As you get prepared for a move, you may be wondering, “What should I pack last?” The fact is, unpacking can take a while, and once everything is tucked into a box, you don’t always have easy access to certain necessities. Certain items should be saved for last and placed in a “moving-in essentials” box or a few boxes.
What are the necessities when moving that you should keep in your moving essentials box or set aside? Here’s your ultimate moving-in essentials checklist.
What to Pack in Your Essentials Box for Moving Day
1. New-home must-haves
A new home can be lacking in everything, right down to the bare necessities that make a home functional. Make sure you have:
- Light bulbs
- Extension cords
- Power strips
- Shower curtain
2. Toiletries
Set aside moving day essentials you know you’ll need to access for grooming and hygiene, such as:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Hair brush or comb
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- First-aid kit
PackSimply is a great website that let’s you customize a travel-sized toiletry kit with everything you need.
3. Basic hand tools
When you start unpacking, or even if you come across a loose pipe, screw, or door knob in your new place, having basic hand tools on hand will mean everything. Drop the basics in your moving essentials box:
- Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips head)
- Regular and needle-nose pliers
- Hammer
- Box cutter
- Allen wrench set
You could even get a basic tool kit that will include everything you might need during your move and unpacking.
4. Paper products
You won’t want to dig through the moving truck when someone needs to go to the bathroom or wash their hands, and rather than dig out dinnerware for meals, you’ll need to include:
- Toilet paper
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Paper plates
- Wet wipes or baby wipes
5. Cleaning supplies
You’ll need basic cleaning supplies as you do your final chores at the old house to wrap things up, but you may also need them when you get to the new place. What sanitary and cleaning products do you need? Set aside these items for moving day:
- Broom and dustpan
- Cleaning spray and/or cleaning wipes
- Dusting/cleaning rags and sponges
- Dish soap
- Handheld or small vacuum
6. Snacks
Put some nutrient-dense snacks in your essentials box so you can skip quick stops for overpriced gas station munchies when your energy levels start to get low. Make sure you have 2-3 snacks per family member, including your pets! A few good options include:
- Snack crackers
- Trail mix
- Granola bars
- Real fruit snacks or dried fruit
- Beef jerky
- Protein bars
One great way to make sure you have food handy is a snack subscription box, there’s a wide variety to choose from, even gluten-free and allergy-friendly options!
7. Food-prep necessities
Even if you pack snacks, you probably don’t want to live on snack crackers and beef jerky until you get settled. So be sure to include a few things for food prep and meals, such as:
- Basic cooking and eating utensils
- A small pan or pot as needed
- A cup for everyone in the house
8. Change of clothes
Make sure everyone in the house packs a change of clothes, including socks and underwear. You don’t want everyone to be scrambling to dig something to wear out of a box once you get settled in for the night at the new home.
9. Basic bedding and towels
After a long day of getting moved to the new home, having at least the bare minimum bedding on hand will make your much-needed rest easier to achieve. Make sure for every bed, you have:
- A sheet
- A pillow
- A blanket
10. Personal must-haves
Some other essential items that may be on the checklist according to your personal needs, such as:
- Medications and daily supplement tablets
- Important documents (driver’s license, medical insurance card, etc.)
- Phone, laptop, or tablet chargers
- Blood glucose monitors
- Pet food and treats and feeding bowls
- Supplies for children, such as diapers, formula, toys
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