A carefully prepared moving essentials box is a lifesaver, guaranteed to reduce frustration during the first night in a new home. Residential moving is never easy, but with a box that carries key belongings, relocating will be less stressful.
What’s in this box? Everything you’ll need for the first 48 to 72 hours after moving to your new home in Portland, Seattle or any other location. The essentials box is like a survival kit. It will keep you comfortable until the rest of your belongings are unpacked and put away.
Here is a look at why you need an essentials box and how to plan and pack one.
Do I Really Need Another Box?
Yes! You may arrive at your home before your Portland moving company. You and your family don’t want to be without clothes, medicine and toiletries.
But, even if you and the movers arrive at the same time, a box that carries things you need immediately is a good idea.
Your box needs to contain more than personal items. What do you use on a daily basis? That also needs to go into the moving essentials box.
How Do You Pack?
You can make your move easier by using our packing services. We’ll pack and unpack your household. You’ll just need to pack an essentials box or suitcase for each member of the family. You’ll carry the boxes or bags with you as you travel rather than loading them in the van.
Some people feel it makes life easier if they pack an essentials box for each room in the house. That means a box for:
- Kitchen
- Playroom
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Family room
- Any other room you use all the time
The actual packing starts with a list. Write down what each person uses on a daily basis. It’s OK to let the list run long. You can prune it later.
What To Pack
Include everything you would need to stay comfortable, fed and clean for 24 hours at a minimum. It is better to include clothes, entertainment and personal items for three or four days. Because restaurants and grocery stores are everywhere, you only need to pack food for the first 24 hours.
Each member of the family needs a box containing basics such as:
- Change of clothing
- Pajamas
- Medicine
- Books
- Phone
- Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner and soap
- Electronics
Your pets need a box with:
- Food
- Dishes
- Leash
- Toys
- Medicine
When you pack one box for the family as a whole, include food. You’ll need at least one lunch and one dinner that is easy to put together.
You’ll also need:
- Toaster oven or toaster
- Pans
- Dish soap and sponge
- Dish towel
- Coffee or espresso maker, plus coffee
- Beverages
- Snacks
- Jars of peanut butter and jelly
- Plate, bowl, mug and silverware for each person
- Cutting knife
To stay clean and comfortable, pack for the family as a whole:
- Toilet paper
- All-purpose cleaner
- Shower curtain
- Garbage bags
- Small tool kit
- Scissors and knife to open boxes
- Flashlight or candles and matches
- Bathroom towels for each member of the family
Advice From a Moving Company in Portland
Do you have questions about an upcoming local or long-distance move? Master Movers is a full-service moving company in Portland, Oregon. We’ll move you within the city, state or to Washington, Idaho and beyond. Contact us for a free estimate.