There’s nothing scarier than seeing the time you need to move cut in half. Instead of having a few weeks, you may only have a few days to throw everything in boxes and get ready for a new life. Take charge of what time you have left and follow these tips for making an unexpected move go as smoothly as possible.

Pack efficiently

Make packing easier by reducing the items you plan to bring. You can sell items online or host a yard sale to raise extra money, or donate to a local charity such as Goodwill. Some companies will pick up larger items, such as appliances, for free if they are in good condition. Otherwise, make sure to research what your trash company will accept before leaving something on the curb.

Speed up your packing time by enlisting some help, whether it's from friends and family or a professional moving company. Find the right moving company by reading reviews from past clients and comparing price estimates.

Out of state moving companies are required by law to have a number issued by the Department of Transportation. You can verify this number online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website. Not every state requires the DOT number for in-state moves. You can check your state online, or check to see if the company is certified by the American Moving and Storage Association’s ProMover program.

Update documents

Moving means you will likely need to find a new healthcare provider. Get ready for this step by approving your former doctor sharing your medical information. Next, see if your primary care doctor can recommend a new provider. Another option is finding a health care provider through your insurance. The American Medical Association also offers a DoctorFinder online tool, which lists physicians in your area.

Another important step for moving is updating your driver’s license with the new address. The requirements vary from state to state, so check the Department of Motor Vehicles' website to see what documents are needed.

Check in with the post office and set up mail forwarding to ensure you don’t miss something during the move. You can complete this process in person, or fill out a change of address form online at USPS.com.

Be sure to write a checklist for who you'll need to notify of your new address, and use it to help you prioritize accordingly.

Get your vehicle ready

In a pinch, you may need to sell your vehicle quickly before you move to avoid the hassle or costs of transporting it. Luckily, some dealers will buy your car immediately, making this an easy choice if you have to move unexpectedly. You can then pick up a car in your new city, or opt for local public transportation options, commuting with coworkers, etc.

Other than your driver’s license, you will also need to update your address on your vehicle registration. Not only is this required in case of a traffic violation, but first responders also need this information in case of an accident. Auto insurance providers also need the new address, otherwise, you could risk a claim denial or the policy canceled altogether.

States such as California and New York require smog testing as part of the vehicle registration. Some vehicles are exempt from this testing, such as motorcycles, vehicles with historic plates and electric vehicles. Check the local DMV website to see if your state requires testing or if your vehicle is exempt.

Transfer utilities

Plan ahead and set up utilities so that you don’t arrive in the dark at the new place. You can check with your existing internet and cable provider to see if their service is available in the new place to transfer. Otherwise, you can search online to see what options are available based on your zip code.

Property management companies for renters usually cover water and trash removal. However, if you are moving into a new home you will need to set up these services yourself. Prepare for this by keeping documents such as proof of residence and service applications together before the move.

Moving, in general, is very stressful. It’s even worse under a short time frame. By following these tips, you can ensure everything goes smoothly ahead of this new life change.