Moving Essentials for Your New House

A move is a big step at any point in life, and with all the moving parts, it's easy to get overwhelmed and forget something. Plenty of people have worried so much about getting out of the old house that they forget they need to plan how they'll function when first arriving at the new one! If you've got a move coming up, here are some examples of moving essentials for your new home.

New Locks

If you've just bought a new home, one of the first things on your list should be installing new locks. This is a simple safety measure that can give you greater peace of mind. It's also easy to skip over or put off, especially when you're rushing to get everything inside. Remember that even though the owners have handed off the keys to the realtor, you don't actually have any way of knowing who has a copy, or how many were made.

Home Tech

Getting some of your technology set up can make a move easier and feel more secure. Home security systems are easier than ever to set up, and if you have a company doing an installation, you can schedule a time for a technician to arrive well before you actually move. This is also the time to set up cable, and internet, and triple-check your surge protection.

Cleaning Supplies

In an ideal world, the previous owners would have either cleaned or paid a cleaning service to make sure you arrive to a spotless home, but that's often not the case. Plus, you might feel more comfortable knowing you've done a quick sweep yourself. Having your cleaning supplies clearly labeled in a box that's easy to access can help you get a jump start on moving in.

Toiletries and First Aid

Who wants to show up to a new house after a long drive, only to realize you forgot to pack toilet paper? Before your move, make a list of some comforts you know you'll want access to from the moment you arrive, or you might have to make a quick run to the store in an area you're not super familiar with yet, which can delay unpacking even more. It's also imperative to have a first aid kit and know where it is at all times. You never know what can happen when moving heavy furniture into a new house. Someone might slip, or you could cut yourself on broken glass that didn't survive the trip.

Kitchen Equipment

While you might not feel like cooking after a long day of moving, your kitchen is one of the first rooms you'll get some real use out of, so it's not a bad idea to have those boxes ready to go. Your drinkware, silverware, bottled water, and some snacks should be easily accessible. You can easily buy some disposable paper plates to make meals easier for a bit, but it's nice having water and food that doesn't need to be prepared available while you're getting settled. You might not even realize how hungry you are until you've had a moment to rest.

Sleeping Arrangements

You don't need to have your entire bedroom figured out the first day, but you should have a plan for where you're going to sleep, and what you're going to sleep on. It's not unheard of for moving trucks to arrive late, so where will you sleep if that ends up being the case for you? It's not a bad idea to pack an air mattress in your vehicle just in case. This is also helpful for friends who are helping you move! In a pinch, an air mattress can be used for extra seating in the living room while you wait for that new furniture to be delivered. Plus, if you buy new, there's a chance you'll have to put the new furniture together yourself, which you might not feel like doing after hauling and organizing boxes all day.

While it's easy to forget the essentials for a new house, doing some planning can save you a headache on moving day. You know your needs and preferences best, so you can figure out just what needs to be in your car to make the day pass as smoothly as possible.