If you’ve been following along with our blogs, then you have probably noticed we mention the importance of packing an “essentials box” or “survival kit” for your moving day. We thought it was about time we actually explain what this box or kit is and why it is so important for a successful, stress-free move. We want to help make your move feel less chaotic than you are imagining and having all your essential items in one (or a couple) boxes will really go a long way in giving you peace of mind throughout your move. So, what exactly is a survival kit? We think of it as a collection of items that you place in an easy-to-access container that you keep with you during your move. We recommend placing these items in one location in your home or even in your car so that you always know where they are. They should be the last thing you move and the first thing you open when you get to your new home. To help you assemble your essentials box, here are the items our team recommends including and keeping safe throughout your moving experience.
1) Key Documents
Nothing is worse than thinking you’ve lost a really important document during your move. We recommend that you make digital copies of all your important documents and then pack the originals all into your essentials box. These documents can include your moving quote and contract, ownership or lease details for all properties, passports and visas, birth certificates or adoption papers, driver’s licenses and vehicle registration, credit and debit cards, health and health insurance cards, medical records (for family members and pets), and a hard copy of essential phone numbers in case your phone dies or you misplace it during the move.
2) Valuables and Devices
Although our movers are extremely careful and we pride ourselves on our damage claim-free record, there are just some items that you may want to move yourself for your own peace of mind. This can include valuable items, family heirlooms, special photos, and anything else precious to you. You should also pack all of your daily devices like your phone, tablet, or laptop carefully and place the essentials in your survival kit. Don’t forget all of their chargers too or you’ll be kicking yourself when they die before you can unpack them. You might also want to consider adapters and a power bar if you will have multiple devices to charge when you get to your new place.
3) Toiletries and Health Products
When you need to freshen up, you don’t want to have to go searching through all of your boxes. Have your everyday toiletries handy in your essential box like deodorant, shower supplies, toothpaste, brushes, skincare, makeup, diapers, toilet paper, and any other essential hygiene products. Placing all of your necessary health products in your survival box will also save you some stress. Prescriptions, medication, supplements, and a first aid kit are all good things to include. Of course, we always recommend hiring a moving company but if you decide to do it all yourself, we suggest including some pain killers, ice packs, and heat wraps just in case.
4) Change of Clothes
Unless you are hiring our team to unpack all of your boxes, we recommend having a change of clothes handy as well. When you get to your new home, the last thing you will probably want to do is go on a hunt for something to change into. Make sure each of your family members has at least one (two for smaller children) comfortable and seasonally appropriate outfit ready to go in your essential box. Don’t forget a set of pyjamas and clean underwear.
5) Cooking Essentials
Snacks and refreshments are game-changers during your move, trust us! Include some healthy snacks and beverages like granola bars, trail mix, or dried fruits, water, juice, or sports drinks in your box for some necessary moving fuel. If you are a coffee or tea drinker, you definitely want to include some of your favourites to keep you going throughout the day – instant coffee may be your best friend on moving day. You can include some basic kitchen appliances and utensils as well so that you can eat before tackling the unpacking process.
6) Cleaning Supplies
With any move, we hope that your new home’s previous owners have left a clean home behind but that is unfortunately not always the case. This is especially true during the current COVID-19 pandemic – check out our pandemic action plan here. We suggest adding some basic cleaning supplies to your essentials box including rubber gloves, towels, sponges, all-purpose cleaning spray, and trash bags. We hope you do not need to use them all, but you will certainly thank your past self if you do end up needing to use them on moving day.
7) Tools
One of the worst things you can forget to include in your moving survival kits is the tools necessary to start unpacking. Make sure you include a knife, scissors, or box cutter to your list. Other tools to think about are a hammer, flashlight, screwdriver, tape measure, and some tape. We’re not suggesting everyone is a handyman or that you will actually need to use all of these supplies, but it is a good idea to pack them in case you do. You will also always know where they are if you need them later on as you finish unpacking your new home.
8) Comfort and Entertainment
If you have children, we recommend packing their favourite toys or comfort objects into your essential kit as well. This will help ease any moving stress they may be feeling because they can reach for items that are familiar to them. You can also include some new toys to keep them busy and happy throughout your move. At the end of your moving day, you may want some downtime with your family so books, games, or movies are ideal. Try to choose something your whole family will enjoy so that you can all take some much-deserved relaxing, quality time to celebrate being in your new space. Familiar bedding and nightlights are also a good idea if you are worried one of your family members might feel uncomfortable in a new and unfamiliar home around bedtime.
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We hope this blog helps you assemble your own essentials or survival kits so that you can keep all of your important items at the ready throughout your move. You can of course customize your kits so that they fit the needs of you and your household. We recommend you keep a running list of what you want to include in your kit so that you can keep a running tally and make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Want more moving tips and advice? Never hesitate to contact our team with any questions you might have about the moving process. Whether you’re moving across the street or to a brand new city, choosing Deluxe Moving & Storage for your next move is the best thing you can do to ensure a safe and healthy moving experience for you and your loved ones. Learn more about our moving services and packing services and don’t forget to fill out our FREE, no-obligation quote form. We can help make your move easier and safer. Leave the work to us!