Why You Need an Essentials Box to Move
The essentials box should be the last box you pack before you move out of your old home. But it’s a good idea, while you’re going through the cupboards, drawers, and shelves, to identify what you’ll need for the first few hours and days in your new home. This box will be the first box you open and should include items that will enable you to provide small meals, clean your home, deal with small emergencies and possibly entertain your family while you unpack the rest of your home. If you’re moving to another state or a new city and you’ve hired long distance movers, then the essentials box is even more important. Your movers may get delayed, and you’ll need enough stuff to get you through a week or more at your new place, so make sure you pack your essentials box with everything you’ll need. Some people opt for packing an essentials box for every room in their house. A classic strategy is to pack one box with essentials for doing daily tasks than one box per family member going to the new home.
Family Essentials
Toilet Paper (Thanks to reader, Laura, for this essential item!)Dish soapDishtowel and dishclothAll-purpose cleaner (unopened)Coffee maker and coffeeToaster or small toaster ovenJar of pasta sauce and pasta (or some easy food item for one dinner and lunch)Unopened small jar of jam/peanut butterSnacksBeveragesPet food and dishesMug, plate, fork, knife, spoon for each member of the familyAll-purpose cutting knifeScissors or craft knife (to open the rest of your boxes)Small emergency kitFlashlight/candles/matchesShower curtain (nothing worse than forgetting this one!)Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, floss, and pasteA change of clothing and towel for each member of the family.Garbage bagsPortable tool kitImportant records such as medical records, passports, leases, financial information, etc
Personal Items
ClothesToothbrushMedicinesToiletriesBooksElectronics (laptop, iPad, eReader, etc.)Phone
You may not be ready to pack your Essentials Box yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start making a list of items to include. The rule of thumb is to include all the essentials that you’ll need for at least 24 hours. Presumably, there’s a grocery or convenience store nearby, but just in case, you should have some foodstuffs on hand that you can quickly prepare for your family especially for your first night. It might be late by the time you arrive, and you’ll be tired and ready for a quick dinner then a good night’s sleep.
