But where did you pack your charger? And did you pack the Tylenol with the kitchen or bathroom supplies? Or maybe it was in the bedroom boxes? You were sure you clearly labelled every box but for some reason, you still can’t find your toothbrush. Or the bath towels… a dish towel will work for just one night, right?

Packing an overnight essentials bag for moving can help ensure a comfortable and relaxing first night in your new home. This is something that may seem obvious in hindsight but is often overlooked with the commotion of moving.

What is an overnight essentials bag for a move?

An overnight essentials bag for moving has exactly that, all your essentials for moving day and for the first couple of nights in your new home. Basically, anything that you need to be easily accessible should go in the overnight bag.

Why pack an overnight essentials bag for moving?

Moving is tiring. Having a box or bag that has all the essentials you need to survive a night or two is an important step in a smooth, stress-free move.

No matter how experienced you are with the moving process, things happen in the course of a move. You may finish late or be a little less organized than you planned. There are always going to be things you need during the move or immediately after moving.

Rather than digging frantically through boxes after a long day of moving when you just want to relax, an overnight essential moving bag sets you up for a successful first night.

What should I pack in my bag for my first night of a move?

We recommend packing a personal bag for every member of your household. These bags should contain toiletries and other personal items that they’ll need the first night and morning in the new home.

We also suggest packing a household first night box that includes everything you’ll need to feel safe and comfortable in your new home.

What to pack in a personal first night bag

Picture your first night and the first morning in your new house. What are you going to need for sleeping, eating, and bathroom breaks? Is there anything time sensitive you need access to? It would be hard to enjoy your first night in your new home if you can’t find Grandma’s important meds.

Since starting Einstein Moving Company, we’ve picked up a few tips and tricks to share with you about what to include in your overnight essentials moving bag.

What to pack for everyone in the overnight essentials bag:

• Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash/soap
• An extra change of clothes or two
• A towel — or towels!
• Important medications
• Over-the-counter medicines, such as a pain reliever
• Water bottles

What to pack for young kids in the overnight essentials bag:

• A favorite stuffed animal or blanket
• Books
• Activity books
• A few small toys
• Wet wipes
• Important medications

What to pack for teenagers in the overnight essentials bag:

• iPad, cell phone, laptop, or computer
• Chargers
• School work, textbooks (if needed)

What to pack for pets in the overnight essentials bag:

• Bowls for water and food
• Enough food for several days
• Toys, including something new to distract them during this potentially stressful time
• Bed/blanket
• Any pet medications

For other pet-related moving tips, we have a nifty ultimate guide to moving with pets.

What to pack in a household first night box

Apart from each individual member of the household, there are some recommended items that need to be accessible for the entire household within the first couple of days.

Items that will help keep everyone comfortable:

• Toilet paper
• Hand soap
• Hand towels
• Hand sanitizer
• Bedding for everyone’s bed
• A couple of pieces of kitchen cutlery, paper plates, cups, etc

Items that will help keep your new place clean:

• Garbage bags
• Disinfecting wipes
• Paper towel
• Broom and dustpan
• Mop and floor cleaner
• Laundry detergent for emergency loads

Items that you don’t want to misplace:

• Important files and documents, such as mortgage documents, wills, power of attorney documents, and more
• Passports
• Birth certificates
• Cell phones
• Wallets
• Checkbook

Items that will help keep you safe:

• Emergency disaster kits — you never know when a disaster will happen, and not being able to find your kit during the move could be dangerous
• A fire extinguisher
• Batteries for fire and carbon monoxide detectors

Are you moving soon?

We provide professional moving services in both Texas and Florida. If you’re looking for a stress-free moving experience, don’t hesitate to contact us and get a free moving quote online!