As you get ready to move into your new home, it’s important to create your own survival kit for moving day to ensure an easy move. 

These are the things you’re absolutely going to need right away. Pack these items in boxes in your car or clearly label them so that you can find these essential boxes when the movers bring them in.

Bathroom Things

Whether your moving trip is across the country or across the city, you’ll probably need to use the bathroom soon after you step into the home. Too many people forget to put the toilet paper in a convenient location and find themselves running to the store. Just a few rolls should be fine until you can really unpack.

You’ll also probably want some towels, your soaps and shampoos, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and any medications you typically take. Headaches and muscle aches are quite common at the end of moving day.

Cleaning Supplies

A brand-new home is likely to be spotless. Still, many people like to start by giving the home a quick clean before setting up all of their furniture and belongings. Have a new mop and a few cleaning supplies ready to go. Don’t forget the vacuum.

Your Carry-On Suitcase

You don’t necessarily have to bring your carry-on suitcase, but it’s helpful to bring a bag that’s packed as though you were going on a weekend trip. The bag should have a few changes of clothes, and any other toiletries you didn’t pack in the box of things for the bathroom.

Cash

It’s usually easier to pay for things with credit and debit cards, so people rarely have cash on them. However, on moving day, you’ll want to have the cash to tip the movers or the pizza delivery guy. 

In general, you should be tipping each worker between $20 and $40 for a half-day move and between $40 and $50 each for a full-day move. Depending on the number of workers, this might mean you need $100 to $200 cash in your wallet.

Kitchen Essentials

You’ll probably order take-out your first night, and maybe even plan to head to Tim Horton’s for breakfast, so you don’t necessarily need to take all of your cooking supplies out. However, it’s still smart to have a few things on hand. 

For instance, you’ll want a few plates, glasses, and silverware. You also might want your coffee maker, along with the mugs and sugar or cream if you take it. Put some drinks in the fridge to keep you hydrated throughout the day and maybe a few beers or a bottle of wine to celebrate your first night in the home.

Snacks

Moving is hard work, and you’re likely to forget about eating until you’re starving. If you have healthy snacks on hand, you’ll be able to tide yourself over until dinner arrives. Things like fresh fruit, granola bars, or prepared smoothies and nutritional shakes are good choices.

Bed Linens

As much as you want to get everything unpacked, at some point, you’ll feel like dropping into a cozy bed to get some well-deserved rest. That’s why you should keep fresh linens in your moving day box. In fact, making up the bed should be the first thing you do. That way, it will be ready for you when you’re ready to get some sleep.  

Tool Box

The tool box may not be 100 percent necessary, but you’ll probably find it’s nice to have around. You might need a screwdriver to put some bookshelves together, a hammer to hang up your artwork, and a box cutter knife to open up all those moving boxes.

Chargers and Electronic Devices

Keep your chargers handy so you’re not digging through every box trying to find the cords while your phone is flashing the “Low Battery” warning. If you have tablets or laptops, bring those along as well. You might not have the internet set up yet, so download books and movies before you get to the new house so you can relax at night.

Moving day is exciting, but there’s a lot to do. When you have all the necessary items packed into your survival kit, you won’t have trouble finding the things you need for your first few days in your new home.

Now that day one is over, you surely deserve some rest! But, unfortunately, the work is not all done. Not to worry, our suggestions for tasks to complete in the first 60 days of moving into your new home can help keep you on track (and sane!). 

Photo credits: unpacking, tools, food