Moving on short notice, such as within one week, can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible with the right approach. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden job opportunity, a personal change, or an urgent need to relocate, this guide will walk you through each day of the process. By the end of the week, you’ll be settled into your new home, ready for your next chapter!

family moving in one week

Day 1: Plan, prioritize, and book help

When time is short, planning is essential. Begin by creating a prioritized to-do list that covers all the key tasks for your move.

  • Create a plan: Start by listing all the key tasks for your move. Write down everything, from packing to booking movers or renting a truck.
  • Prioritize tasks: Assign each task a priority level. Make sure you tackle urgent items like finding movers and giving notice to your landlord.
  • Book professional help with MOVU: If you plan to hire movers or a rental truck, do it immediately. Companies can get booked quickly, especially for last-minute moves. With a tight timeline, services like MOVU can be helpful to find available movers.
  • Gather supplies: Start gathering packing supplies, such as boxes, adhesive tape, bubble wrap, and labels. Consider buying pre-made moving sets its to save time. Check Topkartons.ch to discover all the packing material you may need.

Tip: Don’t overthink packing supplies. In a rush, you can use what you already have—towels, blankets, and clothing make great substitutes for packing material.

Day 2: Declutter ruthlessly

Less stuff means less packing, so today is all about decluttering.

  • Go room by room: Make three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Trash. Be brutal—anything you haven’t used in months or won’t fit your new space? Let it go.
  • Skip lengthy sales: While selling items online is an option, it can be time-consuming. Instead, donate to local charities or drop off at donation bins to declutter quickly.

Tip: For clothes on hangers, use a trash bag as a quick garment cover—just poke the hangers through the top of the bag. Instant wardrobe packing!

Day 3: Start packing non-essentials

Time to box things up, but not everything at once!

  • Pack non-essentials: Focus on items you won’t need this week—seasonal clothes, extra kitchenware, books, and décor.
  • Label clearly: Write the contents and destination room on each box to make unpacking easy.

Tip: Pack heavier items like books or kitchen gadgets in rolling suitcases to save your back—and some extra boxes!

Day 4: Handle logistics

Today is all about setting up your new home and tying up loose ends.

  • Notify utilities: Contact electricity, water, internet, and gas providers to set up services at your new address. Schedule cut-offs for your current place.
  • Update your address: Notify the post office, banks, and other important institutions about your new address.

Tip: Use this day to run errands, gather extra packing supplies, or take a breather—tomorrow will be busy.

Day 5: Pack remaining items

Time for the big packing push.

  • Pack essentials: Box up what’s left—kitchenware, bathroom items, and clothes. Keep a separate bag for your immediate essentials (toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, etc.).
  • Disassemble furniture: If necessary, take apart large furniture like bed frames and tables. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags.
  • Confirm movers: If you hired movers or rented a truck, double-check all the details. Confirm arrival times, parking, and any last-minute costs.

Tip: Keep your bedding and a basic kitchen kit (utensils, pots, etc.) packed separately, so you can set up easily at your new place.

Day 6: Final preparations

You’re almost there—time to prep for moving day.

  • Last-minute packing: Pack only what’s left, like toiletries, bedding, and anything still in use. Set aside a “first-night” essentials box with bedding, snacks, and toiletries.
  • Final clean-up: Do a quick clean-up of your current home. If renting, snap photos to document the condition for your landlord.
  • Check for anything left behind: Do a final walkthrough of your home, ensuring nothing is overlooked in closets or storage spaces.

Tip: Keep cleaning supplies handy and pack them last, so you can do a final clean-up once the movers are gone.

Day 7: Moving Day!

Moving day is here—stay organized and calm.

  • Guide the movers: Direct the movers to handle any fragile or important items with extra care.
  • Final walkthrough: Before leaving, do a final check of your old home to make sure nothing is left behind.
  • Settle in: At your new place, unpack essentials first—make the bed, set up the bathroom, and grab a snack. Relax, you’ve made it!

Tip: Focus on just the essentials today. You’ll have plenty of time to unpack everything else in the coming days.

Conclusion

Moving in one week is no easy feat, but with a clear plan and daily focus, it’s entirely possible. By breaking tasks down efficiently and avoiding unnecessary stress, you can pack, move, and settle into your new home without chaos.