When most folks prepare for moving day, they often only think as far as the “unpacking in the new place” step. But let’s be honest: are you really going to unpack everything on the first night in your new place? Even if you’re moving on your own (or particularly if you’re moving with kids, pets, elderly relatives, or others who might need your attention) it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll have everything squared away on day one.
That’s why it’s important to have your list of must-haves. These are the most useful and necessary items in your home. These are the items that get packed last, that get unpacked first, and make your first night in your new home much easier.
Here’s our list of move-in essentials for each area of your home:
- Kitchen: Utensil set (wooden spoon, spatula, and tongs), paper plates, plastic utensils
- Living room: A table or floor lamp, remote control for the TV, throw blanket
- Bedroom: Clean bedding and pillows, noise machine, baby monitor (if you have small children)
- Bathroom: Shower curtain with liner and rings, toiletries
- Laundry room: Laundry basket or bag for dirty clothes
- Other items: Some small toys (if you have kids), pet food, toolkit, cleaning supplies
- Luggage: At least one day’s worth of clothes, pajamas, medicine, toiletries, etc.
Is this everything you’ll need? Of course not—but we guarantee that at some point on moving day, you’ll end up needing each of these items to be within arm’s reach. That’s what we mean by “must-haves.” On moving day, we recommend you set aside each of these items and put them in your car, not your moving van. Having them in your car means they’ll be much easier to find and won’t get lost in the hectic unpacking of the day.
Then, when you need to cook a quick meal (or serve takeout), get your dirty clothes squared away, take a relaxing shower, assemble your bed frame, clean up a small mess in the kitchen, or just need some extra lighting, you’ll have exactly what you need.
More Move-In Essentials That People Often Forget
There are some move-in essentials that are required on moving day itself. These are often overlooked, and this can be inconvenient as you try to search boxes for what you need or make a trip to the store to purchase them.
Setting these items aside for moving day can save you a headache and make the day easier:
- Paper towels
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Disinfecting wipes
- Toolkit for disassembling/reassembling furniture
- Toilet paper
- Chargers for phones and tablets
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
Some of these items might seem obvious, but there’s nothing quite as dreadful as having your phone run out of battery and not being able to find a charger anywhere, or having no toilet paper or sheets for your bed. Your first night and every night after will be must more pleasant if you have all the move-in essentials with you.
Choose Skilled Southern California Movers
You have a lot to remember on moving day, and putting together move-in essentials is just one more thing to do. Fortunately, you can get help from friends and family. You can also hire professional movers to handle the heavy lifting for you! Our Southern California movers at Affordable Quality Moving and Storage offer packing and unpacking, transportation, and storage services for home and office moves of all sizes. From offices in Santa Clarita, San Diego, Burbank, and Temecula, our movers have handled local, long-distance, out-of-state, and international moves since 1996.
To make your Moving Day extra easy to handle, consider hiring professional movers! The licensed and insured moving professionals from AQMS can make your move smooth and stress-free, allowing you to make yourself at home.
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