How to prepare a Moving Essentials Kit

Will you have the time or energy to immediately unpack the first night in your new home? Maybe, but why feel overwhelmed and rushed. We recommend creating an essentials kit that you keep with you, and not on the moving truck. It will make the transition that much easier, and you'll thank us when you have that little amount of extra time on your hands instead of rifling through boxes trying to find something you forgot to keep handy.

Start packing your kit well ahead of time. Taking your time will make this task much more manageable. The only things you should have to throw in at the last minute will be things you use daily (glasses, medicines). However, if you are able to get duplicates of even these items, you can use the essentials kit after the move as an emergency kit. It's smart to have one of those both at the office and in your car.

Moving Essentials Kit Container:
Choose a container that will stand out from all the moving boxes. We like Rubbermaid totes in bright colors. Select one that is made from transparent plastic so that you can easily see the contents. Make sure to get a size adequate for your needs:
obviously, a family of four will need a much larger size than a bachelor (if you have a large family and pets, you might want to do two kits.) Make sure when the movers arrive that the container is a). in your vehicle already or b). in a place that it will not mistakenly get packed in the moving truck. (Good Idea to Label “Not for movers” on the container).

Contents:
You'll want to pack like you are going on an overnight trip. Include basic toiletries, as well as a roll of bath tissue, any needed prescription medication, and a bath towel. Pack pajamas and a comfortable outfit for the next day. This will ensure you start your unpack day fresh, and not frustrated, looking for your clothes. If you have room, it's nice to include a book, deck of cards or an iPad, since you may not have cable/internet set up yet. Other things to stock your kit with are snacks like granola bars and nuts, Clorox Wipes to disinfect/tidy any surfaces in your new home and cell phone chargers.

Customizations:
If you are also moving with children and/or pets, you'll want to add a couple items to accommodate their needs. •Pets: Add a Ziploc bag with a two day supply of their dry food. Don't forget disposable plastic bowls (one for food, one for water). It's also a good idea to put an old towel in your pet's sleeping area a couple months before you move, so it becomes familiar and picks up both their scent and that of "home." Pack that in your kit, and when you arrive at the new home, put that towel with their bed for comfort.

•Children: In addition to the basics mentioned above, you'll want to pack extras to help your little ones with the transition. If you have a baby, his/her normal diaper bag should have most of the basics, so that's easy. For toddlers and up, here is what else to pack:
•Blankie/Binky . . . whatever you call it, you know what we're talking about. Avoid a meltdown by making sure their comfort blanket is readily accessible.
•A favorite stuffed animal or doll.
•Nightlights. You'll want one for their room(s), as well as a couple for the hallways and bathrooms of the new home. •If your kids are older and are having a hard time leaving their friends, a picture of them with their friends (bonus points if you get their friends to write notes or sign the picture) is a nice touch.

Above and beyond:
Since you are prepping this kit in the calm weeks before the bustle of Moving Week, you can even go the extra mile and spend a few minutes online to see what restaurants offer takeout or delivery in your new area. Print out their menus, and when you are in your new home, you won't even have to think about dinner!
Once your kit is packed, you are well on your way to having your best move yet!

!!! MAKING THE WORLD BETTER ONE MOVE AT A TIME !!!