The first box you open during a move should always be packed with essentials that can tide you over until you have the time and energy to unpack everything else. It’s your moving survival kit, and it’s the most important box that you will pack.
Keeping the right items in an easily accessible box that you have with you at all times is a great way to minimize the headaches and stress associated with moving day.
Bathroom Essentials
Arguably the most important things you should pack in your moving survival kit are your bathroom essentials — things like toothpaste, a toothbrush, toilet paper, soap and shampoo. These are the items that you really can’t wait a couple days to get at, especially since the call of nature won’t wait for your schedule to catch up.
Clothes
Pack at least one change of clean clothes in your moving survival kit. While brushing your teeth and taking a shower may make you feel clean, getting back into your dirty moving clothes will bring you down all over again. You can change into fresh clothes to give you a boost of energy to keep you moving through the long process of unpacking.
Cleaning Supplies
Have some all-surface cleaner and paper towels packed in this box. These supplies will allow you to cut down on any grime or dust that may have accumulated in your new home before you had the chance to formally move in. You will be able to clean a surface to eat on and otherwise begin the process of making your new home livable.
Food
While this may seem like a bit of a stretch, food is a must for moving day if you have small children. Bring a few snacks (securely stored in locked plastic containers or sealed bags since there are cleaning chemicals in your moving survival kit as well) to help calm down a fussy toddler.
Food will give you a much-needed energy boost while you are going through the process of moving boxes and unpacking.
Bedding
Though bedding can take up enough space to necessitate its own separate box, it’s still a good idea to consider bringing sleeping bags, pillows and blankets with you. Your mattress and all of your furniture may arrive at your home after you do. You do not want to sleep on the hard floor of your new home without anything to help make you comfortable, so pack some supplies to make things easier on your first night.
Entertainment
Don’t forget to pack something that you can use for entertainment, especially because your television and most of your belongings may still be in transit or packed away for your first night. A laptop, some board games or even something as simple as a book or a deck of cards is a good way to kill time and unwind after a long day of traveling.
If you’re moving with kids, you should make sure they each have something that can occupy them for at least an hour or two so you can get some time on your own as well.
Tools
Finally, the last thing you should have in your survival kit is a set of basic tools, including a hammer, nail, screwdriver and maybe a utility knife or a pair of scissors. This ensures that you’re able to easily unpack and set up all your other belongings without having to dig through your boxes to find the tools to do so.
For all your moving and packing needs, you can contact us at Island Movers.
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