How to Move and Pack Quickly

How to Move and Pack Quickly

Packing up a house and planning a move is stressful even when you have months to prepare.

That same stress can become overwhelming when forced to make a last-minute move in three days or less! We’ve put together some helpful packing tips to make the packing process smoother and get your belongings quickly and safely to storage spaces or a self-storage unit. So take some deep breaths and read on…

1. Hire a Moving Company

Let professionals handle the hard work when time is of the essence.

If you have the money, consider hiring professional movers for a last-minute move. Hiring a professional moving company can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time.

Experienced professional movers work quickly and efficiently, packing, loading, and transporting your belongings in a fraction of the time it would take to do it yourself. They come equipped with the right tools and know-how to handle heavy lifting for each furniture piece and fragile items safely, reducing the risk of injury or damage to your possessions.

More importantly, they take the stress out of the process by managing all the logistics, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home. While it may seem like an added expense, professional movers can actually save you money in the long run by preventing costly mistakes like broken items.

A great Dublin-based moving company to consider is Two Men and A Truck who feature as a strong recommendation on our moving companies directory.

2. Pack in Boxes, Not Plastic Bags

When rushing to pack, choose the right containers for your belongings.

While plastic bags might seem convenient for a last-minute move, cardboard boxes are the smarter, safer, and more efficient choice among packing supplies for transporting your belongings.

Cardboard boxes protect your belongings better thanks to their sturdy structure, keeping fragile items and breakable items safe during transit. Unlike flimsy plastic bags that can tear, boxes hold their shape and prevent crushing. They also stack neatly in the moving van, saving space and saving time loading your goods.

Organisation is simpler too – just label each box by room or contents, and you’ll know exactly where everything is when unpacking. Plastic bags make this nearly impossible, turning your move into a guessing game.

Boxes also offer better protection against moisture and pests, while plastic bags can trap humidity and attract unwanted critters. Plus, boxes are often free (check local shops or community boards) and environmentally friendly, unlike single-use plastic bags.

3. Ask for Help from Friends, Family or Neighbours

Don’t be afraid to call on your support network during this challenging time.

Don’t be shy about reaching out for support – most people are happy to lend a hand when you’re facing a tight moving deadline. Friends and family often understand how stressful moving can be, and many will have been in a similar situation themselves.

To make it easier for everyone:

• Be specific about what you need help with (packing essential items, lifting heavy items, or even just keeping you sane!)
• Offer clear time slots rather than leaving it open-ended
• Return the favour with pizza, drinks, or a promise to help them when they need it!

Neighbours can be surprisingly helpful too – especially if you’re on good terms. Even an extra pair of hands for an hour or two can make a huge difference when you’re racing against the clock.

Remember: People often want to help but don’t know how to offer. Giving them specific ways to assist takes the guesswork out of it and makes the whole process smoother for everyone.

4. Declutter as You Pack

Use this opportunity to lighten your load and start fresh in your new home.

Moving is the perfect opportunity to lighten your load – one of our best packing tips is to avoid wasting time and energy packing things you don’t need. Here’s how to declutter efficiently during your move:

Set up two stations in each room:

• A bin bag for rubbish/recycling
• A donate box for items in good condition (charity shops will appreciate these!)

For fast decluttering decisions:

• Use the ‘1-year rule’ – if you haven’t used it in the past year (and it’s not sentimental), let it go
• Be ruthless with duplicates (how many coffee mugs does one kitchen need?)
• Create a ‘maybe’ box for questionable items – but limit yourself to just one per room

When it comes to sentimental items, don’t get stuck in decision paralysis. Pack them now and make final choices when you’re settled in your new place.

5. Take Photos

Your phone’s camera is an essential tool for a smooth reassembly process.

Don’t rely on memory alone when disassembling a furniture piece for your move – your phone’s camera is your best friend! Snap clear photos of special items and complex assemblies:

• Before taking anything apart – Capture the original setup of bookcases, bed frames, and entertainment units
• During disassembly – Photograph each step, especially complicated pieces like sofas or treadmill folding mechanisms
• Of cable connections – Get close-ups of TV/computer wiring setups before unplugging

These moving reference photos will save you hours of frustration when reconstructing your furniture in your new home. Store them in a dedicated ‘Move Setup’ album for easy access.

Bonus tip: For extra organisation, take photos of labelled boxes as you load them into the moving van – this creates a visual inventory of what went where!

6. Know What Not to Pack

Be aware of prohibited items that can cause problems with movers and storage facilities.

Before you start tossing everything into boxes, know that moving companies (and self-storage facilities) won’t transport certain valuable items. Packing these can cause safety hazards, legal issues, or void your insurance. Here’s what to handle separately:

Common no-go’s include:

• Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane tanks)
• Flammables (aerosols, lighter fluid, fireworks)
• Perishables (food that could spoil and attract pests)
• Valuable items (jewellery, cash, important documents – keep these with you)
• Plants (many movers won’t take them due to soil/insect regulations)

What to do instead? Use up, donate, or properly dispose of restricted items before moving day. For essentials like cleaning supplies, buy fresh at your new place. Keep valuables in a personal “essentials box” you transport yourself.

7. Rent a Moving Van

The right vehicle makes all the difference in moving your possessions efficiently.

Renting a moving van can massively cut down on your packing and moving time. You’ll be able to move all your heavy items with fewer loads, and your heavier items and belongings will be relocated safely.

Nesta storage offer a free storage taxi service when you book a storage unit with us!

Bonus Smart Packing Tips for Different Items

Use the right materials and methods to protect your belongings during the move.

When facing a last-minute move, knowing how to properly pack different types of items can save you time, space, and prevent damage. Here’s a room-by-room guide to packing efficiently:

Kitchen items:

• Wrap kitchen appliances in bubble wrap and secure with packing tape
• Bundle kitchen utensils together with elastic bands
• Use kitchen paper towels to wrap and protect glasses
• Place lighter items in medium-sized boxes and heavier items in smaller boxes

Clothing and soft goods:

• Leave clothes on hangers and group them in garment bags or bin liners with a hole cut for the hangers
• Pack soft items like bedding and pillows in vacuum-sealed bags or duffle bags
• Use suitcases for clothing rather than leaving them empty
• Keep a variety of sizes of boxes handy for different clothing types

Bathroom items:

• Group bathroom items by type in clear ziplock bags
• Wrap bottles in plastic wrap to prevent leaks
• Use packing paper rather than newspaper for wrapping items to avoid ink transfer from the newspaper.

Fragile items special care:

• Double-wrap breakable items in bubble wrap and cover with packing paper.
• Fill gaps in boxes with clothing or towels to prevent loose items from shifting
• Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items on all sides
• Take extra precaution with mirrors by taping an X across the surface before wrapping

Consider Self Storage for a More Flexible Move

Temporary storage solutions can take the pressure off your moving timeline.

Sometimes your new place isn’t quite ready, or maybe you need to stage your move over a few weeks – that’s where Storage Units come in handy. Renting storage spaces gives you breathing room to move at your own pace without cluttering up your new home. They’re perfect for keeping furniture safe while you decorate, or storing seasonal clothes and items you won’t need right away.

Nesta offers flexible, short-term agreements, so you only pay for what you need. With long daily access hours at most locations, your items are always within easy reach. Think of it as a temporary holding zone that takes the pressure off your moving timeline.

Book some storage room in one of our six great Dublin locations today.