Manage Moving Mayhem!
Here are some great lists for making sure you don't get stuck without the essentials your first night in your new home! Wish I'd thought to do this last time I moved. Hate it when I can't find the toothbrush or the phone charger! (the following article is from Moving.com a part of the realtor.com network)
Having a "First night” bag, box or suitcase will not only give you peace of mind once the movers have left, but it will also make the entire experience less stressful overall. Of course, if you’re embarking on an interstate move, and your movers aren’t slated to arrive for another week, you’re going to need to pack enough clothing and personal essentials to last you during that time. Your “first night” bag should really be more of a “first week” suitcase.
Here's a checklist of items you should consider when packing personal essentials:
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Toiletries
Medications
Chargers for phones, computers and other necessary electronics
Pajamas
Extra underwear
Clothing and outerwear for the first couple of days
Shoes
Sleeping sound machine (if moving to a noisy city)
First aid kit
Wallet and credit cards
After you pack a first night bag for yourself, I recommend packing a separate suitcase or box with all of your home essentials for the first few days. If your move is same-day, simply pack a clearly labeled “first night home essentials” box to be included with the other relocation boxes. If the move is going to take a week or two, I recommend taking these home essentials with you on the move.
Packing these items will not only save you a trip to the CVS, but your sanity as well. Especially when it comes to things like finding toilet paper. Here’s what I recommend packing for the home:
Snacks, a few canned goods and sandwich basics
Sheets and pillows for the beds
Trash bags
Bottled water
Bath towels
Extra batteries
Toilet paper and a roll of paper towels
Small bottle of laundry detergent
Shower curtain (if needed)
Paper plates, utensils and cups
Lightbulbs
Flashlight
Can opener
Essential cleaning supplies
Moving with children and pets makes the relocation process all the more challenging. Thankfully, by preparing a separate overnight bag, you can thwart a lot of those first night problems for Fluffy and the kiddos. Moving is stressful and chaotic enough for both pets and children, so prepping a “first night” bag with familiar items will not only help to keep their anxiety at bay, but will also make their experience a fun one.
Here’s what to consider when packing an overnight bag for your kiddos:
Diapers
Wipes
Clothing and pajamas
Something to keep them contained, such as a portable bouncy seat or pack n’ play set.
A toy
Books or an iPad to play games
Snacks, formula, juice, food, etc.
Sippy cups or bottles
Pacifiers
Medications and first aid kit
Don’t forget fido or fluffy! Here’s what to consider when packing for your pets:
Enough food for a few days.
Food and water dishes
Poop bags or kitty litter box/scooper
Leash
Toys and bones for your dog to chew on
Cat toys
Crate or carrier
Blanket
