Moving Essentials Checklist from AAA to Help You Settle In Quickly

Perhaps you’ve heard that when you move, you should always pack an essentials box—the one container you keep with you at all times. It’s your survival kit for the move and your first 24 hours in your new home. But what should you pack in that box or boxes?

Start with important documents: your IDs, lease or closing papers, moving contracts, insurance info, and a small notebook with key contacts and notes. Add chargers, a power bank and an extension cord so your devices stay usable. Also pack basic tools like a box cutter, scissors, tape, a small tool kit and a marker for last-minute labeling. Of course, if you have children or pets, be sure to pack what you’ll need for them as well.

Be sure also to include items such as daily medications, glasses or contacts, toiletries, soap, toilet paper and a hand towel. You’ll also want sheets and pillows to make your bed for that first night as well as pajamas and a change of clothes for the next day. Don’t forget nonperishable snacks and drinks. Protein bars, fruit, nuts, water, and coffee or tea supplies can keep energy up when everything else is packed away.

For the new place, add cleaning wipes, trash bags, paper towels, light bulbs and phone numbers for utilities. A little forethought can help save you from having to search endlessly to find that missing essential item.