Moving is an exciting and stressful time. You often experience a range of emotions, from sadness to joy to wonder about things to come, especially if you are buying and selling at the same time. While moving is often a hectic time, you can make the process a little less stressful by efficiently packing your stuff in anticipation of the big move. We understand that it’s easy to lose things during a move, from packing boxes in storage units to transferring items to your new space. However, giving everything a place and keeping essentials in easy to access and clearly labeled boxes will help you keep track of all the must-haves on moving day.
It usually takes a while to get settled into a new home with most of your belongings packed into boxes. Unpacking and organizing is a job almost as big as preparing for the move, so it can take several days to give everything a place in your new space. Therefore, it’s essential to have a survival kit that allows you to make the first couple of days in your new home easier.
Must-Have Items to Keep Easily Accessed During a Move
While most of your belongings are secured away during a move, certain items are important to have right away for practical, financial, or emotional reasons.
- Keys (for your new home, vehicles, storage units, etc.)
- Chargers for all your devices
- Important documents, such as medical records/health insurance cards, birth certificates, pet vaccination records, and moving contracts.
- Change of clothes packed in an overnight bag to save you the hassle of sorting through all your packed boxes to hunt for an extra set of clothes and pajamas.
Other Items Needed for a Smooth Transition to Your New Home
Clearly labeling boxes when packing can make move-in day easier to manage, but preparing for the busy day by ensuring these items are easily accessed will help make the transition into your new home a little less stressful.
Cleaning Supplies
Be ready for unexpected messes by labeling and packing a box of cleaning supplies. You may want to include:
- Trash bags
- Broom and dustpan
- Paper towels/rags
- Rubber gloves
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Plunger
- Toilet brush
- Vacuum
Tools
From putting together furniture to opening boxes, keeping these tools handy will make the moving process easier:
- Box cutter
- Scissors
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Drill
- Tape measure
- Batteries
- Flashlight
Pet Items
If you haven’t boarded your pets during the moving process, remember to keep everything they’ll need to be comfortable in the new space packed in an easily accessed spot.
- Pet food
- Leashes
- Water and food dishes
- Bed
- Litter box
- Medications/Vitamins (in needed)
Supplies for Cooking
While you may not be preparing extravagant meals during the moving process, you’ll likely need items for making a few simple meals in your new home. Even if you opt for ordering out, you’ll still need disposable dishes and utensils to save you the hassle of searching for glassware and dishes packed away in stacks of boxes.
- Disposable dishes, utensils, and cups
- Cooking pot or pan
- Drinks
- Snacks
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
Toiletries, Health & Beauty Items
By the end of moving day, you’ll probably want to relax with a hot shower, so you’ll need bathroom and health & beauty essentials.
- Toilet paper
- Shower curtain
- Soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Deodorant
- First-aid kit
- Pain relievers
- Vitamins
- Any prescribed medication
Bedding
Setting up your bed is a minimum must-do on the first day when moving into your new space. A full day of moving will be tiring, and you’ll want to get a good night’s sleep after the busy day. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure you can quickly access the items needed to make that happen.
- Pillows
- Sheets
- Blankets