Moving House Essentials

After the excitement of finding the perfect home, the time has come to move in. Amid all the chaos and anticipation, it's easy to forget about the essential items you'll need for a smooth transition. That's why it's crucial to stay organised in advance. Moving day can be a whirlwind, and to make sure you're ready, packing a survival kit is key.

In the days leading up to the arrival of the removal company, set aside time to gather your moving essentials. Having them ready will make your first day in your new home much more manageable. To help you get organised, Omni Removals has created this guide to ensure you don’t miss anything important.

Once you arrive at your new home, you won’t want to spend hours unpacking everything. Instead, keep your moving essentials with you so you can quickly settle in, without having to unpack the entire household right away.

1. Moving House Essentials Box

Also known as a moving house survival kit, the moving house essentials box should contain everything you'll need to have within easy reach during your move. Each family member may have different requirements, so be sure to tailor the box accordingly. If you're moving with children, don’t forget to pack a separate essentials box for them, filled with their favourite toys and snacks to keep them entertained during the move.

Your moving house essentials box should include all the vital items you use every day. This could include medication, phone chargers, food, bottled water, pyjamas, toiletries, a change of clothes, and a first-aid kit. Essentially, pack anything you would need if you were staying somewhere other than your own home. For more guidance, check out our moving checklist to help you stay organised.

2. Bedding

Moving and unpacking can take several hours, depending on the length of the journey and the amount of stuff you have. The last thing you want is to waste time searching for your bedding after a long day of moving when you, or your little ones, just want to get some rest.

To make things easier, pack your bedding separately in a clearly labelled bag or box, and make sure it's easily accessible. This way, you can quickly set up your bed as soon as you arrive at your new home, helping you settle in comfortably after a long day of moving.

3. Towels and Toiletries

It may seem obvious to keep essentials like towels, shower gel, a shower curtain (if needed), toothpaste, and your toothbrush close by, but it’s easy to forget during the hectic rush of moving day. Make sure everyone has access to these essentials so you can all shower and brush your teeth without having to unpack everything.

Having these items readily available will minimize stress on your first night, allowing you and your family to refresh, get ready for bed, and feel prepared for the following day—no matter how much unpacking is left to do.

4. Kitchen Essentials

Being able to make a cup of tea or coffee is a must for many people during the busy process of moving and settling into a new home. Ensure your kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, sugar, snacks, and bottled water are all packed separately so they’re easily accessible.

Cooking essentials are also a good idea, as you may want to prepare a meal during the unpacking process. While some may prefer to order takeaway, others might want to try out their new kitchen right away. Having these items set aside will make the moving day a lot easier and more manageable.

5. Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is one of those essentials that’s easy to overlook during the chaos of moving, but it’s something you’ll definitely need as soon as you arrive at your new home. If the journey is long, you can bet everyone will need a bathroom break once they get there. Accidents can happen, especially if you’re moving with children or pets, so keeping toilet paper within reach in the car is a simple way to avoid any stress or discomfort when you arrive.

6. Toolbox

You don’t need a professional kit, but the basics may be needed to get you through the first few days. A small toolkit will come in handy for the dismantling or reassembling of furniture or any last-minute DIY work that’s needed.

Below we've listed a few items you may need:

Flathead Screwdriver

Phillips Screwdriver

Hammer

Pliers

Drill

Basic Screws

Wall plugs

Tape

Box cutter and/or scissors

Torch

Batteries

7. Cleaning Products

Another category of items you'll want to have to hand when you move into a new home is cleaning products. Hopefully, the previous owner will have cleaned and maintained the home for when you move in, but unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Furthermore, with everyone walking in and out and the removals team helping with the unpacking, the floor may get dirty quickly.

Before furniture is put in place and boxes are unpacked, you may want to clean your new house ready for you to settle in. Below we've listed the cleaning necessities you may want to have with you:

Cleaning cloths

All-purpose spray

Dish soap

Scourer

Rubber Gloves

Dustpan and brush

Vacuum

Bin liners and recycling bags

Items such as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar can also work wonders and are less harsh than many commercial cleaning products.

8. The Removals Company

Choosing a reliable removals company can significantly reduce the stress of moving, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Hiring professional movers ensures that your belongings are handled with care and expertise. Plus, if you're happy with the service, you might consider tipping the movers as a token of appreciation.

With Omni Removals, you can easily connect with up to 6 experienced removal companies in your local area. By requesting a house removal quote, you can save both time and money while securing the best service for your move.

For more detailed advice, check out our Moving Into a New Home Checklist for a comprehensive guide.