There are some things that you should bring with you and not put on the moving truck. Read what items you should take with you.
There are some things during a move that you should transport instead of packing on the truck. Planning and writing a list of the items will give you a better idea of how much room is needed. Space in some vehicles can be limited. We recommend using an overhead carrier for things that won’t fit in the car. Our guide will help you get you started on planning what items to bring.
Bring A Personal Bag for Every Member of the Family
The first thing you’ll want to bring is. Overnight bags should contain the essentials for the first night in your new home. We created a list of items you should include:
- Enough clothes to get you through your delivery window
- Enough medications to get you through your delivery window
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toiletries, make-up and brushes or combs
- Hairdryer
- Phone charger
- Sleepwear
Home Comforts
You will want some home comforts while you wait for your truck to arrive. Besides towels and bedding, it’s a good idea to bring your coffee maker, mugs and coffee. If you’re not a coffee drinker, bring the one thing you can’t do without in the morning.
Transporting documentation
The security of personal information and documents important. You don’t want to lose track of papers that have personally identifiable information or financial documents. A portable security box is a secure way to transport these documents. If you don’t have one, place them in the overnight bag. Bring these with you:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Social security cards
- Passports
- Financial documentation
- Vehicle registrations
- And other personal documents
Keep the Bill of Lading and other moving documents with you as well, in case you need to refer to it.
Take electronics in your vehicle
Most people bring small electronics like laptops and tablets with them instead of putting them on the truck. If you have room, consider bringing larger items like TVs and computers. Wrap computer screens and TVs in foam or bubble wrap and use an adjustable TV or mirror box. Pack the remotes and cords in a zip-top bag and tape them to the device.
Leave no valuables behind
Jewelry, watches, heirlooms and highly sentimental things are best brought with you. Use egg cartons to keep jewelry separate and untangled. Watch boxes will prevent watch faces from cracks and scratches.
Don’t forget the pets
Bring Fluffy or Fido’s food, treats, bed, a toy, and for cats, a litter box. Traveling long distance in a vehicle can stress some animals out, so familiar items will help keep them calm on the road and help make their new home seem familiar.
Must Have Kits
Two important things you should bring are small first aid kit and a basic tool kit. You don’t want to scramble through boxes in order to find a bandage or a screwdriver. Gather a variety of bandages, antibiotic cream, allergy relief, and a pain reliever in a zip top bag and you’re good to go. For the tool kit, include the basics:
- Hammer
- Phillips and flat head screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Allen wrenches
- Tape measure
- Insulated tape
- Flashlight
- Small socket wrench set
Your family’s needs will vary, so take the time to think about what will be important for you to bring with you. If you’re just beginning your move, see how far we’ll go to make your move as stress-free as possible.