Tips for Moving - When You Get to Your New Home

A great part of the stress of moving comes not from getting everything packed up but upon reaching your new destination.  The difficulty lies in the fact that everything wants that to be the end of the moving experience when really it is only the halfway point.  In order to keep yourself calm, organized, and together for the last stretch to the finish line, it is necessary to have a plan in place for when you get to your new location.  With that in mind, here are some items you will want as soon as you get to your new home so you might consider packing them separately or taking them with you.

Cleaning supplies, Disinfectant spray, Paper towels or rags

Do you really want to move in on top of someone else's germs?  Even if the previous tenants cleaned their house it is a good idea to go back over and make sure the house is cleaned to your standards.

Vacuum, Broom, and Mop

Once you begin unpacking, or even once the movers leave, you will probably be left with tracks of dirt, dust, and other debris all over your house.  Unless you want to purchase a new broom because you can't find which box the old one is packed in, you might want to set these aside so they are on hand.

Basic Kitchen Utensils and Simple Food

If your belongings don't show up for a week, what are you going to do?  It will help immensely if you already have simple necessities with you like a skillet, coffee pot, spatula, a sharp knife, a few sets of silverware, dish soap, paper plates, napkins, and glasses.  For the simple food I would include such items as peanut butter, jelly, bread, cereal, trail mix, coffee, etc.

Clothing and Toiletries

Just like when you fly you are encouraged to take a change of clothes in your carry on in case your luggage disappears, when you move it is a good idea to have a couple of changes of clothing in case your moving truck is late.  It's also necessary to have your bag of toiletries with you; toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, soap, shampoo, makeup, toilet paper, towels, wash cloths, etc.  I also like to toss my cell phone charger and alarm clock into this bag so they are readily at hand.