Your Moving Day Survival Guide: What to Pack in Your Essentials Box

You have spent weeks packing, planning, and preparing. The movers arrive, your entire home gets loaded onto a truck, and suddenly you are standing in an empty house wondering where your toothbrush is.

This scenario plays out on moving days across Colorado Springs every single day, and it is entirely preventable. The secret weapon? An essentials box — a carefully curated collection of everything you will need for the first 24-48 hours in your new home, without digging through dozens of sealed boxes.

At iHaul iMove, we have guided over 700 families through successful moves (just check our 700+ 5-star reviews). One of the most common pieces of advice our crew shares with customers is this: pack your essentials box last, load it last, and unload it first.

The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off

Your essentials box should be the very last thing loaded onto the moving truck — or better yet, transported in your personal vehicle. This ensures it is the first thing you grab when you arrive at your new home.

Label it clearly. Use bright colored tape, a big marker, or a unique sticker. Write “OPEN FIRST” on all four sides and the top. Tell your movers it is the priority box.

Essentials Box #1: Bathroom and Personal Care

Your first stop in any new home is usually the bathroom. Make sure these items are immediately accessible:

Toiletries

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Deodorant
• Razor and shaving cream
• Contact lens supplies
• Hair brush or comb
• Face wash and moisturizer

Bathroom Basics

• Toilet paper (this is the number one forgotten item)
• Hand soap
• Towels (at least 2 per person — bath and hand)
• Shower curtain and rings (if your new bathroom needs one)
• Bath mat
• First aid kit

Medications

• All prescription medications
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (you will thank yourself later)
• Allergy medications
• Vitamins and supplements
• Any children’s medications

Essentials Box #2: Kitchen Survival Kit

You do not need to unpack your entire kitchen on day one. But you do need to eat, drink, and have a few basic supplies:

Food and Drinks

• Bottled water or a reusable water bottle
• Snacks (granola bars, nuts, crackers, fruit)
• Coffee or tea (plus a simple brewing method)
• Paper plates, cups, and disposable utensils
• A few trash bags

Basic Kitchen Tools

• A sharp knife
• Bottle opener and can opener
• Paper towels
• Dish soap and a sponge
• A roll of aluminum foil

Quick Meals

Have a plan for your first meal. Save takeout menus for restaurants near your new home, or pre-order delivery. Many families in Colorado Springs use this as an excuse to try a new local spot.

Essentials Box #3: Bedding and Comfort

After a long moving day, all you want is a comfortable place to sleep. Make sure these items are easily accessible:

• Sheets and pillowcases (fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases for each bed)
• Pillows (transport in your car to keep them clean)
• Blankets or comforter (even in summer — new homes can feel cold at night)
• Pajamas and a change of clothes for the next morning
• Slippers or flip-flops (you will not want to walk barefoot while unpacking)

For Children

• A favorite stuffed animal or comfort item (do not pack this in a box — keep it with you)
• A blanket they are attached to
• A nightlight
• Their regular pajamas
• A book for bedtime reading

The Personal Valuables Bag

Separate from your essentials boxes, keep a personal bag (like a backpack or tote) containing irreplaceable items:

• Important documents: IDs, passports, social security cards, closing paperwork, lease agreements
• Financial items: Wallet, credit cards, checkbook, cash for tips and unexpected expenses
• Electronics: Laptop, tablet, phone chargers (bring extras)
• Keys: New home keys, mailbox keys, storage unit keys, car keys
• Jewelry and small valuables

This bag stays with you at all times — in your car, not on the truck.

Cleaning Supplies for Arrival

Even if your new home was professionally cleaned, you will want to do a quick once-over before your furniture arrives:

• All-purpose cleaning spray
• Disinfecting wipes
• Paper towels
• Broom and dustpan (or a small hand vacuum)
• Trash bags
• Toilet cleaner and brush

Pro tip: Arrive at your new home 30-60 minutes before the movers to do a quick clean of bathrooms, kitchen counters, and floors. This is much easier in an empty house.

Tools You Will Need on Moving Day

A small toolkit in your essentials kit prevents frustration:

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Allen wrench set (for furniture reassembly)
• Utility knife or scissors (for opening boxes)
• Measuring tape
• A flashlight (for checking dark closets and crawl spaces)
• Painter’s tape (for marking where furniture goes)

Moving Day Timeline

Here is a suggested schedule to keep your day running smoothly:

Morning (Before Movers Arrive)

• Walk through the old home for any forgotten items
• Set aside essentials boxes and personal bag
• Confirm any last-minute details with your moving crew
• Take final meter readings at your old home

During the Move

• Supervise loading (point out fragile and priority items)
• Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and cabinet
• Lock up and return keys if renting

At the New Home

• Arrive before the truck if possible
• Quick-clean bathrooms and kitchen
• Direct movers on furniture placement (refer to your floor plan)
• Unpack essentials boxes first

Evening

• Set up beds and make them
• Locate bathroom essentials
• Order dinner or prepare a simple meal
• Charge all devices
• Take a deep breath — you did it

Let iHaul iMove Handle the Hard Part

While you focus on your essentials boxes and settling in, our professional moving crew handles the heavy lifting. With 17+ years of experience and 700+ 5-star reviews, we know how to make moving day as smooth as possible.

Our services include residential moving, packing services, furniture protection, and disassembly and reassembly — everything you need for a seamless transition.

We serve families across Colorado Springs, Monument, and the entire Pikes Peak region.

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Call us at 719-357-5865 to plan your stress-free moving day.