In an ideal world, you get plenty of notice when you move home. However, sometimes, you have to move at short notice. Just looking at your home and thinking about everything you need to pack might leave you anxious and stressed. Time will tick away while you try to work out what to do first.

With a bit of planning, fast and efficient packing is doable. The following tips will help get you started.

1. Decide what you can do in the time you have

If you have time to plan a move, then you might decide to cull some stuff. For example, you might want to go through everything to decide what to keep, what to trash and what to donate.

If you have to move fast, then you don't have time to do all this. If you're really short on time, then don't beat yourself up over decluttering. Just focus on packing everything. You can always go through your stuff as you unpack when you have more time in your new place.

2. Ask for help

Don't be afraid to ask friends and family to help you pack. One extra pair of hands for an hour can take care of a few boxes for you.

If people can't spare time to come and help you pack, then they might be willing to take on other jobs which save you time. For example, they might drop off meals or take your kids after school to give you childfree packing time.

3. Buy specialist moving supplies

Think about buying moving packing supplies from your removalist. You'll get sturdy boxes, strong packing tape and specialist products which make packing faster and easier. Plus, your removalist might even drop your order off at your door so you don't have to waste time shopping.

Look for supplies which speed up the packing process. For example, you can buy specially designed boxes to hold clothes, glasses, books, TVs, pictures and mirrors. These boxes make things much easier to pack because they are sized and constructed to hold and protect specific items.

For example, hanging wardrobe boxes speed up the time you need to pack your clothes. You don't have to take individual items out of your wardrobes, remove their hangers, fold them and pack them away—you simply transfer clothes on their hangers onto the rail in a wardrobe box. You can empty a packed wardrobe in a couple of minutes.

4. Pack one room at a time

You might find it hard to stay focused as you start to pack. You might float from room to room looking to put the same kinds of items in the box you're currently packing. You'll likely get discouraged if you can't see signs of progress because you don’t clear space fast enough.

Try to pack one room at a time. Focus on that room until you're done. Make sure to put all the packing boxes and supplies you need in the room while you work in it. You'll make more progress and feel more motivated as you clear each room.

5. Get help from your removalist

Removalists often have a range of additional services which help you pack faster. For example, they might offer packing services. You can hire them to pack everything for you or just to pack areas which take more time, such as kitchens, garages, gardens and sheds.

Some removalists also offer specialist packing for valuable or fragile items like pianos and antiques. They often help you disassemble furniture on your moving day, which gives you one less job to worry about.

To get expert advice and help, contact Zippy Removals & Storage. As well as moving you fast, we can help you pack in time. We offer a full range of packing services and supplies. We also have a self-storage facility so, if you need to move before you've found a new place to live, we can store your furniture and possessions for you.