Tag: packing essentials

What to Pack in Your Moving First Night Box

Posted on by olympiamoving

Essential Items to Include in a Moving First-Night Box

A moving first night box will go a long way in making move day a success. Packing this box will make your first night in your new home convenient and less stressful. Instead of having to rummage through your assorted boxes, putting all the things you need to on a day-to-day basis in one place can greatly improve the moving experience.Torso of a female person holding a moving box. All on white background.

Included in the moving first night box are the essentials that will help transition from one home to another. Most of the items you can identify based on what you need for the last day in your old house. Make sure you label this box clearly and make sure it is one of the last items loaded into the truck, or move it yourself in your car.

Clothing & Toiletries

Think of packing your first night box like you would a suit case for a short trip. These items will include things like, few couple days’ worth of clothes and toiletries. Also don’t forget a standard first aid kit and any medication you may need, as well as towels.

Bedding & Linens

You’ll want to also include bedding, pillows, and towels. Setting aside bedding makes it easy to crash on your mattress and leave unpacking for the next day.

Tools

Something that you might not think to include are basic tools or a tool kit and flashlight. The usual lamps and lighting might not be set up in your new place, and you’ll be grateful to know exactly where the tools are when you start setting up your new home.

Disposable Tableware & Snacks

Bringing pre-packaged snacks and fruit will give you some easy food options before you’ve gotten out all of your cookware. Also, packing some disposable plates and napkins so you don’t have to unpack dishes to enjoy dinner in your first home.

Electronics

If you want to celebrate the first night in your new home with some “Netflix and chill” don’t forget to pack your WiFi box, laptop and phone chargers.

Important Documents & Valuables

It is always a good idea to keep jewelry, important documents like passports and birth certificates, as well as valuables in your possession as opposed to being packed in the the moving truck. If there are specific documents that you need for your rental agreement or closing, be sure to put them in the moving first night box as well!

Download and print out a checklist!1

Do you need help packing and moving everything else? Request a free moving estimate from Olympia Moving & Storage online or by calling 800-222-4744.

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Packing Preparation Essentials

Posted on by olympiamoving

Proper preparation is essential to a successful move and one of the biggest factors in determining final cost.  This is especially true if you are doing your own packing.  The following tips will help you to be fully prepared on moving day and, by extension, to keep your costs down.

Packing:  Basic moving boxes and supplies are key. The basic rule of thumb is that if it can fit inside a box, it should be in a box.  Loose items are difficult to load into a truck and create unnecessary delays.  If possible, use standard moving boxes as opposed to smaller boxes that may not be structurally sound.

Labeling:  All boxes should be labeled with your name, the room that the items came out of, and a word or two about the contents.  Boxes should be labeled on two adjacent sides plus the top.  This is especially helpful during the delivery process; as it allows you to direct the movers and make sure that boxes are placed in the appropriate place at your new residence.  The more detailed you are with your labeling; the easier it will be for you to locate items during the unpacking process.

preparing to pack to move

Organization:  As boxes are packed they should be stacked against the perimeter of the room.  Do not leave boxes in the middle of the floor; as this is hazardous to the movers.  Ideally you want to organize your space so that the movers have easy access to everything within a given room.  Trucks are loaded in tiers and it adds time if the movers have to re-organize in order to get access to specific pieces.

If you are planning on moving some of the items yourself in a car, focus on items that are not boxed; such as lamp shades.  The movers are very efficient in moving furniture and boxes, but loose items have the potential to cause delays.

For more preparation tips see the Olympia Moving moving resource page with downloadable PDF files to help you with your next move. Contact Olympia Moving or call 800.222.4744 for an moving estimate.