Moving, even under ideal circumstances, is a hassle. You make checklists weeks in advance, you sort your stuff by room and category, you sell or donate or even toss as much as you possibly can to lighten the load. It’s a lot of work. But you stay organized and on top of it and follow your plan.

What if you don’t have weeks? What if your move is last minute? Is there any way possible to get it all done in a rush?

Take a deep breath. Last minute moves are difficult but doable. No meltdown required. Here’s how:

Make a plan

You may be thinking, “I’m in a time crunch! I need to get cracking, not waste time writing stupid lists!”

Moving in a rush definitely requires dedicated hard work. Nevertheless, work smart. You don’t want to work hard at all the wrong things! And you certainly don’t want to neglect something important.

So make a list of everything that has to get done – start by referencing this moving checklist from Real Simple. It may look overwhelming because you’re short on time. But get it down. Then prioritize.

• Essential–this MUST get done
• Important
• Nice, but not crucial

Because time is limited, you need to focus on those essentials first. If you hit it hard and manage to get down to the “nice” stuff, great! If not, at least you’ve gotten the “have-to’s” accomplished.

Determine budget

There’s no doubt that moving last minute is probably going to cost more. It takes time to find free boxes and compare quotes from movers. You don’t have time. But you still need to establish your budget. Make it as generous as possible, but overspending will lead to a meltdown later, and we don’t want that.

Pack smart

You don’t have time to find bubble wrap and tons of boxes. That’s okay; you don’t need them. Use clothes you already own to wrap your breakables. This saves both time and space. Clean socks work for glasses and stemware. Thick sweaters provide great cushioning for fragile items. It all has to go with you; it might as well go together.

Pack an overnight bag, so stuff you use on a daily basis is easily accessible once you’re at your new place. You’ll appreciate not having to hunt for clean clothes and toiletries.

Make sure bedding and other things you will need immediately are clearly labeled and available also. Clear plastic tubs work well for this.

Get rid of unwanted stuff

You may think you don’t have time to do the typical moving purge. It’s true that you can’t go item by item, sorting into neat piles to keep or toss. But lightening your load will save time and money. Here’s how to do it fast:

• Double up tasks. Sort while you pack.
• The no-brainer: if something is broken or in a condition where it can’t be sold or donated, toss it!.
• If you haven’t used something in ages or forgot you had it—don’t pack it! Put it in the “get rid” box or pile.
• If you don’t love it, do the same. Be ruthless. Lose the regret purchases and unwanted gifts.
• If you’re aren’t sure, don’t waste time waffling. Put it in a designated “maybe” box. This box can go with you, and you can decide later.

Is there time to hold a quick yard sale before your move? Do it. You might make some cash. If not, call a charity to take it all. Don’t take it with you!

Relax

You made it! You’re in your new home. Settle in at your leisure.