Moving Day Survival Kit

Having a Moving Day Survival Kit on hand can make your move that much easier!

Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, to an apartment, house, or dorm, there are always a set of essentials that people often forget to keep accessible for ready use. The last thing you want to do when you’re trying to move in, is rip through your many carefully packed boxes to find that one thing you desperately need.

Here is a handy list of things you may want to put into your ‘moving day survival kit’ for easy access. On a day that is already hectic and stressful, having these items close at hand can be a lifesaver. (See also, a handy moving day survival kit checklist you can print out to keep you organized during your hectic move!)

Basic Tools & Essentials:

• A notebook and pen/pencil. You’re going to want to write down a lot of information when you get to your new place, from lists of home improvement items and groceries, to room measurements. Having a place to keep your thoughts organized will make the next few days that much more bearable.
• Sharpies. Whether it’s re-labeling a box or making a ‘free’ sign for some junk items you realized you didn’t actually want to bring with you, sharpie markers are always handy to have during moving time.
• Scissors and boxcutters. Aside from the fact that you’ll really want these tools to help get into your things, both are just plain good to have around, especially if you need to get into a stubborn package of light bulbs or to cut some tape.
• Flashlight and batteries. It never fails, there is always a room or closet where a light bulb has blown. Having a flashlight and backup batteries will come in handy when you’re trying to navigate dark rooms once the sun has gone down.
• Duct, electrical, and packing tape. You never know what in your new place might need a temporary fix. Being prepared with a variety of tape can help make a potentially large catastrophe become a much smaller one.
• Measuring tape. Eyeballing your space can often lead to frustration and a lot of rearranging when a furniture item manages not to fit by all of a half-inch. Get it right the first time, by having this tool at the ready.

Other items to have on hand as part of your moving day survival kit:

Cleaning Supplies:

These are especially helpful if you’re not sure what kind of state the old tenants or owners has left your new home in. Having these supplies on hand as part of your “survival kit” is important for a comfortable and safe first couple of days.

Personal Care items:

It goes without saying that you don’t want to be caught without these items on your first day in the new home. Even while moving, you’re going to need to use the bathroom, want to wash your hands, and have clean clothes at the ready. Having an overnight bag full of these goods will make your first few days pleasant and comfortable.

Kitchen & Entertainment:

The last thing you’re likely to want to do after a big move is to cook and deal with dirty dishes. Having disposable dining items, snacks and fresh water on hand will help keep the mess manageable and save you some much-needed energy. You’ll also want to relax after your moving day, so bring something to entertain you once the dust settles.

Information:

Finally, you’ll want to research information about your new location ahead of time. The best laid plans can still go awry, so knowing the locations, proximity, phone numbers, and hours of operation for these local businesses will help make your move go smoothly.

With this moving day survival kit, you’re that much closer to being prepared for your big move. Don’t forget to breathe, and remember to enjoy your latest adventure!