What To Pack In Your Overnight Bag
Whether you’re moving just around the corner or to another part of the country, one of the best pieces of advice we can offer you is to pack a moving essentials bag. And we’re not just talking tea bags and toilet rolls (but do still include both), there’s a number of necessary items that will make life much less stressful come moving day.
When moving home, organisation is key. This is just a small part of moving, but if every small part of moving is taken care of, then moving house will be a breeze (pah!)
A moving essentials bag should contain the items you’re most likely to need on the day of your move and then also the first couple of days in your new home. Unlike traditional moving advice, which says that you should minimise what you bring along, don’t worry about overpacking your essentials bag. As long as you’ve still got the right items in there, a few irrelevant items won’t hurt. That’s because the goal of a moving essential bag is simple: make sure you have easy access to the most important things in your life so that if and when you need them, you know exactly where they are.
So what should you be including in your bag? Your specific items depend on your specific needs, but these basics should get you started…
Your wallet and keys
Losing your wallet and keys is too easy to do any day of the week, let alone moving day. If you typically use a bag or purse to store these items that’s fine, just make sure you keep it with your essentials bag.
Medications
Keep medications you regularly use, especially prescription medications that can’t be easily obtained if they get lost close to hand in your essentials bag. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen may also be a good idea if you have a moving day stress headache!
Important documents
Birth certificates, National Insurance, passports, insurance documents and anything else that requires keeping careful track of should be another addition to your essentials bag. Also be sure to pack any move-related documents, such as the contract with your moving company or your new home.
Electronics
And equally as important, the chargers. It’s highly likely you’ll want your phone handy, and maybe tablets for the children too.
Pen and paper
You never know when you might need to jot a few things down or sign something important (meter readings perhaps), so always have a pen and a small notepad handy. You may not end up using them, but if you do need them, you’ll be glad they’re there.
Basic toiletries
The last thing you want to be doing at the end of moving day is searching for your toothbrush. Make life easier with a toiletries bag with the items you and the family need right away: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, contacts lenses/solution, soap, hand sanitiser, etc.
Roll of toilet paper
Well, we already said that in our intro, don’t be stuck without toilet paper!
Small tool kit
Pack a small tool kit containing the bare necessities, like a screwdriver, wrench, and measuring tape for any furniture that needs to be built for bedtime, or minor repairs that can be quickly made as you unpack.
Scissors or a small gliding knife
Well, how else are you going to open all of those boxes?!
PJs
Slipping into something more comfortable at the end of moving day is, in our eyes, essential and therefore should be a part of your essentials bag!
Snacks and water
Moving house requires energy and hydration. Pack enough to keep you and the family going until it’s time for dinner.
A moving essentials bag will help make the whole process of your move easier, and you’ll always be glad that you have it. Pack the bag as you’re packing up your boxes, sorting important items into it as you come across them in your home. When you’re done and finally ready to lock up for the last time at your old home, you’ll be all set.