Throughout the moving process, most people focus on moving day, but you should also focus on moving day night and the next day to ensure your moving process is as smooth as possible. By packing for a move like you are going on a vacation, you will have all of your necessities with you and won’t have to hunt for items after an exhausting day. You should pack a suitcase or travel bag and include items for all members of your family including pets.
1. Clothing
Packing a few days’ worth of clothing is a necessity because it will allow you to focus on other areas besides unpacking your wardrobe right away. Since the first few days will likely be spent unpacking, you should pack a few casual outfits and a pair of tennis shoes for each member of your family.
2. Breakfast Bars and Snack Foods
Packing and unpacking your moving boxes is a tiring process, and you’ll need lots of nourishment to keep going. By packing a few breakfast bars and pre-packaged snack foods in your overnight bag, you’ll have quick snacks within easy reach and won’t have to stop to unpack your kitchen or leave to go get food. Having breakfast already planned will help make an excellent start to the first day in your new space.
3. Electronics Chargers
Since you will be using your electronics up until moving day, it should be easy to pack them with your moving night bag. Having easy access to your chargers is important because in the moving day rush, you might not have time to find your phone charger, but if you have it packed in your overnight bag, you’ll know right where to look.
4. Towels and Toiletries
After a long day of moving, the last thing you’ll want to do is hunt through your boxes looking for shampoo and towels to take a bath. Instead, pack a few towels, washcloths, and toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, facial soap) in your moving night bag so you won’t have to waste time looking for them.
5. Healthcare Items
Whether it’s prescription medication, daily vitamins, or contact solution, you should have several days’ worth of the healthcare items you need. It’s also smart to include a few first aid items like bandages, antiseptic ointment, and pain relief medicine in case any minor injuries, cuts, or scrapes occur. If you wear contacts, you should doublecheck that you have enough contact solution to last a few days and pack your contact case in your moving night bag.
6. Favorite Items
If you or anyone in your family requires items like a sound machine or a weighted blanket to sleep with, you should be certain these items are packed in your moving night bag, and this will also reduce the chances of them being misplaced during the move. It’s also smart to pack a few of your children’s favorite toys or games so they will have a few entertainment options while you begin the unpacking process.
7. Animal Items
Don’t forget about your furry friends! If your pets will be staying with you on moving night, you should make sure to have a few items they are familiar with to ease the transition. You should pack food for a few meals, daily items like a leash, any medication needed, several toys, and a blanket/crate/bed for sleeping.
The moving process can certainly be stressful and throw a few curveballs at you, but by planning ahead by packing a moving night bag, you will be prepared and alleviate some of the stress. Having the majority of your necessities all in the same area will save you time and energy that you can devote to other aspects of the unpacking process.
Valerie Cox is contributing writer for North American Van Lines. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her dog, reading, and volunteering in her local community.
