A fast, last-minute move is more than possible to make in a few days or less. As daunting and overwhelming as it may seem, it can be done if you have a strong plan as a jumping-off point. Time isn’t on your side, but that’s alright. The best thing you can do is form a plan and start fulfilling each step individually.

From purging unwanted items to packing and arranging the logistics, here is how to pack for a move in 3 days.

Purge Unwanted Items You Aren’t Moving With

Let go of unneeded items quickly. There is no time for a yard sale or to sell each item individually. Fast ways to get rid of things include donating them to local thrift stores or donation collection centers, recycling unusable materials or items, donating your books to a local library, giving away bulky furniture to community members in need, and putting the rest at the road for anyone to take as they, please.

Buy Packing Materials & Moving Boxes

Take stock of what you will be packing and the boxes you need to pack it all. In addition to boxes, you may need bubble wrap, packing paper, plastic stretch wrap, and packing tape. Though you can purchase these from a moving service if you opt to go that route, if you’re packing your items yourself, it’s important to buy these essentials early on so you don’t have to interrupt your packing later to get them.

Invest In Portable Moving Containers

Portable storage and moving containers are the fastest way to pack for a move in 3 days. They get dropped off at your location. You fill them. The containers are then picked up and moved to your new home, where they can be unpacked. There is no moving truck. It’s an easy way to load in and load out without you having to do much else.

Pack Up By The Room Without Delay

Don’t worry about sorting items into neat boxes. This is a last-minute move. Concentrate on getting what you can in boxes. Sort your boxes by room and label them. This way, you know where to unpack what and can focus on how to arrange things after the move is completed, and you have all of your things at your new place. When you need to pack fast, always pack by room.

Carefully Wrap Fragile Items

Fragile items can be wrapped with newspaper, cardboard, bubble wrap, or a similar material. Ensure they’re safely packed. These aren’t items to simply toss in a box and wish for the best. Regardless of how you’re moving, if fragile items are not properly supported with in-box packing materials, they risk becoming damaged in transit.

Disassemble Furniture & Store Small Parts

Disassemble furniture as needed. Break things down into smaller pieces to move them more easily. Any screws or parts that are loose should be put into plastic Ziploc bags, labelled, and then attached to the larger piece that they belong to with packing tape. This is best practice and ensures that no small screws or loose tools are lost along the way.

Ask For Help From Friends Or Family

It takes a long time to pack. Ask friends or family members to pitch in if they’re willing. This can save you time and money when hiring a moving service. For those who come to help, show them some appreciation by cooking a meal for them or something along these lines in exchange for help with your move.

Create An Essentials Box To Take With You

While you may use portable moving containers or a similar system to move, in case there are delays or chaos along the way, always have an essentials box that you take with you, accessible at all times. Put in it a change of clothes, toiletries, important papers, chargers, personal electronics, and any other items you cannot do without, no matter what.

Stack Your Boxes & Items Securely

Inside a portable moving container, stack your boxes neatly. Ensure the heaviest weight is on the floor, regardless of how you stack items. What you put into a container should be put in and made stable.

There should be no risk of tipping or boxes falling off to the side. This can take some time to plan and may warrant some time to consider how to properly pack a moving truck or portable moving container.

Use Linens For Padding

Linens – sheets, blankets, towels, soft linens, and even couch cushions and mattresses – can all be used strategically as you pack to pad and cushion certain items. You can also pad the bottom of moving boxes with soft linens if the boxes transport sensitive items.

You may also want to invest in twine or similar style rope to fasten items together and tie cushions to specific parts of your moving container for additional certainty that nothing will move and that all items are safe.