Moving survival kit: Essential items to have before unpacking your home

Here’s what you’ll need the first few days while you’re still living in boxes

Moving can be a headache, especially after arriving at your new destination with all your belongings packed away. You’ll want a bag of essential items to get you through the first few days.

Whether you are moving yourself or you’re going to hire experienced hourly moving labor for a long-distance move across state lines, a local move within the same town, or a full residential move, you will need a few things to get through the first night. Having a “moving day survival kit” aka an “essentials box” can save you the hassle and wasted time of digging through your boxes to find what you need, instead pack up your important items that you use daily and place them into the “essentials box + moving day survival kit.”

Experts suggest packing as if you are going away on a trip, using suitcases or bags. If you’d rather not pack everything yourself, our packing services team can box up your home for you, whether it’s a full house or a smaller apartment move. If possible, always keep these essential items with you just in case the moving trucks are delayed when it comes down to the delivery of your furniture and household items.

Here a list of what to pack inside your “Moving Supply Kit”

• Clothes
  • You will need at least two days of clothes, but you can also pack for up to a week. Pack climate-appropriate clothes that can get dirty and are easy to move in.
    • T-shirts or tank tops
    • Gym shorts
    • Pants or leggings
    • Sweatshirts or coats
    • Tennis shoes or work boots
    • Pajamas
• Toiletries
  • You will need enough toiletries for a few days that should include supplies for showering.
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Face wash and face lotion
    • Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
    • Hand soap
    • Toilet paper roll
    • Deodorant
    • Hairbrush and hair products
    • Towels
    • Shower curtain and rings
    • First aid kit
    • Prescriptions
    • Pain relievers
• Bedding
  • You will need supplies to sleep the first night, but it won’t require all the bedding.
    • Sheets
    • Pillows
    • Blanket
    • Air mattress if needed 
• Kitchen
  • While moving, it’s essential to eat and stay hydrated. While you might get takeout, having some basic kitchen items handy is a good idea.
    • Paper plates
    • Paper towels or napkins
    • Plastic utensils
    • Cups or bottles
    • Pet supplies
    • Non-perishable snacks
• Cleaning supplies
  • Moving can be messy, and you might need to clean up some messes before unpacking.
    • Disinfectant wipes
    • Glass cleaner
    • Bathroom cleaner
    • Paper towels
    • Dish soap
    • Sponges
    • Toilet cleaner brush
    • Broom
    • Duster or rags
    • Vacuum 
    • List of essential contact info
    • Trash bags
• Moving supplies
  • As you unpack the first boxes, there are a few things you will need to make the process easier.
    • Box cutter, Knife, or scissors
    • Toolbox 
    • Flashlight
    • Extension cords
    • Batteries
    • Tape 
• Other essentials
  • You will want to be comfortable, and depending on your move, you may need more supplies to get through the first few nights.
    • Phone, Tablet, and computer chargers
    • Wi-Fi router or hotspot
    • Paper, pens, sticky notes
    • Extra door lock
    • Night light
    • Folding table and chair
    • Cooler 
    • Coffee or tea pot

As trusted Georgia movers serving all of our service areas, we’re happy to help you build your survival kit and plan the rest of your move.
Written By: Michael The Metro-Atlanta Mover | Budget Moving Services

Ready to move? Get an instant estimate with our Moving Cost Calculator, check our current pricing, follow our Weekly Moving Checklist, and estimate your boxes with our Moving Supplies Calculator. Get a free quote in under 5 minutes or call us at (561) 788-5070 for fast, friendly service.

Atlanta | Budget Moving Services

Local Moving and Storage Company Owner since 2010 in Metro-Atlanta and Gwinnet County for Residential, Commercial, and Specialty Moves such as Senior Moving, Military Moving Services, and more. The agents at Budget Moving and I also work as Real Estate Agents in Atlanta, Florida, and North Carolina. We also work with agents in various industries relating to Real Estate Property Development for Residential and Commercial Properties, Moving and Storage, and Logistics in order to understand and offer a stress-free full-service moving and storage service-based solution. Which is also why we specialize in residential, commercial, military, senior, and junk removal services and gather different POVs in multiple industries to provide our past, present, and future consumers with as much information as possible.Moving industry professional.