At-Home Packing Tips - June 16, 2019
If the New Year means a change of residence for you, we are here to help! Whether you just move the building or travel long distances, our team has the experience to take you wherever you go. As you begin to pack your stuff, you can take a look at some of our helpful moving tips. One of our tips recommends packing the “necessities” or the first night box. Here we will analyze what should be included in any essentials moving box.
What is an essentials moving box?
In short, your box with the necessary things is a box or bag filled with important everyday items. Things you need or want daily, which can cause endless troubles if they are packed in boxes on a moving truck. Ideally, your essentials box should be kept in the car during the entire time of the move. Or if it is traveling with the company performing the move, this is the last thing to be packed and loaded, so it can be unloaded first.
This kit will help you have everything at hand when you first arrive at your new home. No need to wait until the entire van is unloaded before you can drink a glass of water or use the toilet, which allows you to unpack things at a relatively leisurely pace.
Why do I need to pack the essentials moving box?
The box for the first night has everything you need to survive the first night or even a week in your new home. Essentials boxes are useful, especially for moving over long distances, during which you can be separated from the bulk of your belongings for a long period of time. While everything else is loaded into a moving truck and taken out, your essentials moving box should stay with you for the duration of the move. Even if you move inside the city, you may want to pack a box for the first night. At the end of a long day of moving and cleaning your old apartment, the last thing you probably want to do is dig into all your boxes to find what you are looking for.
The essentials will be different for everyone, so think about what you will do when you first arrive at the house. And make sure that you have everything you need. Here are some of our ideas on what to put in the box with the essentials.
What should I include in my essentials moving box?
Your essentials should include all those things without which you simply cannot live the first few days in your new home. This may include items from the following categories:
1. Toiletries and items for the bathroom
There is nothing worse than moving to a new home, only to find that there is not a square of spare toilet paper. To prevent an emergency situation in the bathroom, make sure that you pack a roll or two of toilet paper, as well as other essentials, including:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Face wash
- Lotion
- Towels and washcloths
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Shower curtain
- Medicine
- Cosmetics
2. Bed linen
If you just move in place, the movers will help you to assemble the bed in a new place. However, if you move around the country, your bed may not arrive within two or three weeks after your move. If so, you might want to think about packing an inflatable mattress and minimal bedding for the whole family. Planning ahead can prevent a lot of expensive nights at the hotel. Here is what you can think of taking with you:
- Inflatable Mattress
- Sheets
- Extra blankets
- Pillows
3. Charger devices and electronics
In the modern world, it is almost impossible to do without technology. Make sure you have everything you need to stay in touch while you are waiting to unpack after moving:
- Cell phones and chargers
- Laptops/tablets and chargers
- Portable alarm clock
- Batteries
4. Shoes and clothes
Make sure you pack a bag that includes all the clothes you need for the first few days or weeks. If you start a new job right away, you need to think about your professional wardrobe, as well as your clothes for hanging out at home. In addition, if you go into an unfamiliar state, be sure to check the weather forecast to bring enough layers! Here are some essentials that you will need for each member of your family:
- Footwear
- Underwear
- Socks
- Business clothing
- Pants / shorts
- Shirts / T-shirts / Sweaters
- Jackets and coats for cold climates
5. Kitchen items
Eating out can really add up, so if you’re trying to save money on the move, planning to prepare main courses in your new home can really help reduce costs. We recommend taking with you:
- Very simple cookware
- Water and other drinks
- Snacks
- Disposable plates, dishes and cups
- Easily cooked meals (like oatmeal or mac and cheese)
6. Cleaning products
Even if you are moving to a completely new place, it would be nice to take care of a little something just for the peace of mind. Packing liquids for moving is not easy, but it can be pretty useful to bring some cleaning essentials such as:
- Antibacterial wipes
- Window cleaner
- Broom and dustpan
- Bathroom cleaner
- Dish soap and napkins
- Paper towels
- Garbage bags
7. Do not forget your furry friends when packing essentials moving box
While you are busy packing for all the people in your family, do not forget about the packing for your pets. There are a few basic things that will keep them happy and healthy in a new home until most of your household items are delivered:
- Bedding
- Box (for transport)
- Food and treats
- Bowls for food and water
- Leash
- Chosen toys
8. Other random items
There are several other random items that can be useful when you are settling in:
- A little toolkit with all the basics
- Scissors
- Pen and paper
- Flashlights
It is difficult to move around, but having packed an essentials moving box, it will be much easier and more convenient to survive the first few days in your house.