As someone who has moved close to 20 times in her lifetime, moving is second nature to me. Moving in and out of college residence halls was even a breeze. I write lists months in advance. I mentally walk through the process: how I plan to pack my things, how I will unpack my things. I even draw up floor plans for how I plan to arrange rooms. Maybe it's in my DNA, part of my mental programming or whatever, moving is just easy to me. Although, I never actually realized was all the other background work that goes into moving out on your own.
This weekend I move into my first apartment away from my parents, so naturally, I've compiled a list of things often forgotten!
1. Toothbrush!
I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten to pack a toothbrush or toothpaste! I must have like 5 spare toothbrushes just from various trips, like that one time I moved to a summer camp and didn't pack a toothbrush!
2. Toilet paper!
Odds are the previous tenant didn't leave behind anything in the apartment when they moved out so bring a roll in case you or your movers need to use the restroom!
3. Lysol wipes!
This is true with anywhere you move into! No one knows what grossness awaits them when they move in somewhere new, especially in a college town! It's literally one of the first things I tackle!
4. A sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping apparatus!
Or if you're like me, ALL of the above! Same rules apply as number 3! It's great to get in those corners before you move your belongings in!
5. A duffle bag!
Honestly the best thing to do is pack enough clothes for 2 or 3 days. Think of it as going on a vacation! That way if your things get delayed for some reason or your boxes get buried, you'll at least have some pjs, some clothes, and toiletries! And don't forget any medications you take!
6. A Brita pitcher!
I don't know why but for some reason these get lost so quickly when moving. But that said, save the earth and get yourself a Brita pitcher or bottle!
7. Ice cube trays!
I don't know how many people I've witnessed forget ice cube trays!
8. A shower curtain!
Or at the very least the liner so you can take a nice shower after being all sweaty from moving all the boxes!
9. A towel!
Also important after long day when you need a shower! No one likes putting clothes on while still damp!
10. A trash can!
Odds are you'll have things to throw out and they'll have to go somewhere! Additionally, make sure you have some trash bags on hand!
11. Chargers!
If you're like me, I have a bad habit of forgetting to pack my chargers or headphones, and then I'm stuck getting new stuff! Do yourself a favor and pack it all in a backpack!
12. A fan!
Especially helpful when you're moving in in the hot summer sun! Cool down your new space with a nice oscillating fan!
13. A first aid kit!
Someone always seems to end up hurt on moving day for whatever reason, so we make sure we have a first aid kit full of bandaids and peroxide and even ace wraps! Also handy: a sewing kit!
14. Tools!
The first thing my parents gave me when I was moving on my own was a tool kit! It's really helpful when you need to put together IKEA bookshelves and beds! Don't forget the bedding and pillows!
Can you think of anything else that you've forgotten when you've moved somewhere new? Comment below!
