If you are moving into a new home, whether you are relocating to a location across town or across the country, there are certain essentials you will need for those first few days before you manage to unpack everything. If you are having professional movers bring the majority of your belongings, you may actually need to camp out for a few days before everything arrives. These essential items will help make those few days go smoothly and help you avoid purchasing duplicate items when you arrive.
Know Where All Your Keys Are
It may seem obvious, but how many times have you walked out to your car and left your keys on the dining room table or kitchen counter? Before leaving your current home, place the keys to your new home in an obvious location so you know you have them when you arrive. You also want to be sure you have grabbed chargers for all your electronics to avoid having to buy new ones when you arrive.
A Basic First Aid Kit
Your new home will not have any of the normal first aid supplies you had in your previous home. You may be bringing them with you but they will more than likely be packed in the bottom of a box. If you cut yourself on a box edge or strain your back carrying a heavy box up the steps, you not going to want to dig through all those boxes to find bandages or ibuprofen. Pack a small box with bandages, an Ace bandage, thermometer, antibiotic cream, tweezers, and gauze just in case there is a minor injury.
Toiletries
After moving furniture and boxes all day, you are going to want a nice, hot shower. If you have packed your shampoo, conditioner, and soap, that shower is not going to be as refreshing. If you habitually keep a travel bathroom bag packed, replenish all the supplies and place it in the bathroom in the new home until you have your regular items unpacked. If you don’t, pack as if you were going on vacation with toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and other essentials in a suitcase with changes of clothes.
Quick and Easy Meals
More than likely, you will make a grocery run on the first day in your new home, especially if you are moving some distance away. Don’t plan on doing a big grocery run, however, as you will be too tired to think about what you need. Instead, plan simple, easy meals for the first few days. Grab lunchmeat, bread, peanut butter, cereal, and milk. You can also invest in a few quick, frozen dinners until you get your bearings. One thing you should bring with you is snacks like nuts, granola bars, and other east-to-grab items for the day of the move. Bottled water is also essential as you do the heavy lifting.
Speaker or Radio
When you are moving items into the house and setting things up, you want to have some tunes to keep you moving. A Bluetooth speaker allows you to play music from your phone or computer to keep the entire process upbeat. You can even grab a cheap, portable radio and find a local radio station to learn more about the area where you will be living. The radio will be important if you have no Wi-fi available which means you may not be able to access music on your phone or tablet.
Tools
There is nothing more frustrating than not having a simple tool when you need it. Create a small toolbox that includes Philips head and slotted screwdrivers in various sizes, a hammer, tape measure, and pliers. A good pair of scissors will also come in handy as will a razor knife for opening the taped boxes when they arrive. Add a roll of duct tape as well since it is one thing that seems to come in handy early in a move.
Items for Your Routine
If you know you will need that first cup of coffee in the morning, make sure you can get to the coffee pot easily along with the coffee, creamer, and sugar. If you end the day with a glass of wine for relaxation, be sure to bring a bottle, opener, and glass to toast your first night in your new home. Bring your pillow and blankets or a sleeping bag in case you won’t have a mattress for a few days.
These tips can help your move-in day go smoothly and provide you with items you may not even realize you need. If you are considering a new home purchase, contact us at Southdown Homes to learn how we can help. You can also reach us by calling 610-873-1900.
