On average, approximately 40 million Americans move in any given year. For some, the move is just one part of a carefully conceived plan involving a new job, the right school district, and six months to a year of planning. For those individuals or families, moving remains a stressful but ultimately manageable event.

Of course, not everyone moves with lots of advanced notice. Maybe you get a dream job offer, but you must start in two months. In cases like that, you face the prospect of making a quick move out of your current home, but also doing a quick move in on arrival.

If you’re wondering how best to prepare and execute a quick move, keep reading for some key tips.

Make a Plan

When you’re under the gun to move quickly, putting things into boxes will likely prove your first instinct. Don’t do that.

Take the time to make a plan. For example, device a system for labeling your boxes so you’ll know exactly where every box goes at your new place. Digging through box after box to find what you need will get old very fast at your new place.

Develop a strategy for what things you’ll pack first and what things you’ll leave to the last week or so. Tackle things like off-season clothing first and leave essentials like cookware until the end.

Make a Checklist

Make a checklist of essential tasks that you must complete before you make your move. If you’re moving a family, divvy up the tasks between the appropriate parties and schedule the task. Review the checklist at least once or twice a week to make sure nothing gets forgotten along the way.

Declutter

Will will probably never find a better moment to offload some of the junk you don’t want or need than a fast move situation. If for no other reason than you can’t always know how much space you’ll get on the other end with the available quick move homes.

While you might worry that the sorting will slow down your packing up time, remember that it will reduce your unpack time on the other end.

Organize Essential Paperwork

There is some paperwork you’ll want to make sure you keep close at hand. Think in terms of birth certificates, vehicle titles, insurance paperwork, medical records, and school records. Don’t put that kind of sensitive information in the back of a moving truck, especially one you won’t drive.

Keep that paperwork separate and take it with you in your personal vehicle or on your flight. You can find other helpful tips at this link.

Managing Your Quick Move

A quick move amplifies all the stressors that accompany a normal move planned well in advance. Under those heightened emotional conditions, you need things to fall back on to keep you and your loved ones sane.

Formulate a plan of attack. Make a checklist of essential tasks. Schedule and assign those tasks as appropriate.

Looking for more moving tips? Check out some of the other posts over in our Lifestyle and Real Estate sections.