Moving in a Hurry

In an ideal world we would have an ample amount of time to make a sensible decision for our next address every time we move. We'd be able to lovingly pack up our belongings in newspaper and bubble wrap, give our old place a deep cleaning and drop the keys off at our landlord's office like respectable adults. But we all know that for renters this sort of nice, leisurely move doesn't always happen. There are plenty of times when we have to get out of our housing immediately.

For some folks who get new jobs, they may have a weekend to complete a transfer. Then there's the more dire situations. Breakups, fights, house fires, natural disasters and violence can all force us to move on short notice, sometimes only a few hours or minutes. Today we've got a quick guide on what to do when you have to move in a hurry.

Find shelter

Shelter is the most important thing. You can live without an apartment for a few weeks but you need to have protection from the weather or in some cases you can die in a matter of hours. You can crash on a couch with a friend or family. You can get a hotel room, a motel or an AirBNB. You can put up a tent in the woods. Doesn't matter how you do it, find shelter and some sort of restroom facilities.

Bring what you need for 4 days

In a pinch an apartment search can be completed in 4 days. Day 1 is for a showing tour with a responsible agent. Day 2 is for processing your application. Day 3 is for signing the lease. Day 4 is for moving. Obviously this doesn't allow you much time to shop around, but if you don't have time to wait your options are limited. This means that you can get away with just 4 days worth of clothes, along with any necessary medications you would need for a week or so just in case the landlord is slow to review your paperwork. In the event that your search runs over you can always wash your clothes but if you move quickly that shouldn't be needed.

If you don't have access to a suitcase, line a pillowcase with a trash bag and use that as a substitute.

If you're leaving because of a fire or flood, you may or may not have a "go bag" ready with all your emergency supplies. There are several charities that help out victims of disaster with clothing, food and temporary shelter, but if you have the opportunity to bring your own stuff out of your home before you go that is of course the better option.

Check your insurance policy

Some renters and homeowners insurance policies cover not only the replacement cost of your belongings but also cover moving expenses in a pinch. I know one friend who had his moving truck broken into during a cross country move, and his renters insurance even covered the items that were stolen from the truck! If you were prepared enough to buy insurance, don't hesitate to file a claim. That's what you pay them for.

Make use of government and community support

If you're a very low income renter it can be difficult to come up with rent and a deposit at the drop of a hat. There are public and private resources available through the city, state, county, churches and non-profits to help prevent homelessness. Section 8 tenants who are living in immediate danger from stalkers or domestic violence can request immediate transfers to new housing. Legal Aid services can help in case your landlord pushes back against your early departure.

Know the laws

In Illinois and Chicago there are several laws that deal with the problems of emergency moves. There's the Safe Homes Act which allows victims of domestic violence to leave immediately as long as they notify their landlord within 3 days. It also prevents the landlord from disclosing the nature of the departure to any other landlords seeking references. There's also a law on the books that requires a landlord to hold on to abandoned property for 7 days, which gives you a little extra time to retrieve anything you had to leave behind in your rush to get out. The City of Chicago mandates that a landlord must allow you to sublease your apartment at no cost to you. They also specify that a landlord has 72 hours to repair a life threatening situation before you can terminate your lease without penalty.

Talk to your landlord

Most landlords get pretty annoyed if you leave before the lease is up, but a rational landlord will understand that renters aren't going to stay forever. If you're on good terms with them, they might actually be able to help you find a new place in their portfolio or in a property owned by one of their friends. Others will immediately launch into their lease break policies.

No matter how your landlord takes the news, they need to know that you're leaving. If you moved out to escape an abusive roommate the landlord will want to know about it. They will want to know how to handle any items you left behind. If the apartment is hazardous you can only terminate your lease after 72 hours if you've notified the landlord about the problem in writing first.

End your connection with the old place

If you leave behind a roommate or ex-partner on bad terms, you want to make sure they can't do something that will cost you. That includes running up the utility bills that you accidentally left in your name. Make sure that you can completely wash your hands of your former address. Terminate any utility accounts or transfer them out of your name. If someone cosigned for you, let them know that you'll be taking them off the lease. If you shared a computer or any accounts with your former roomie make sure to change your passwords to critical online accounts like your bank, your email address and your social media.

Try to get a short term lease

If you're choosing a new home based on one day of showings, you're probably not going to have a lot of great options to choose from. In some cases it might turn out to be the best place you ever had, but in most cases your new apartment is going to have some bumps and bruises. Remember that this is only a temporary location until you can get your act together. Sign a lease that's long enough to get you through the worst of it, but don't tie yourself down for a whole year if you can avoid it. If you love it you can always renew later.

Be very careful about who knows your new address

If you're leaving a dangerous partner or roommate, don't be too public about your new home. Landlords can be very quick to blame and evict tenants who are victims of violence at their properties. Get a PO Box for your mail. Do not tell anyone your new address. If you meet any new neighbors give them a fake name for the first few months. Ask your landlord to keep your name off of the buzzer directory.

Expect to get sick when everything is done.

Stressful situations like moving tax our bodies to the limits. Moving in a rush is even worse. For some people it can bring on minor PTSD or shock. When you get to a point where you can finally catch your breath and settle into your new place you will probably suffer some after effects. These can include physical illness or increased anxiety. Be ready for a few days or weeks of feeling gross when all is said and done. This doesn't mean that you made a bad decision to leave. It merely means that you went through a personal trauma that will take some recovery time.

Have you ever had to move in a big hurry? How did it work out for you? Let us know in the comments.