Moving is never easy. One good way to cut down on the stress is to pack a box or two of essentials that can help you make the transition to your new home.
Why You Need an Essentials Box
When you’re exhausted and stressed out from moving, the last thing you want is to spend time going through boxes to find that one thing you need. Avoid that by packing “essentials boxes.” Pack these boxes a day or two before your move. Make sure those boxes travel with you on moving day.
How Many Boxes Do You Need?
If it’s just you or you don’t have that many essentials, one large box will probably do. Many people find it helpful to have several boxes. You could set aside one essentials box for each room in the house. Another idea is to have one essentials box for each person in the family. Don’t forget the pets!
Decide whether you want to keep important documents with you or in an essentials box. According to this moving website, here are some of the things you should make sure to pack:
1. Food and Snacks
- Coffeemaker, filters and ground coffee
- Bread, rolls, and crackers
- Materials for making sandwiches, including peanut butter and tuna
- Foods that are quick and easy to make, like pasta and pasta sauce
- Canned soups
- Paper or plastic plates
- Plastic cups and cutlery
- A skillet and a small cook pot
- A colander, can opener and bottle opener
2. Toiletries
- Soap, shampoo and shaving cream
- Towels
- Toilet paper
- Razors and tweezers
- A shower curtain
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Bathroom appliances like curling irons, flat irons, and electric toothbrushes
3. Pet Supplies
- Pet bowls and dishes
- Cat litter, litter box, and scoop
- Pet food
- Rabies and other vaccination histories
4. Medications
- Important medications should travel with you.
If you use insulin, it needs to be refrigerated during the move and upon arrival. Carry it in a small cooler packed with ice. Don’t forget the syringes.
5. Devices and Chargers
You know how much you depend on your phone and other devices. You’ll want to have easy access to them at your new place without climbing through a bunch of boxes to find them.
6. Household Supplies
- Dishwashing liquid
- All-purpose cleaner
- Laundry detergent
- Sponges and cleaning towels
- A flashlight
- Spare batteries of different sizes
7. Clothing
Each family member should pack:
- Clothing for two to three days
- One or two pairs of shoes.
- Socks and underwear
- A raincoat or rain jacket
- Pajamas
8. Entertainment Options
In addition to relying on what’s available on your electronic devices, it’s a good idea to bring along some non-electronic forms of entertainment.
- Puzzles and board games
- Books and magazines
- Deck of cards
- Knitting, needlework and other craft projects
- Children’s favorite stuffed toys
An Essentials Box is Essential
There’s no way to make moving painless. But there are ways to cut down on the stress and anxiety it causes. An essentials box will help you feel at home in your new place and help you get off to a fresh start.