Don't Pack These: 11 Essentials You Need on Moving Day

Moving day can be hectic. In addition to boxing, packing, and preparing household goods, you also have to coordinate with the movers to ensure everything is loaded safely and securely. However, loading all your household goods onto the moving truck can create problems further down the road. No matter how far you’re going, there are always a few critical items you’ll want to keep with you in order to manage logistics, protect your peace of mind, and help you unwind after all the boxes have been brought inside. For anyone relocating this year, here are 11 essentials you need on moving day to make the transition as seamless as possible.

Toiletries and Medication

Moving into a new home is a strange experience. Even though you have all your belongings with you, they’re packed away and difficult to access. Because you’ll probably want to brush your teeth and wash your face after you arrive, prepare an overnight bag with a few personal necessities, such as:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Comb
• Hair Dryer
• Nail Clippers
• Band-Aids
• Pain Killers (e.g. Tylenol, Advil)
• Change of Clothes

If you’re taking prescription medication, keep it in its original, labeled bottle and store it in an easy access pocket. If you use a pill organizer, fill it up the day before you leave.

Documents and Identification

Besides your driver’s license, you’ll want to carry your passport, birth certificate, and social security card with you during your journey, along with any other legal and financial documents in your home, such as:

• Bank Statements
• Tax Records
• Loan Papers
• Deeds
• Titles
• Wills
• Medical Directives
• Marriage Licenses
• Divorce Papers
• School Transcripts
• Military Paperwork

In addition to your personal documents, keep your moving contract with you in case you need to answer a question or settle a dispute with your relocation team.

Valuables

Money, jewelry, and family heirlooms are better off in your possession than on a moving truck. While reputable movers vet their crews carefully, these types of items cannot be replaced if lost, damaged, or misplaced. To minimize risk, movers recommend transporting them in your car rather than a moving van.

Cleaning Supplies

Sellers normally clean their homes before listing them, so you won’t need to scrub the place from top to bottom. Nonetheless, there may be a few nooks and crannies they didn’t get to: cupboards, closets, toilet base, etc. Cleaning hard to reach spaces is always easier without your furniture and belongings in the way. 

When the movers arrive, they will invariably track in some dirt and debris, so you’ll need a few basic supplies to clean up afterwards, such as:

• Paper Towels
• Toilet Brush
• Scrub Brush
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Glass Cleaner
• All Purpose Surface Cleaner
• Sponge

If you have room for it, pack a vacuum cleaner as well. If you’re moving cross-country, there’s a good chance you’ll have a day or two before your furniture arrives, plenty of time to remove dust and dirt from floors and carpets.

Shower Curtain

Glass shower doors are increasingly common in modern homes, but they aren’t the standard just yet. If your new home doesn’t have one, you’ll need a shower curtain in order to freshen up without splashing water over the floor. While they’re widely available, bringing one with you saves time and effort ‒ an important consideration at the end of a long move.

Toys and Games

If you have children, you’ll need a way to keep them entertained during the trips. While most of their toys belong on the truck, let them pick out two or three to bring with them, so they have something to play with until you’ve finished unpacking their belongings. A favorite blanket or stuffed animal will also help them feel comfortable in their new surroundings. 

Disposable Plates, Napkins, and Utensils

Few people feel like cooking after moving boxes and furniture all day. Fewer feel like doing dishes. Rather than eating pizza and Chinese food straight from the container, pack a few paper plates and plastic utensils so you can spread out and relax while you enjoy your food.

Charging Cables

Smartphones and tablets are an indispensable part of modern life. They’re not only your primary means of communication, they also let you access the internet and stay entertained with games and streaming content. Unfortunately, the battery life on these devices is only 8-12 hours, which isn’t much when moving cross-country. Make sure your chargers are handy at all times, so you can keep your devices charged while you’re out on the road.

Pet Supplies

Moves can be hard on pets, particularly since they don’t understand why they’re being taken away from their familiar environment. In addition to bringing along food and snacks, make sure you have enough supplies to care for their basic needs. For dogs, this normally includes:

• Leash
• Doggie Bags
• Crate
• Bed
• Toys

Toys are especially important. Playing with your dog helps relieve stress and anxiety, making it easier for them to acclimate to their new environment. If you’re traveling with a cat, you’ll need:

• Carrier
• Bed
• Toys
• Litter and Litterbox

Unlike dogs, cats need to be kept indoors after moving, to prevent them from wandering off and getting lost. Because they’re inherently territorial, many will try to return to your old home if let out too soon. It takes several weeks for them to accept your new home as their primary source of food and shelter. In the meantime, playing with them helps relieve stress and stay happy.

Utility Knife

Boxes need to be taped shut to seal their contents, sometimes with two layers of tape for extra protection. Since you need to cut them open to begin the unpacking process, you’ll need a sharp tool handy when you arrive.

Bottle Opener

To celebrate.

Allied Full Service Moving Teams

Known for our reliability, professionalism, and enthusiasm, Allied relocation teams pack, load, ship, and set up your belongings without you having to lift a finger. We can even provide packing supplies and coordinate storage! While you keep your eye on your essential items, our teams can handle everything else. Contact us today for a free quote!