Moving Day Must-Haves

Are you preparing to move into your new home? Congratulations! Becoming a homeowner is a dream come true for many Americans. But we’d be lying if we didn’t confess that while buying a home can be an exciting time, actually moving into a new home can be, shall we say, stressful. Packing up all your belongings and moving them to a new place is a big job, and moving day can be busy and chaotic. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of must-haves for your moving day so it can be as stress-free as possible. Here’s what you should have.

The most important thing to have on moving day is an “open first” box. It’s exactly what it sounds like – the box you open first once you’ve moved into your new home. This box will contain all the essentials you will need or want in those first 24 hours. This can include device chargers, toiletries, sheets and towels, medications, snacks, and coffee. Your future self will thank you for putting all these must-haves together in one place.

Moving is stressful – but moving with a pet can be even more so. That’s why you should also have a box of necessities for your pet on moving day. This includes their food, bowls, bed, toys, treats, and medication. Don’t forget a litter box and clean litter for your cat. Your pet will be much less stressed if they are surrounded by familiar things in your new place.

Hopefully, your new place is already clean when you arrive. But chances are, even if professional cleaners were hired to do the job, there are probably some places you’d like to spot clean. Plus, you’ll likely track in dirt during the moving process. So keep a supply of cleaning products on hand including surface cleaner, paper towels, and trash bags.

It’s also extremely helpful to have some basic tools on hand on moving day. While you won’t likely need your entire toolkit, it can be handy to have a box cutter, screwdriver set, hammer, measuring tape, and Allen wrench set. These can be used to open boxes and begin assembling furniture.

This is something that not everyone might think to do. But it can be very helpful to have several copies of your new keys made before moving day. That way, you can give keys to everyone who is helping you. This lets them come and go as needed without always having to find you. Your trusted friends and family members can also then keep their keys in case of emergency or if they house sit for you down the road.

Finally, moving into a new place can be disorienting and feel a little weird that first night. For this reason, it can be helpful to have a few comforting items on hand on moving day. This could include a favorite scented candle, a framed photo of loved ones, or even a face mask you can use at the end of the day to unwind. Having favorite objects around you will help your new place feel a little more like home.