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Why You Need a Moving Essentials Box for Your Move in Melbourne

June 10, 2025

When moving to a new home, it’s easy to get wrapped up in coordinating all the packing and transportation details. Shoreview Moving and Storage believes that one of the most valuable parts of a low-stress move is preparing a moving essentials box—also known as an open-first box. This special box contains everything you’ll need for the first 24-48 hours in your new home, ensuring comfort, convenience, and organization while you unpack.

Creating an essentials box can help you avoid searching through piles of boxes looking for basic necessities like toiletries, chargers, or kitchen items. Whether you’re bringing the whole family—including pets and seniors, tailoring your essentials box can ensure your first night goes smoothly.

What is a Moving Essentials Box?

A moving essentials box is a box or bag with all your must-haves for your first day in your new place. Instead of unpacking everything at once, you’ll have your must-have items in one place for easy access.

You can sort your essentials box based on needs or by person, depending on your household’s needs. The total boxes or bags you use depends on your household size and distance, but the goal is to keep things neat and stress-free.

What Should Go in Your Moving Essentials Box

Personal Items

Your essentials box should include personal care items that you use daily. This will ensure that even if everything else is packed in boxes, you have your must-haves close by.

  • Prescription medications
  • Glasses or contact lenses with solution
  • A few changes of clothes
  • Phone and laptop chargers
  • Important documents (passports, birth certificates, IDs, leases, medical records)
  • Wallet, keys, and checkbook
  • Work materials (if you need to resume work immediately)

Everyday Household Items

To keep your first day and night comfortable, include essential household goods that you use regularly.

  • Toilet paper and paper towels
  • Hand soap, dish soap, and cleaning wipes
  • Garbage bags
  • Scissors or a box cutter
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Emergency cash
  • Multi-tool or small tool kit (hammer, screwdriver, pliers)

Bedroom Must-Haves

After a busy day of moving, you’ll want a comfortable night’s sleep. Having these items ready will help you settle in quickly.

  • Pillows, blankets, and sheets
  • Pajamas and an extra set of clothes
  • Curtains (if your new home doesn’t have blinds or drapes)
  • Alarm clock or nightlight

Bathroom Essentials

No one wants to start their first morning in a new home without essential toiletries. Make sure to include:

  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Shower curtain (if needed)

Kitchen Must-Haves for Your First Meals

Getting the kitchen unpacked can take a while, but you’ll still need some essential items to eat and drink during the first few days.

  • Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
  • Coffee maker or kettle with coffee and tea supplies
  • Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
  • Can opener
  • Small pot or pan for simple meals
  • Dish sponge and dish soap
  • Pet food and bowls (if applicable)

Move-In Safety Must-Haves

Emergencies can happen during a move. Be prepared with these must-haves:

  • First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy medication)
  • Emergency contact list (local emergency numbers, doctor, vet, close family members)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Power strip and extra batteries

 

Specialty Moving Essentials for Families, Pets, and Seniors

Every move will have individual needs, and preparing the right essentials keeps everyone happy during the move.

For Families with Kids

If you’re moving with children, helping kids feel secure is key.

  • Favorite toys, books, and stuffed animals
  • Snacks and juice boxes
  • Extra diapers, wipes, and baby formula
  • Nightlight and extra set of pajamas

For Seniors

If an elderly family member is moving with you, don’t forget to pack:

  • Personal medications and medical supplies
  • Mobility aids like a walker or cane
  • Warm blankets or clothing for comfort

For Pets

Moving can be stressful for pets, so keep their essentials handy.

  • Food and treats
  • Water bowls
  • Leash and pet waste bags
  • A comfortable blanket or bed

 

How to Pack and Arrange Your Essentials Box

To make sure your essentials box serves its purpose, follow these tips when packing:

  1. Label Clearly and Keep It Accessible
    Use clear labels for quick identification, like "Open-First” or “Essentials Box." When loading your moving truck, make sure it’s packed last and unloaded first.
  2. Use Multiple Boxes If Necessary
    For large families, it’s better to use separate boxes for different categories rather than cramming everything into one oversized box.
  3. Prioritize the Most Important Items
    Don’t overpack—keep it limited to items you’ll absolutely need within the first 24-48 hours.
  4. Carry Important Papers With You
    Important paperwork should be carried with you rather than packed in a moving truck.
  5. Take Your Time Getting Settled
    Having your essentials box ready means you won’t need to rush to unpack everything immediately, allowing you to move in at a speed that works for you.

 

What to Do Next: Getting Help with Packing and Moving in Melbourne

If you want a move without the hassle, let Shoreview Moving and Storage handle the details for you. Our professional Melbourne movers can help with packing, transportation, and unpacking, so you can get comfortable in your new home. Contact us today at 302-286-9155 for a free quote and personalized moving help in Melbourne!