Don’t forget to pack these essential items ahead of your big move
Packing your essential items needed for the first day in your new home makes move-in smoother and less stressful for you and your family.
Your first-night essentials include bedding, toiletries, medications, a week of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies to keep you comfortable before unpacking everything else.
Set aside trash bags, dish soap, scissors or a box cutter, all-purpose cleaner, and a broom to tackle unpacking messes and organize your new space efficiently.
Hiring a local packing and unpacking professional takes the stress out of organizing, loading, and setting up your belongings in your new home.
It’s no secret that moving can be exciting and stressful at the same time. There’s always a long list of moving essentials to buy, organize, and pack, which can feel overwhelming. A moving supplies checklist is a great resource to use to relieve some of the stress, but there are other moving-day items you don’t want to forget. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of items to keep on hand in a separate suitcase or box that travels with you the day of the move.
| Moving Essentials | What to Pack |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | Bedding, air mattress, first week of clothes |
| Bathroom | Toilet paper, shower curtain, towels, basic toiletries, medications |
| Kitchen | Disposable products, all-purpose pan and knife, coffee pot and mug, candles or air freshener, pet food |
| Packing and Unpacking | Trash bags, dish soap, scissors or box cutter, all-purpose cleaner, broom and dustpan |
The bedroom is a place where you look forward to decompressing after a long moving day. Here are a few things to prepare for moving day and the first few nights in your new home.
Bedding: Be sure to set a set of clean sheets, pillowcases, pillows, and blankets aside or in one of your “open first” boxes so you have immediate access to them.
Air mattress: Some of your furniture, like a bed, may not arrive immediately or you may not have the time or resources to build it right away. Having an air mattress to sleep on until your bed is ready will be a huge help.
First week of clothes: With all of your other moving priorities, unpacking your clothes may not happen right away. Set aside a small suitcase with one week's worth of clothes so you will have outfits to pull from.
Your move will probably take longer than you expect so in order to feel more settled we suggest you have these items handy right away.
Toilet paper: Make sure to put this must-have bathroom item on your shopping list when for your first trip to the store.
Shower curtain: Don’t forget to pack either a temporary or permanent shower curtain in your first-day bag to ensure you’re prepared for your first shower in your new home.
Towels: Purchase a set or two of towels to get you through your first few days in your new space.
Basic toiletries: A travel-size version of your toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, and other personal care items will come in handy until you finish unpacking.
Medications: While packing, set your medications aside in a marked box so you have easy access to them, and they don’t get lost.
You likely won’t cook meals during the first few nights in your new home, but you will still need to eat. Here are a few things to add to your shopping list to pack like a pro.
Disposable products: Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils are nice to have, so you won’t have to worry about dishes piling up while packing and unpacking.
All-purpose pan and knife: If you start to crave a home-cooked meal, it is helpful to have a few supplies readily available to make that possible, like versatile pans and knives.
Coffee pot and mug: You’ll need plenty of energy to complete the moving process, so be sure to unpack your coffee or tea essentials on the first day.
Candles or air freshener: A good way to feel instantly at home in your new space is by adding your favorite scent. Pack your favorite candle or air freshener to start fresh in your new space.
Pet food: If you have a pet, set aside a few days worth of their food to make the transition easier for you and your pet.
By this point in your move, it’s time to get out the unpacking essentials. This list of items will help you decrease clutter and stay organized.
Trash bags: During your unpacking process, you will need to stock up on trash bags to get rid of unwanted packing materials and debris.
Dish soap: Although we recommend using disposable plates, cups, and utensils, you should still pack dish soap to clean any dishes.
Scissors or box cutter: You will definitely need some tools to help you open the moving boxes, so be sure to have strong scissors or a box cutter handy.
All-purpose cleaner: Although you may not have time to stock up on all of your cleaning supplies, starting with an all-purpose cleaner will be helpful for your move-in and move-out clean.
Broom and dustpan: Pack a broom and dustpan to quickly remove messes made during the move.
Last but not least, don’t forget to take a deep breath and remember how good it will feel when your new space feels like your home. If you need help with any part of the packing or unpacking process, consider hiring local movers in your area to get the job done efficiently and safely.
My furniture was delivered today, and the whole move went smoothly. The final cost matched the original quote with no extra charges. The movers were friendly, professional, and handled everything with care. Even after the long distance, everything arrived in perfect condition. I’m very happy...
Moving of AmericaShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageJust moved from PA to Columbus in a studio apartment and needed help with some heavy furnitures because I couldn't do it alone. I called Hyremovers and they did a great and timely job and also left my apartment walls intact. Great service!
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