Clothes, shoes, phone, laptop, charger, money, identification—That's all you need to survive, right?
It's way too easy to forget the little things that are part of the daily routine, the little conveniences we take for granted when we have settled into one habitat for a while. While these little things are the most basic, they are also the most essential to everyday comfort. I had to learn the hard way, but now everyone else can learn from my foolishness.
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Although you can buy most of these things at a convenience store after moving in, it’s never a bad idea to have a starter’s pack—because isn’t the whole moving process hectic enough? With these necessities out of the way, you can pretty much unpack your personal items and settle in for the next couple of days:
1. Hand soap
No day is complete without a thorough hand washing, antibacterial and more than once preferred. And if you don’t agree…we’ve got issues.
2. Shower toiletries
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bath sponges, toothbrush, and toothpaste—whatever you use in your daily cleansing ritual. This way you can be squeaky clean when you’re out buying everything else you’re missing.
3. Paper towels
Spills happen unexpectedly, and sometimes you don’t have any clothes that you’re willing to sacrifice to soak up the wetness. Paper towels will clean any messes in your new place, as well as help get rid of any initial dirtiness within the place.
4. Cleaning spray or wipes
Along with paper towels, a disinfectant spray or wipes will make your new place feel like home. Unless you’ve moved to a hotel-like place, chances are the people before you didn’t tidy the place after moving out, or the place is dusty from being uninhabited or from renovations. It’s best to start off clean than dirty. That said, why not throw in a dustpan and broom or a Swiffer, too?
5. Utensils
Many things are hard to eat without utensils, and sometimes even delivery and takeout places forget to provide those. I went 24 hours without proper dinnerware, and it was not pleasant. Even if it’s just one fork, one knife, and one spoon to start off with, it’s better than nothing.
6. Garbage bag and can
There's nothing worse than not being able to throw anything away for even a couple of hours. We thrive on garbage! But the last thing you want is to have it lying around your new place.
For the process of moving:
1. Scissors
You’ve spent hours packing into boxes, taping them and wrapping things up. Don’t forget that you have to unpack from these boxes, and the easiest way to do so is by cutting the tape!
2. Bath towel
Trust me: After a long day of moving packages to and fro, you’re going to want to shower almost immediately in your new place.
3. Snacks
There’s no need to feel that snacking guilt because moving is hard physical labor (unless of course you’ve hired people). Be sure to pack some chips, protein bars, or a fruit medley to keep that energy going!
4. Toilet paper
If your move takes more than an hour, chances are you’re going to have to use the bathroom. Who wants to run around the neighborhood to find a place willing to let you use their bathroom? Sure, it’s a great way to meet your neighbors, but it’s terribly inconvenient. Your new place has a bathroom (hopefully) so why not use it?
5. Water bottles (or cups)
As with snacks, you need to keep up the energy. Maybe you can survive without solid nourishment, but you can’t continue moving without proper hydration. If you prefer bottles, bring plenty—like a whole case. Tap water works just as well too, even if you don’t have a cup.
6. Keys
This may seem obvious, but apparently not to me. We packed our rental truck and were about to head off, but fortunately, a small functional part of my brain reminded me that I can’t actually move any of this stuff without the keys to my apartment.
Congratulations! You're now ready to begin a new life in a new place with as minimal stress possible. Why? Because you were prepared. Unlike me.
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