How to Handle a Last Minute Emergency Move
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: If your plans changed unexpectedly or you’re facing an emergency, don’t panic. Same day movers can help you relocate quickly, safely, and without blowing your budget.
We help thousands of people handle urgent moves every year. Below, you’ll find what to expect from same day and next-day movers, how to book fast, typical costs, and tips to lock in a reputable crew right now.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Same day and next-day moving services: What to expect
Booking movers on short notice is possible with many companies. Same day and next-day services are widely available for local moves and, in some cases, urgent long-distance pickups. Options are more limited during peak season, so speed and flexibility matter.
- Immediate availability: Most movers build some flexibility into their schedules, but true “same day” slots depend on crew and truck availability, especially on summer weekends and month-ends.
- Service limitations: Specialty handling (pianos, safes, fine art) or cross-country movers usually requires extra notice. Be upfront about access issues, elevators, and parking so the dispatcher can send the right crew.
- Response times: Expect fast callbacks and quick booking turnarounds, but fewer time windows to choose from. Having a backup window (morning/afternoon) increases your odds.
Pro tip: If you need to move today or tomorrow, act fast. The earlier you contact movers, the better your chances of securing a reliable crew.
Types of moves covered by same day movers
Whether your mover canceled last minute or you’re in an emergency situation, same day movers can jump in on a range of urgent jobs. Here’s how availability typically looks by move type:
- Local moves: High same day success rates within the same city or metro area; crews can often be dispatched within hours.
- Apartment, home, and office: From studios to small offices, last-minute movers carry the equipment and materials to handle standard household and light commercial work.
- Specialty moves: Many pros can tackle storage units, internal moves, or heavy single items. Confirm experience and equipment when you call.
- Long-distance/cross-country: Same day pickup is sometimes possible, but delivery follows normal transit times. Larger or interstate shipments may face more scheduling constraints.
Find the best movers near you to get started.
| Type of move | Same day availability | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Local (within city/region) | High | Quick crew dispatch; most services available; flexible options if you’re open on timing |
| Long-distance | Medium to low | Pickup may be same day; delivery depends on distance, routing, and truck space |
| Specialty (office, storage, large items) | Varies | May require more notice or specialized gear; always confirm during booking |
Full range of services offered by same day movers
Even with little or no prep time, you still have options. Many last-minute moving companies offer add-on services to fit urgent situations:
- Packing and unpacking: Crews can arrive with boxes and materials, pack rooms quickly, and set up first-night essentials at your new place.
- Loading and unloading only: Hire pros to load your rental truck or moving container, or to unload at destination. This is ideal for hybrid/DIY plans.
- Labor-only moves: If you don’t need a truck, book labor-only movers by the hour to rearrange furniture, clear a storage unit, or carry items up and down stairs.
- Short-term or overnight storage: Between leases? Ask about vault or warehouse storage so your items are secure while you sort out housing.
- Special handling: For fragile, valuable, or bulky items, confirm the company’s experience and ask about protective materials and coverage.
Real-life example:
“I needed last-minute help unloading my U-Pack ReloCube after it arrived in Salt Lake City. I booked local movers through an online platform the day before, and they showed up on time and made the process stress-free. I was glad I could handle the packing and just get help for the heavy stuff on moving day.”
How to book same day movers: Step-by-step
If you need to move ASAP, follow this fast-track checklist to secure a crew in record time.
- Gather key details: Include your move-out and move-in addresses, inventory of large items, time window, access notes (stairs/elevators/parking), and any special handling.
- Search and compare: Use trusted tools (like moveBuddha’s calculator) to check availability and surface well-reviewed local crews fast.
- Request quotes: Call for the fastest response, or use online forms or live chat. Note that you need a same day or urgent move for priority.
- Compare smartly: Look beyond the price to moving insurance, included materials, arrival window, and crew size. Cheap but understaffed movers can cost more for hourly jobs.
- Book and confirm: Lock in the slot, then get the confirmation email and terms in writing. Share photos or a quick video walk-through to avoid surprises.
Keep this information handy while you book. It speeds up scheduling and prevents callbacks:
- Both addresses and best contact number: Make yourself easy to reach for dispatch updates.
- Preferred dates/times and flexibility: Offering a second-choice window can make the difference between “booked” and “sorry.”
- Rooms and major items: Organizing beds, sofas, appliances, and boxes by room can help you get the right size crew and truck.
- Access and parking notes: Note stairs, elevator reservations, loading docks, or permits if needed.
- Special items: Call out anything bulky, fragile, or unusually heavy so the movers bring the right gear to handle it.
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Pricing: What to expect for last-minute moves and how to get a quote
When you’re in a rush, you don’t have time for guesswork. Here’s how urgent-move pricing typically works and how to avoid surprise fees.
- Hourly rates (most local moves): Expect two- or three-hour minimums. Typical ranges run about $100–$200 per hour for two movers and a truck, with your city and season impacting the final rate.
- Flat rates (select jobs): Larger or longer moves may be quoted as a flat rate based on inventory, distance, and access, which is helpful when you need certainty.
- Urgency premiums: Some companies add a rush or after-hours fee for same day dispatch. Ask upfront so you can compare apples to apples.
- What’s included: Clarify whether dollies, pads, wrap, and basic assembly/disassembly are included. Small inclusions can save big when time is tight.
These variables influence the final number more than anything else:
- Distance between locations: Longer drives and heavy traffic extend billable time.
- Crew size and truck: More movers cost more per hour but often finish faster, which can lower the total.
- Access challenges: Stairs, long carries, and elevator waits add time to your move. Disclose them to get the right estimate.
- Peak demand windows: The end of the month, weekends, and summer dates come with higher rates and fill up first.
Insider tip: Get at least two quotes, even under time pressure. If one offer is dramatically lower, ask why. Reputable same day movers are transparent about rates and inclusions.
How to choose reputable same day movers
In an emergency, reliability is everything. Use these signals to quickly separate the pros from the pretenders:
- Vetted and insured: Confirm licensing for your state, active insurance, and background-checked crews before you book. Use the FMCSA to vet interstate movers.
- Verified reviews: Prioritize companies with consistent, recent feedback (not just ads) and clear responses to complaints.
- Responsive support: Look for extended phone hours or live chat, ETA updates, and a clear escalation path if plans change mid-move.
Customer experience:
“My move from Austin to LA was filled with family heirlooms and antiques. Allied Van Lines wasn’t the cheapest, but they did an in-person quote and had world-class communication. No delays, and only minor damage that they handled with a claims process. It was worth paying a bit more for real peace of mind.”
Emergency moves: What to do in a crisis
If you’re facing eviction, a disaster, or another urgent crisis, a little structure goes a long way. Here’s how to make the most of same day moves and protect your essentials:
- Prioritize essentials: Secure IDs, medications, documents, chargers, and a change of clothes in a single essentials bag you carry yourself.
- Communicate urgency: Tell dispatch you’re in an emergency; many companies will shuffle their schedules to help.
- Use temporary solutions: Ask about overnight storage or delivering to a storage unit if you don’t yet have a final address.
- Lean on your network: Friends and coworkers can help box up rooms or watch kids and pets while the movers work.
Finding same day movers near me and coverage areas
Need movers nearby — fast? Use targeted searches and comparison tools to surface availability in minutes.
- Search smarter: Try “same day movers near me” or “last-minute movers [your city].” Add “open now” to filter by current availability.
- Check coverage: National brands cover most metros, while local specialists may be more flexible for urgent jobs or tight access.
- Use an aggregator: moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator quickly compares options in your ZIP code so you can book without calling a dozen places.
Comparison and booking platforms: Fast-track to multiple quotes
Reputable comparison tools streamline pricing, availability, and reviews in one place.
- Get several quotes fast: Find multiple crews that can take a same day or next-day slot.
- See verified ratings: Read recent, balanced feedback from sources like our Better Moves Project to avoid bait-and-switch operations.
- Book online: Reserve instantly and receive confirmation and ETA updates by email or text.
Helpful places to start:
FAQs
How quickly can I book same day movers?
In many cities, movers can dispatch a crew within a few hours for local jobs. Your best odds come from calling early, being flexible on start times, and having your inventory and access notes ready. If today is full, ask about a next-morning arrival window.
What services are included in a last-minute move?
Options range from labor-only loading and unloading to full service, with packing, transport, and basic assembly. Clarify whether pads, dollies, wrap, and fuel are included so your quote reflects the true door-to-door cost. If you need packing, say so during booking to ensure the truck arrives stocked.
Can I move long-distance on short notice?
Same day pickup may be possible, but delivery depends on the route and available space. Ask for a realistic delivery window and whether your shipment will share a truck or be expedited. If timing is tight, consider short-term storage to keep things moving.
Are same day moving rates higher than standard bookings?
They can be, particularly during peak dates or after hours. You’ll save by offering flexible windows, minimizing access delays, and choosing the right crew size for your inventory. Always request an itemized estimate and ask about any rush or travel fees.
Do movers bring supplies for last-minute jobs?
Most local crews stock blankets, straps, and dollies by default. Boxes and specialty materials may be limited on same day moves, so mention your packing needs at booking. If supplies are tight, plan to supply boxes yourself.
Contact and support: Get help from same day movers now
Ready to book or still weighing options? These paths get you help fastest:
- Use our moving cost calculator to check real-time availability and pricing from movers in your area.
- Call directly for urgent jobs: Companies with extended or 24/7 lines can confirm a crew and arrival window on the spot.
- Leverage live chat and online forms: If phones are slammed, web requests can route you straight to dispatch for quick confirmation.
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How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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