You’re about to start a new chapter by moving to a new place, and what you pack first can make or break your move. If you’ve hired same-day movers to help with the heavy lifting, you’ll still need to know what to box up first. Those vital documents and records? Pack them now. Don’t wait.
They’ll save you headaches when you need proof of identity or medical history. But there’s more to a smooth move than just paperwork. Let’s talk about what else deserves your attention right from the start.
Essential Documents and Records
Pack your essential documents first – period. Grab your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, and social security card. Don’t forget your medical records and insurance policies. That folder with your will or power of attorney? Pack it. Bank statements, tax returns, and investment paperwork must come with you, not the movers.
Throw in your diplomas, work records, and car titles too. Put everything in a secure binder that stays with you during the move. You’ll need this stuff right away, and you don’t want to dig through twenty boxes to find your kid’s vaccination records when their new school asks for them.
Seasonal Clothing and Accessories
Look at your closet. What will you actually wear next season in your new place? Pack that. Skip the rest for now. Choose versatile clothes you can mix and match easily. Those vacuum bags that suck all the air out? They’re perfect for this. Label everything – future you will thank present you when unpacking.
That sweater you haven’t worn in three years? Maybe it’s time to let it go. Pack your current-season clothes now and you won’t be standing in your new bedroom surrounded by boxes, with nothing clean to wear to work tomorrow.
Bedding and Linens
You’ll need to sleep that first night, so pack sheets, pillowcases, and blankets early. Count your beds and pack enough sets plus one extra. Fold blankets neatly or vacuum-seal them to save space. Use comforters and duvets as padding around breakables if you can.
Don’t forget those mattress protectors – your new mattress will need them right away. Pack all bedding in boxes marked “OPEN FIRST” so you’re not searching for sheets at midnight when you’re dead tired from moving all day.
Daily Necessities and Toiletries
Nobody wants to hunt through boxes for a toothbrush after a long moving day. Pack a bag with your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and face wash. Throw in your medications, band-aids, and any health stuff you need daily. Your hairbrush, deodorant, and contact solution should be easy to grab too.
Pack a couple of towels – you’ll want a shower after moving. Keep this bag with you in the car, not on the moving truck. There’s nothing worse than standing in a new bathroom surrounded by sealed boxes when all you want is to brush your teeth and crash into bed.
Kitchen Essentials
You’ve got to eat, even on moving day. Pack one good frying pan, a pot, and basic utensils first. One sharp knife, a spatula, and a wooden spoon will get you through those first meals. Throw in a few plates, bowls, glasses, and enough forks and spoons for everyone. Don’t forget a coffee maker if you need that morning cup.
Salt, pepper, and a bottle of oil will save your first home-cooked meal from blandness. Pack dish soap and a sponge – you’ll need them sooner than you think. Wrap the breakables in kitchen towels to save space. Mark these boxes clearly so you can find them when your stomach starts growling.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start packing these essentials today. Your moving day will run smoother, and you’ll sleep better that first night knowing you can brush your teeth, make coffee, and find your insurance cards without tearing through dozens of unmarked boxes. Trust me – your future tired, hungry self will thank you.
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