One of my top ten tips for a stress-free move is to pack your suitcase as if you were going on a working vacation. Even if you are moving locally, you might have to stay in a hotel or at a friend’s place unexpectedly. For example, there might be a problem with your new home or a delayed moving truck. Having your clothes and toiletries in one easy-to-access bag means you will be prepared for anything. I want to share what to pack in your suitcase for a move.
Clothing
Pack enough clothing for at least three days (5 days’ worth for a long-distance move). It’s tempting to pack only comfortable jeans and t-shirts, but you may want to pack something nice to go out to dinner. Include at least one work outfit if you have to meet a client or your boss in an emergency.
Toiletries
Pack enough toiletries to get you through the first week. Include your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, razor, shaving lotion, cosmetics, feminine protection products, etc.
Medications
Ensure you take all of your prescriptions in your suitcase. Take them in the original container, not the container you use to ration out your weekly dosage. Don’t risk your medications getting lost in a box or some packing paper. Remember to pack your pets’ medicines too!
Jewelry
Pack your high-value jewelry in your suitcase. These pieces might be of high monetary value or irreplaceable sentimental items. This might include your diamond engagement ring or the kilt pin your grandmother brought you from Scotland shortly before she passed away.
Electronics
Pack the cables, chargers, and adapters for all of your electronics in your suitcase. It’s helpful to pack an extra battery pack because you may not be able to charge your devices between homes. If you’re driving to your new house, pack a set of cables in the car (choose long ones that reach the back seat) along with a USB power adapter.
Extra Eyeglasses
If you have an extra set of eyeglasses, pack those in your suitcase. Even if you wear contact lenses, take your glasses with you.
Weather Gear
You never know what the weather will be like when you have to unload the moving truck. Consider packing an umbrella and rain boots, or sunscreen and sunhat, depending on the season.
Paperwork
Make sure you have all of the paperwork needed to purchase/rent your new home. If you are registering your children in a new school district, you may need their birth certificates, vaccination records, and transcripts, so pack those too. A plastic expandable file folder will keep your documents clean, dry, and organized.
Office Supplies
Pack a few pens, a small pair of scissors, a roll of tape, and a few paper clips. You will have what you need for basic office tasks while you wait for the moving truck.
These are a few of the essential items you should pack in your suitcase for a move. Feel free to add more things. It depends on your situation. If you still have questions or find the whole process overwhelming, let Out of Chaos help minimize the stress and disruption with our Stress-Free Move Services. Contact us through our website.
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