The Moving Essentials You Actually Need (and What to Skip)
If you have a move coming up, it can be overwhelming to figure out what you need and what you don’t. I’m breaking down the moving essentials that are ACTUALLY essential!
I feel like the moment you decide to move, things get overwhelming. You’re bombarded with advice from everyone you know on the packing tips you HAVE to try, the moving supplies you MUST buy, and the things you should NEVER do. It’s a lot. And the truth is, moving doesn’t have to be that complicated. Sure, there are things you can buy to make life easier. But, you probably already have most of the essentials on hand.
Today, I’m sharing my personal packing and moving essentials. We aren’t frequent movers by any means. But, Corey and I are on our fourth move together, so we’ve learned a thing or two!
I’ll also note before we dive in – these recommendations are mostly intended for a local move. If you’re doing a military move or moving cross-country, you might need more supplies or want to structure things differently! Let’s jump right in, shall we?
The Moving Essentials You ACTUALLY Need
Packing Essentials
- Sturdy moving boxes (in various sizes): Obviously, you can’t move without moving boxes! I recommend a variety of sizes, but I prefer to stick to mostly medium and smaller boxes when I can. The big ones can get very unwieldy and heavy. I scour our neighborhood Facebook page for free moving boxes, and I also love to use boxes from the liquor store. Just ask, and they’re usually happy to set them aside. We have also had really great luck asking our local Chick Fil A for boxes in the past!
- Packing tape + a good dispenser: You might be tempted to skip the dispenser and just use some scissors. But, trust me when I say it’s worth it. You’ll be taping up a lot of boxes, so get more than you think you’ll need.
- Sharpies: For labeling your boxes! Can you buy fancy labels that are color coded? Sure. But this is way cheaper and just as effective.
- A roll of stretch wrap: This is really helpful to wrap around furniture to hold drawers in place, or to bundle cords. You could even wrap it around your open baskets so you can pack things in them!
- Ziplock Bags: Truly, you’ll use them for more than you think. Use them for spare screws and hardware, random trinkets you find under the couch, all those pens in your nightstand, or the spare keys you find tucked in the back of your junk drawer.
- Bubble wrap/newspapers: I mostly like to use junk mail or newspapers as wrapping for fragile items. But, it can be really helpful to have some actual bubble wrap just in case.
- Trash bags: I use these a TON when I’m packing, but mostly for my clothes! Flip ’em upside down and rip a small hole in the center and you can poke your hangers through it. Way cheaper than a wardrobe box and just as effective. They’re also great for stuffed animals, pillows, and more.
- Box cutter and/or scissors: Make sure you have some high quality scissors (or a good box cutter) on hand. You’ll inevitably need to grab something from a box you’ve already packed!
- A basic tool kit: Make sure you have the basic tools on hand – a drill or screwdriver, maybe a hammer. You’ll need it for disassembling furniture, removing nails from your wall, and all sorts of other things.
- A hand truck: This might not be fully necessary if you’re hiring movers. But, if you’re doing the move yourself, you’re gonna need something to help you with the heavy stuff. Plus, these are really handy to have around anyways!
Moving Week Essentials
Alright – so you made it to the week of your move and you’re in the final stages of packing and prepping. There are a few key things I like to have on hand in this time to make things as easy as possible. Here’s what they include:
Moving day chaos during our move into this house!
- Disposable plates + silverware: When all of your dishes are packed, this makes life much easier.
- A good cooler: You’ll need it for transporting any food you have left in your fridge!
- Plenty of snacks: Make sure to have some easy-to-grab snacks on hand for you and your kids, so you don’t have to constantly stop working to feed people.
- Your favorite cleaning supplies: You’ll be doing a ton of last-minute cleaning, so be sure to stock up on any supplies you’ll need before you get to moving week. Here are my favorites.
- Disinfectant wipes: You’ll be amazed at how many gross surfaces you uncover when packing – these are the easiest way to get a quick clean in!
- Some extra moving boxes: You’ll find so many things to pack at the last second – make sure you don’t use up all of your boxes before you get to the final stretch!
The “First Night” Boxes
And finally, here’s a list of what you should include in the ever important “open these first!” boxes. And yes, these should be clearly labeled and set aside during the move so you have easy access to them on move-in day!
As a bonus, I recommend using something that stands out visually for these items, so they don’t get mixed up with the rest of your stuff. I’m grabbing something like these for us!
- Shower curtain + liner: Everyone is going to be desperate for a good shower after a full day of moving. Save yourself from a last-minute Target run by packing a shower curtain in an easily-accessed box.
- Bedding: Because the last thing you want to be doing on night one is tearing open all of your boxes looking for a pillow.
- A basic first aid kit: Someone is going to stub a toe or scrape a knee on moving day. They just will.
- An overnight bag: Pack a bag for each family member with a couple of days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, medication, and other necessities.
- Phone chargers: Obvious, but also easily forgotten.
- An easy meal plan: Plan ahead for how you’ll eat in that first week in your new home. Takeout? Sandwiches? Whatever you decide, make sure it’s easy and that you’ve got what you need on hand. I highly recommend pizza on moving day.
- Hand soap + toilet paper: No explanation needed.
- Trash bags: Because moving produces a ton of trash.
- Basic cleaning supplies: Just grab the kit from your last week in the house!
- Folder with important documents: Make sure you have your IDs, any moving documents, and anything else you need quick access to set aside!
In addition to all of the above, I highly recommend going through a day or two and making note of anything you use that you can’t live without. Things like pet supplies, your coffee maker, a sound machine, etc. If you know you’d be digging through dozens of boxes trying to find it on night one, you should plan to pack it in a first night box!