:
- Notify your employer (and your landlord, if relevant) of your imminent relocation as soon as possible and take care of the related paperwork (end contracts and lease agreements, get letters of reference, etc.);
- Contact your children’s school and your family physician and retrieve all the necessary school records and medical records;
- Put your financial documents in order (transfer your bank accounts, notify your insurer and your credit card company of your move, etc.);
- Arrange for the shipment of your pets and your motor vehicles;
- Buy plane tickets for your trip to your new home or have your car serviced in case you are going to drive to your final destination.
Allocate an emergency fund
Where emergencies are concerned, anticipate the unexpected. You may need to spend the night at a hotel because your house could not be set up in time. Sometimes you need to purchase a part to enable an appliance to work in a new house and a new house always needs something. Other unexpected expenses may creep up, so it’s essential that you prepare for them.
Executing an emergency move, even with the help of professional movers, does come with a few drawbacks:
The biggest issue involves planning: professional movers run multiple moves throughout the day. They have finite resources in terms of manpower, materials and support. By booking your move at the last minute, you may find that the best moving crews are assigned to other moves, or the company may not have all the materials needed to carry out your move properly. This may result in a less-than-ideal moving experience.
The second issue involves cost. Moves booked during periods of high demand (like near the end of the month and around the holidays) are generally priced higher than those booked earlier. This is part of the reason why we advocate for one to book their move early, so as to lock in the best possible price. A desperate client is a lot more susceptible to getting overcharged.
Making an emergency move can be complex and stressful, but it is doable. From the get-go, you need to detail the tasks that you need to get done in order to move comfortably and then meticulously take care of them. Above all, stay calm, keep a clear head so as to avoid your chances of forgetting, and if you ever need a helping hand, get a trusted full-service moving company like Nellions to help you out.
