Emergency Moving Services: What to Do When You Need to Move Last Minute

Moving is stressful enough, but when life throws unexpected challenges your way, you might find yourself needing to move with little to no notice. Whether it’s a sudden job change, an eviction, a family emergency, or a natural disaster, a last-minute move requires quick thinking and decisive action.


The key is to stay calm and focus on the most important tasks first. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate an urgent move and a breakdown of how our emergency moving services can help.

Step 1: Prioritize and Plan Immediately

Even with a tight deadline, a basic plan is essential. Start by creating a moving checklist and identifying your top priorities.


  • Secure a Place to Stay: Your first priority should be to find a place to live, even if it's a temporary solution like an extended-stay hotel, a short-term rental, or a friend's house.



  • Gather Important Documents: Pack an emergency "go-bag" with essential items you'll need right away. This should include important documents like IDs, passports, insurance papers, and medical records.


  • Handle Utilities and Address Changes: Don't forget to contact utility companies to schedule disconnections and connections at your new address. You should also update your address with the postal service.

Step 2: Declutter and Pack Strategically

With a last-minute move, time is of the essence. Don't worry about being perfectly organized or color-coding your boxes; just focus on packing quickly and efficiently.


  • Declutter ruthlessly: The less you have to move, the easier and more affordable the process will be. Go through your belongings and quickly sort items into three piles: pack, donate, or throw away.


  • Forget perfection, just pack: To save time, you can pack items from different rooms together, as long as they are securely wrapped. Use soft items like towels and blankets to wrap fragile items, which also saves you money on packing supplies.



  • Pack an essentials box: In addition to your important documents, prepare a box with a few changes of clothes, toiletries, snacks, and phone chargers that you can access immediately upon arrival at your new home.

Step 3: Hire an Emergency Moving Company

Finding a moving company that can respond to an urgent request is crucial. Many moving companies require a lot of notice, but some specialize in same-day or next-day services. At Two Men and Van, we understand that life doesn't always fit into a rigid schedule. That's why we provide fast, discreet, and dependable 24-hour moving services throughout the DMV region and Pennsylvania.


Why choose us for your emergency move?


  • Quick Response Times: We prioritize emergency moves and can often provide same-day or next-day service.


  • No Job Too Small: Unlike larger companies, we are structured to be agile and responsive, handling small, time-sensitive moves without the cost of an oversized crew or truck.


  • Full-Service Help: We offer flexible services that can be tailored to your needs. This includes packing, loading, transport, and even reassembly, so you can focus on what's next.


  • Confidentiality and Care: We handle every situation with compassion and discretion, ensuring your belongings are treated with respect and professionalism.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Moves

  • Who offers emergency moving services near me?

     Two Men and Van provides 24-hour moving services across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. We are structured to respond quickly to urgent requests with same-day or next-day availability.

  • How fast can movers help me relocate?

    With our agile and responsive team, we are ready whenever you need us. We can often help with same-day or next-day moves, ensuring your belongings are relocated quickly and carefully.