Moving cross-country can be a very tiring experience. When you get to your new home you may not have the energy to unpack everything right away. Furthermore, you may be traveling a long distance and will need provisions for while you travel. So you should always pack an overnight bag with your essentials. Here are some ideas on what to bring in your overnight bag.
Toiletries
The first thing you should think about bringing in your overnight bag is toiletries. You should pack the toiletries you’d bring on any trip like soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. Also pack any medications and a first aid kit. Another important thing to pack is a roll of toilet paper so you have one as soon as you get to your new home.
Clothing
Obviously you want to pack clothing in your overnight bag. Pack clothes that will be comfortable and easy for you to move in. Also it is a good idea to check the weather where you are moving and pack any clothing appropriate for the new climate.
Kitchenware
It’s also a good idea to pack any necessary kitchen items you will need when you get to your new home. Plastic plates, silverware, and cups are a great idea so you can eat without having to unpack your kitchenware first. It’s also smart to bring bottled water in case the water isn’t on yet at your new home. You should also consider packing a couple of garbage bags so you can have a place to throw trash.
Bedding
You should pack a set of bedsheets, blanket, and a pillow. That way when you get to your new home, you can make the bed without having to fully unpack. It’s also a great idea to have bedding while traveling so you are always comfortable.
Important Documents
You should pack all your important documents like birth certificates, passports, and social security cards. You should also have a folder with the information on your new home, rental agreement or mortgage, and utilities. Also it is important to keep a folder with all the important moving documents like the bill of lading and inventory.
An overnight moving bag will save you a lot of hassle. Make sure that you pack an overnight bag for every member of your family, including your pets. Make sure to keep your overnight bag separate from your other possessions so the movers know not to put it in the moving truck. If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll have an easy move.
20 Comments
Kitchen utensils are very important!! I recall moving from an apartment with roommates to my own studio apartment. It was late and the restaurants were closed but I had a couple small canned items to hold me over until the next day. But it was then I realized that I didn’t have a can opener.
I am totally agree with you. I made a huge mistake when I moved to Connecticut from Texas. I arrived in the evening and it was chaos when we wanted to take a shower and prepare the beds.
Packing an overnight moving bag is a very important part of moving. Unfortunately most people tend to leave this one out.
This list reminds me of a camping trip and expounds on some areas where thoughtfulness and practicality are important and easily taken-for-granted guidelines. Never leave without packing toiletries. As for kitchenware: it’s a metal mug, spork, a folding knife and a metal plate for me.
Packing an overnight moving bag is a great idea. Not only would it be useful for long moving trips, but would also come in handy even for local moves so you don’t have to unpack boxes in a hurry to find essentials.
Thank you for organizing my thoughts for me. I am aware of the things mentioned in this article but can’t seem to figure out how to put them in writing for future reference. This is a great help!
This article is very helpful and well written. There’s a lot of tips in here that many people overlook (packing bedding and kitchenware) and is very insightful to read. Having moved far distances on several occasions, I can easily agree that this article is a must read for those not used to the concept.
“An overnight moving bag will save you a lot of hassle. Make sure that you pack an overnight bag for every member of your family, including your pets” I agreed so. Especially, for winter snow season, what I think that, in order to keep warm, the overnight moving bag might include some snacks, (chocolates, or photo chips etc)
That is a great idea to bring bottled water in case your water hasn’t been turned on yet. Baby wipes are also a good item to have on hand when water isn’t readily available. They make it easy to clean your hands and face.
Clothes would be the first on my list. Not sure about bedding though, they’re quite bulky. After clothes come toiletries and medications. I guess I’m set!
The first thing I’do when I arrive would be to unpack. Regardless of the time of my arrival, I wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing I still have things to do!. Having said that, I’d probably have a small bag for toiletries and an emergency kit.
I must admit I am a bit of a hoarder. It’s really hard for me to pack just a few stuff but I really learned a lot thanks to this article.
In addition to the items mentioned above, I would like to add two others: Money and a smartphone (or a standard cellphone). Nothing can do without these two when you move to places.
How about a pair of bathroom slippers handy? I think it is very uncomfortable to move around at a new place without one.
Most of us would feel to carry bedding would be an unnecessary load since we would have one at new place. But now I think it is essential for relaxing after long journey.
I always for get stuff in my overnight bad, so I will bookmark your site to use as a checklist for the next time I go out of town. Thanks!
You know what…I never really thought about how to pack an overnight moving bag. I’m so used to just dumping and squeezing everything in at the last moment. This article makes me realize that more preparation can really make me more organized and reduce my stress levels.
Nice list! I believe the last point of packing all your important documents is the most important, at least for me it is because if I forget some of the other things at least I can buy them for the most part.
Toiletries and kitchen ware is so important. If you forgot about those things it can throw off your entire day. Great list thanks for sharing!
Well you sure did cover it all in this article. If anyone forgets anything to pack in their overnight bad after this, that’s on them!
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