Month: July 2023

It’s no secret that you’ve got a lot of packing to do when you move to a new place. However, when you arrive at your new home, the last thing you’ll want is to dig through dozens of boxes to find the things you need for those first couple of days. Fortunately, you can avoid this headache by simply packing a first-day move-in kit that stays with you from your current house to your new one.

What should you include in your move-in essentials kit? Generally, you should pack enough supplies for at least 24 hours. There will likely be a supermarket or convenience store near your new home, but it’s a good idea to come prepared with some food for your first night there. When you arrive, it might be late, and you’ll be worn out and ready for a quick meal and a restful night’s sleep.

Here are some things to remember.

Clothes

You’ll want a couple of changes of clothes to get you through the first day or two—especially if you anticipate sweating while unpacking and moving boxes around. Don’t forget also to pack some comfortable sleepwear, too!

Toiletries

You’ll also want to be able to do some basic things before you unpack entirely at your new place, such as shower and brush your teeth. However, your bathroom will still be without a shower curtain, and you might need toilet paper stocked.

Pack these essentials to help you settle in, along with travel bottles of your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Some other things to bring with you include:

• Razor
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Lotion
• A towel and washcloth
• Toilet Paper
• Shower curtain
• Soap

Meanwhile, if you take any daily medications, bring these with you as well. You don’t want to dig through your moving boxes to locate your prescription when you need it, and you don’t want to miss a dose.

Chargers

If you’re like most people, you rely on your phone for a lot. Remember to pack chargers for your phone and other devices (such as tablets) to keep them juiced up during those first couple days. Pick up a small, portable charger for added convenience.

Convenience Dishware

You spent a lot of time carefully packing away your dishes—and you probably don’t want to deal with the hassle of painstakingly unpacking them before you enjoy your first meal in your new home. By packing a small number of plastic or disposable dishware (including plates, napkins, and silverware), you can dine without having to dig out those bubble-wrapped dishes.

Cleaning Supplies

Hopefully, the previous tenants took care of the cleaning before you moved in. But no matter how clean your new home may seem, you will want to have some critical cleaning supplies on hand. Here are some to tide you over until your other boxes arrive.

• Dish soap
• Paper towels
• Rubber gloves
• All-purpose cleaner
• Toilet brush
• Trash and recycling bags

Tools

Include a small tool kit appropriate for necessary jobs that will pop up during your relocation. Here are some standard tools you might need:

• Scissors
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Hammer
• Wrench
• Box cutter
• Tape

Important Documents

Pack important documents and keep them with you during your move. This may include your passport, Social Security card, and birth certificate. Keeping these critical papers in your essentials box is safer than putting them on the moving truck.

Many people also carry cash and credit cards with them during a move. This way, you can quickly pay for any services (such as a locksmith or moving company) when you arrive.

Relocation Satisfaction

There’s a lot to remember when preparing for a move, but having a first-day essential kit packed can save you a lot of stress and hassle. Looking for more help with your next move? Contact us to start your quote today!

Moving with young children can be stressful—especially when trying to pack and entertain your kids simultaneously. However, even if you have very young children, there are still some fun ways to get them involved with the move (and keep them busy). Most kids want to be involved in the moving process but aren’t sure how to contribute, but we’ve got some great ideas for most children above four.

1. Have Them Create a “Donate” Pile

Are you looking to reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack and move? Many people use the packing process as an opportunity to eliminate things they no longer need. Involve your children by having them review their toys and other belongings. Ask them to create a pile of stuff they no longer play with or need. You can then donate or sell some items in a pre-move garage sale. This is a great way to reduce the number of things you need to pack while getting your kids involved.

2. Let Them Pack Their Own Rooms

Depending on your child’s age and abilities, consider letting them help pack at least some of their bedrooms. This can cut down on some of your own packing while giving your child an important task that helps them feel involved in the move.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can just toss a couple of moving boxes into your kid’s room and expect them to know exactly what to do. Show them how to properly pack a moving box, and encourage them to ask for assistance with any fragile or breakable items.

3. Give Them Basic Cleaning Jobs

As you begin packing more things for your move, you’ll likely be left with messes—this is an excellent opportunity to give your kid some age-appropriate cleaning tasks. Dusting, sweeping, and wiping baseboards are all basic cleaning tasks that most children can help with. Older children may also be able to assist with things like vacuuming, cleaning windows, and disinfecting surfaces in preparation for a move. You can even reward them for completing these chores.

4. Encourage Them to Decorate Boxes

For very young children who may not yet be able to help with cleaning or packing their own boxes, simply allowing them to “help” by decorating your moving boxes can be a fun project. Provide them with some washable markers, crayons, and stickers—and let them get as creative as they want with each box. 

Pro tip

Ensure you label every moving box so that your movers know exactly where to put them on the big day. Label each side of the box with the destination room at your new house.

Movers Get the Job Done Right

Have you scheduled your moving company? Hiring pro movers to transport your belongings from one location to another can ease the strain of moving. You’ll be free to concentrate on supporting your child during this time of change. Contact us now to learn more about our residential moving services and get a free quote!