Moving day is stressful. You start early, end late, and are probably moving heavy boxes in between. Here’s a categorized list of 10 essentials you need when you move into your new home, so that you can shake off that “I think I forgot something” feeling. 

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Key Highlights

• Make sure that all essential items are easily accessible.
• When making your list of essentials, a mental walk-through of your everyday routine will help you determine what you need.
• Plan with practicality in mind, but also for your comfort to alleviate as much stress as possible on moving day.

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Top 10 Kitchen Essentials

Unpacking your kitchen is usually the biggest hassle out of all the rooms. Between cookware and the contents of your pantry, finding everything might take up a lot of time and energy. Having these essentials accessible to you will make your life easier.

• Garbage bins and bags
• A few plates, cups, and utensils
• Scissors
• Dish soap
• Paper towels and/or rags
• Ingredients for an easy meal (pasta + sauce)
• A multi-purpose pan or pot
• Pet food and bowls (if you have pets)
• Bottled water
• Instant coffee and/or tea bags

The coffee might not make or break you, but you will definitely thank yourself for having it handy. 

Top 10 Bathroom Essentials

Have you ever tried showering without a shower curtain? When it comes to bathroom essentials, you only realise you forgot something when you desperately need it. After a long day of carrying boxes, a hot shower and some pain killers will be welcome.

• Toilet paper
• Shower curtain
• Shampoo and soap
• Towels
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Any medication you may need
• Basic first-aid kit
• Plunger and toilet brush
• Rubber gloves

A lot of these items fit into a travel size toiletries bag, so it’s definitely worth having them nearby rather than in a taped up box. 

Top 10 Living Room Essentials

Depending on the size and layout of your home, the living room is likely where you will be doing most of your unpacking. And since it’s a high traffic area, it’s good to have some essentials on hand.

• Light bulbs
• A tool kit
• A box cutter
• Duct tape
• A broom or duster
• All purpose cleaning solution
• Fold-out chairs and table
• A fan or space heater (depending on the time of year)
• A pen and paper
• Important documents / banking information (in case you don’t have your home Internet set up yet)

You never know what previous owners will and won’t leave behind; you don’t want to be unpacking in the dark.

Top 10 Bedroom Essentials

No matter how prepared you are for moving day, unexpected obstacles can turn your one-day unpacking ambition into a two-day endeavour. By the time you’re turning in for the day, the last thing you want to do is scramble through boxes to find bedding and comfortable clothes.

• Pillows
• A set of sheets
• Your pajamas
• A spare change of clothes
• Chargers
• Hamper or laundry basket
• Closet hangers
• Bedside lamp
• Extra blankets
• A book

When it comes to the bedroom, prioritize your comfort and plan for potentially not having home Internet access for a couple days. 

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about essential items you need when moving into your new home. 

Final Thoughts

When making a list of move-in day essentials, it’s always helpful to do a mental walk-through of your every-day routine. It’s easy to take working light bulbs and pillowcases for granted, but on the day you move into your new home, you’ll be grateful you had them at the ready. Having these 10 essential for moving in down also helps you focus on unpacking and organizing your home in the coming days.

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