Moving into a new home can simultaneously be one of the scariest and most exciting things you’ll ever experience. The prospect of living a new life in a new space feels like freedom. But many things associated with a new beginning can simply be overwhelming-even just knowing what to pack into your moving box.
Indeed, figuring out what to pack, hiring movers, shopping for new home items, etc. can be the most stressful part of the whole new-home affair. Luckily, you don’t have to sweat it. Compiled in this guide is a checklist of the most important must-haves for your new space.
Table of Contents
The Basics
Keep one box handy with all the basic tools you need to unpack and set up. This way, you don’t have to lose time rummaging through the rest of your boxes.
- Basic tools
- Basic toiletries
- Batteries
- Box cutter
- First aid kit
- Food items and snacks
- Light bulbs
- Trash bags
- Toilet paper
Kitchenware
If you’ve just moved in, it’s easy to think that a couple of pairs of kitchen utensils, dishes, and drinking glasses will do. But as you will find out sooner than later, you’ll need more than just what you need for each meal. You need tools for food preparation and for cleaning your kitchen, which are often overlooked when packing
Kitchen Basics
- Aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, parchment paper
- Cooking utensils
- Cutting board
- Dishes
- Dish towels
- Dish-drying rack
- Mug
- Oven-safe dish
- Drinking glasses
- Forks, spoons, and knives
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Garbage can
- Kitchen knives
- Dish soap and sponges if you don’t have a dishwasher
- Ice-cube trays
- Napkins
- Paper towels
Other Kitchen Necessities
- Pots and pans
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
- Plastic bags
- Kitchen rug
- Magnetic hooks
- Cooling mat
Cleaning Supplies
Pack a separate box for all the cleaning materials. Your new home may need a little tidying up. In which case, it’s always handy to not have to run to the store to get what you need. The following list is a bit comprehensive, so if you don’t want to go all-out shopping for now, you can do with a set of soap, cleaning sprays, rubber gloves, and mop.
- Antibacterial wipes
- Bathroom cleaning spray
- Baking soda and white vinegar
- Broom and dustpan
- Bucket
- Dish soap
- Garbage bags
- Hand soap
- Handheld vacuum
- Laundry detergent
- Mop
- Multipurpose spray
- Paper towels
- Rubber gloves
- Soft rags and microfiber cloths
- Sponges
- Wood cleaner
Bedroom Essentials
Don’t let all the moving anxiety get you. Your first night of sleep in your new home should be cozy and comfortable. The following is a list of the basics, but if you don’t want to miss anything from your current setup, list all the things you intend to take with you. Make sure all of them get packed for the move.
- Comforter
- Duvet
- Duvet cover
- Hangers
- Hamper
- Lamp
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Storage
Bathroom Necessities
Toiletries may be easy to come by, but because you need them often, it’s a real hassle when you don’t have them. Make sure your toiletries are packed and ready for your new bathroom.
- Bath towels
- Bathroom mat
- Face towels
- Hand towels
- Plunger
- Small trash can
- Toilet brush
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush holder
- Wall hooks
Food
Of course, everyone has their own grocery list, but if you want to make sure you have all the basics covered, the following list comes in handy.
Pantry Food
- All-purpose flour
- Bread
- Sugar
- Canned or dried beans
- Canned tuna
- Cereal
- Coffee and tea
- Cooking oil
- Dried pasta
- Quick-cooking oats
- Grains
- Ketchup and mustard
- Nut butter
- Pasta sauce
- Pepper
- Vinegar
- Rice
- Snack food
- Salt
- Soy sauce
Fridge Food
- Butter
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Fresh fruit
- Fresh vegetables
- Jam or preserves
- Milk
Freezer Food
- Frozen fruit
- Frozen pizza
- Frozen patties
- Frozen vegetables
- Meat
- Poultry
Technology and Security Essentials
Smartphones and other gadgets are almost indispensable in most modern households. A lot of people use their phones not just to connect with people but also to engage in different transactions. That’s why forgetting your charger in your previous home’s cabinet drawer would be such a nightmare.
If you need to get connected badly or need to work from home, you need to make sure all your tech essentials are packed.
- Computers
- Affordable LCD monitors
- Cables and chargers
- Ethernet cables
- Extension cords
- New locks
- Surge protectors
- Security safe
- Thermostat
Appliances
If you want to secure a good, homemade breakfast or your morning coffee, it’s great to have the tools to do so.
- Blender
- Colander
- Coffee maker
- Coffee grinder
- Kettle
- Microwave
- Salad spinner
- Toaster
Living Room Essentials
Surely you’d want to make your space as comfortable and as personal as possible. But before you decide to repaint your whole living room or do a major redecoration, you need to make a shopping list for your furniture and accessories.
- Area rug
- Bookshelves
- Cords
- Coffee table
- Coasters
- Sound bar
- Side tables
- TV
- TV stand
- Throw pillows
- Throw blankets
Items That Are Frequently Needed but Easy to Forget When Shopping
- Aspirin
- Batteries
- Clorox wipes
- Coffee or other powdered beverage
- Cotton balls and pads
- Deodorant
- Dish soap
- Hand soap
- Kleenex
- Laundry detergent
- Lighter
- Light bulbs and other lighting essentials
- Milk
- OTC medications/medicine kit
- Pet food and essentials
- Razors
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Scissors
- Shaving cream
- Soap
- Tape
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
Quick Moving Tips
- Defrost your fridge a day before the move.
- Pack a box or a bag containing all your essentials.
- Wrap delicate items like ceramics and breakable dishes in bubble wraps.
- Pack your plates vertically.
- Label your boxes and where they should be put in.
- Gather up all the materials you no longer use, and sell them online.
- Give out other items you can’t sell to friends.
- Preclean the house before your move-in day.
- Use Press’n Seal to transport jewelry.
- You can use small ziplock bags to store small parts like TV screws or curtain-rod assemblies.
- Take a photo of your appliances’ and gadgets’ wirings so it’s easier to reconnect them.
- Make use of your baskets, hampers, and suitcases.
- Schedule your packing. Make sure everything is ready before the movers arrive.
- Hire professional movers instead of just your friends if you have a lot of valuable possessions.
- Choose movers that have good reviews.
- Change your address weeks before moving.
- You can also donate some items you didn’t sell.
- Hire a sitter, or have a family member stay with your children and pets while you take care of things.
