5 Things to Put in Your Moving Essentials Box

When you pack everything for your household move, you’ll want to keep a few essential items out of your moving cartons and transport them to your new home yourself. Packing an essentials box ensures you have the basics once you get to your new home. 

Here are five things that you should consider putting in your essentials box.

1. Clothing

You’ll probably pack most of your clothes in boxes. However, you should leave out a couple of outfits.

In most cases, your moving truck won’t arrive precisely when you do. So you might need a few things you can wear until your other things are delivered.

Plan your attire based on the activity. If you don’t have to work immediately, keep the clothes simple and comfortable for unpacking.

2. Basic Toiletries

When you travel, you probably bring a handful of basic toiletries. But, unlike a hotel, your new house won’t have some of the basics you need, like toilet paper, soap, and towels.

If you don’t have a lot of space in your essentials box, consider getting travel-size bottles of shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and similar items. If you have kids, don’t forget the wipes.

Focus on the toiletries that you need for the first few days. After that, you can get the rest at the store or wait for your other boxes to arrive.

3. Regular Medicine

If you or your family members take medicine regularly, you should bring it with you. Typically, you’ll pack the full bottles in the essentials box.

Generally, you shouldn’t pack prescription medications with your regular moving load. This is because the moving company might not be able to guarantee the right environment for them.

If you don’t take medicine regularly, throwing a few over-the-counter meds in your box is not a bad idea. That way, you’re not making a late-night trip to the store for ibuprofen.

4. Small Tools and Cleaning Supplies

Ideally, your new home will be in good, clean condition. But unfortunately, in practice, this isn’t always the case.

There’s a possibility that you will need to do some cleaning the day you arrive. And you may need to make a few basic repairs. You’ll probably go to the store at some point, but it’s best if you don’t have to go immediately.

Add simple tools, like a screwdriver and hammer, to your box. Put in a few basic cleaning supplies, like antibacterial wipes, dish soap, and sponges.

5. First Aid Kit

No one expects an injury during a move, but things can happen. For example, when you move a lot of boxes and bags, there’s a risk you will get a scratch or a scrape. So you’ll need a first-aid kit.

It’s more practical to focus on injury, not illness. So make sure you have the things to handle most minor scrapes, like bandages, gauze pads, and ointment. If you’re relocating to a place with many insects, consider a can of bug repellent.

Even if you don’t have a lot of room, put in a small first aid kit. Band-Aids and wipes are better than nothing.

Relocate with Ease

Making an essentials box will help to ensure you have what you need when you get to your new home. For more information about having a successful move, contact us for a free quote.

5 Tips on How to Prepare Your Teens for a Move

People move for many reasons— a new job, living closer to family, or a change of climate, to name a few. Regardless of the reasons, moving almost always comes with some stress. For a teen, there are complex challenges adults sometimes overlook.

Let’s face it; the teen years are challenging due to rapid physical development and significant emotional changes. There’s a lot to deal with between homework, peer pressure, social stresses, and many other things in a teen’s life. It can be overwhelming when you add relocating to a new community to that list. So if you have teenagers, help them through what is likely to be a difficult time for them.

1. Discuss the Move With Your Teen

Teenagers can be pretty reasonable if they feel they have the ability to share their opinions and input. This is true even if they don’t like what’s going on. Even if a move has to happen and they don’t like it, allowing them to vent their feelings is a good emotional release. Be sure you honestly explain why relocation is necessary and acknowledge the timing probably isn’t great for them. This way, your teen understands and gives them time to adjust, prepare, and accept what will happen soon.

2. Keep Discussions Positive

Moving is tough on everyone, so keep a positive tone and highlight the good things about the new community, house, and other changes. Acknowledge and validate your teen’s feelings. Even if you receive pushback, avoid discussions that ultimately lead to “Well, get over it, we’re moving, and that’s that.” Flip the switch, thank them for sharing their thoughts and feelings, and acknowledge that a new school and neighborhood feel scary. Doing so creates a safe space and encourages positive discussion.

3. Provide Options

Most teens want to feel and be treated like a grownup. Now is an excellent chance to allow them a little control. If any areas are flexible, let them decide. If there are choices, you can let them decide.

  • Bedroom they want
  • School to attend (albeit this might not be an option, but if it is, let them have input)
  • A part-time job they might want to work
  • Gym to buy a family membership

Sometimes offering a little empowerment can go a long way.

4. Avoid Moving Mid-Semester

Being the new kid in school will be hard enough so avoid moving in the middle of the year. Starting fresh at the beginning of the school year will help ease into a new situation. This way, your teen has time to settle in and not have to jump into classes in the middle of a semester where social circles have already formed. This makes for an easier transition.

5. Emphasize the Possibilities

Reputations matter in a teen’s life. Remind them that moving is a unique chance to reinvent and present themselves as the person they want to be known to the new people they meet. Essentially, they’ll be in the driver’s seat when it comes to getting acclimated to a new place. They can join different clubs or try out a new sport. The possibilities are endless!

Moving Made Easy

Navigating change is tough for an adult; however, for teens, it’s essential to acknowledge and help them to adjust to change.

Are you planning an upcoming move? If so, we can help! Contact us today for a free quote.