Long-Distance Move? Pack A Survival Box!

A long-distance move can be a lot more stressful than a local move. Chances are you will arrive at your new home in advance of the moving truck, which means you may find yourself camping out of a suitcase in your empty home or in a hotel. Once the moving truck arrives, your stuff may be at your new house, but it will likely be far from organized. By packing a survival box or two, you can ensure that the items you will need in most before you finish unpacking are easy to find. Label the box well so it's easy to find, and then make sure it is the last thing on the truck and the first thing to come off. The following are items to include in this box.

Bedding

Make sure there is one full set of bedding for every bed in the house. Otherwise, you may have to search through stacks of boxes to find the appropriate linen box. This can be a miserable task when you are tired from a long day of moving and unpacking. Most movers will set up the beds for you as they unload them since they understand that beds are the first pieces of furniture you will need in your new house. By packing a set of bedding in your survival box, you can quickly have the beds made up by evening so you can rest your weary body.

Cleaning

There will be some things to clean in any house. You may need to do a load of laundry, wash some dishes, or spray down the shower before you use it, for example. For this reason, it makes sense to put some basic cleaning supplies in your survival box. Laundry detergent, dish soap, and an all-purpose cleaner are likely sufficient. Add in a dish sponge or brush and a few cleaning towels to complete the ensemble. This should be plenty to handle your needs until you unpack your main cleaning supply box.

Hygiene

Personal hygiene is also a must. You likely have the basics in your suitcase or overnight bag from the move -- shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste. What you may overlook are items like a towel, a washcloth, and even a shower curtain. Toss these and any other necessary hygiene items into your survival box. This way you won't have to run to the big box store for a shower curtain after a long, hot day of moving.

Kitchen

You may not be planning on doing a lot of cooking the first few days after moving, but be prepared for some basics. Toss some plates and silverware into your survival box, along with a few cups, a pot, and a wooden spoon. Bowls can also be useful if your family enjoys cereal for breakfast. These few supplies will allow you to make a basic meal or enjoy a snack as you are unpacking and moving. Kitchen items are often the last to be unpacked, so you'll be glad to have a few basic on hand.

Contact a moving service, such as Summit Moving & Storage Company, for more help.

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