Perhaps you are moving in a few weeks, and you have spent most of your waking hours boxing all your possessions and saying teary goodbyes to your neighbors and friends just as you planned. If you think that the ordeal will be all fun and excitement come moving day as you checked all the boxes in your to-do list, you will probably end up disappointed.
Relocating is a stressful process. So much so that 43 percent of Americans shared they will never do it again, according to a survey by OnePoll. Nevertheless, there are plenty of things you can do to avoid feeling too overwhelmed, such as packing essential items that will help make your first few days in your new home more comfortable.
Preparing a moving essentials box is particularly important if you are relocating to another city or state since there are plenty of things beyond your control. It’s important to have some essential items on hand just in case the movers fail to arrive on time with the rest of your belongings because of unavoidable circumstances. That is why before hiring a long distance moving company or a interstate moving company, make sure that you start setting aside the following items, so you would not forget them come moving day:
Bedding, Blankets, and Pillows
Unpacking can take weeks to finish. In fact, one study commissioned by Duck Brand found that it takes an average of 182 days for Americans to empty their last moving box. Even if you take much less time to do so, you probably wouldn’t be able to do any unpacking on your first night.
Make sure that you and your family can sleep and rest comfortably by bringing separate beddings, blankets, and pillows for everyone. Whether you use them on the bed or lay them on the floor, you will never regret having these items on hand, especially after a physically and emotionally exhausting day.
Food Items and Utensils
Apart from ensuring that you have a decent place to rest, be sure to pack snacks, food items, and water to replenish your depleted energy. Bread, peanut butter, protein bars, and fruits are good ideas. If you do not have a fridge in your new place, you can fill a cooler with ice and use it to store beverages, ready-made salads, and other tasty items that will keep you full on the day of your move and the next.
If you have pets, make sure that you pack a bag of treats for them as well. Moreover, you may want to bring paper plates, mugs, cutlery, and other utensils that you can use for your meals.
Cleaning Supplies
Even if you plan to do advance cleaning before your moving day, it is better to have basic cleaning supplies, such as a broom, dustpan, sponges, paper towels, and garbage bags, ready on the day itself. Remember that people will be moving boxes back and forth for hours, so you can expect dust and dirt to accumulate.
More importantly, you should not pass up the opportunity to clean every nook and cranny of your new abode while it is still empty. Think about it. Will you be able to clean as thoroughly once you unpack and put every household item in place?
Toiletries
Do not let sweat and dirt ruin your mood and make you more anxious. Make it a point to pack toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries that you can use to shower or freshen up after a long day. You will be surprised to discover that a mere shower can do so much to relieve you of stress and fatigue.
Change of Clothes and Towels
Liken your moving day to a short trip because you will most likely feel that you are staying in an empty building than in your new home for the first few days. Prepare a bag of clothes similar to the one you bring when going on a trip somewhere. Pack pajamas, underwear, and casual clothes that you can readily pull out after freshening up. Make sure to have enough towels for everyone as well.
Chargers
Once the movers leave and you are done tidying up the place, you will probably rely on your cellphone and other devices to unwind and keep your loved ones posted. The last thing you want is a dead battery just when you are having fun posting the day’s events on your social media pages or talking to friends.
Prevent this disaster from happening by making sure that all your electronic chargers are packed safely in your essentials box before the day of your move.
The items above are just some of the essential things you should never forget on the day of your move. Feel free to add more depending on your family’s needs. Just make sure to keep them in your car, so you can readily settle down as soon as you arrive in your new place. Through careful planning and proper preparation of a moving essentials box, you will be pleased to find that relocating does not have to be too stressful and burdensome.