Moving Day Survival Kit: How to Stay Sane on the Big Day

No matter how organised you’ve been in the lead up to your move, moving day has a way of feeling busier than expected and slightly unpredictable. There are always a few loose ends, a few things still in use, and moments where you’re not quite sure which box something ended up in.

That’s completely normal. At Jack & Jill Removals, we’ve seen even the most prepared people fall into the trap of losing items or packing up something they needed. Luckily, putting together a simple moving day survival kit can easily prevent you from tearing through already sealed boxes for essentials and being burdened with the nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten something; it gives you a bit of structure on a day that can otherwise feel a bit all over the place.

Packing essentials you’ll still need

Even if most of your home is boxed up, there will always be those last few items you can’t pack until the very end; the bits and bobs that you’ve been putting off packing because you still needed to use them like your toiletries, beddings, cleaning supplies, pyjamas and pet essentials. Even if you just throw them into a box on moving day without any semblance of decorum or organisation, you will still need a box and some packing materials to help you along.

Having a small stash of packing supplies within easy reach will save you from digging through boxes or needing to run to the shops when time is pressed.

These are the things you’ll reach for again and again, right up until the front door closes behind you:

• A few empty boxes for last minute items
• Packing tape and scissors
• Bin bags for anything that doesn’t need careful packing
• A marker pen for quick labelling

Keep the tea and coffee out

It’s easy to underestimate how much a simple cup of tea or coffee can help on moving day. Even just having the option to take a five minute break while the kettle boils or sit down for a second to analyse the remaining tasks at hand can keep you sane. Especially if there are biscuits available.

It will likewise help keep the spirits of your family and friends high, and the removals team will appreciate the offer of a brew while they work.

Rather than packing everything away, keep a small ‘tea kit’ aside with:

• A kettle
• Tea, coffee, sugar, and milk
• A couple of mugs 
• A teaspoon

Travel mugs can be remarkably helpful because you can bring hot drinks with you as you move between properties, and you’re less likely to knock tea everywhere when you’re transporting a wayward box.

The kitchen supplies to keep on hand

Alongside your kettle and mugs, you’ll also need to think about the basic kitchen supplies you will need on the day. If you’re eating microwavable meals then make sure you have enough cutlery out for everyone, and water glasses/water bottles are an absolute non negotiable.

Plan easy food

Food is one of those things that often gets overlooked until everyone suddenly feels tired and hungry, usually once they’ve had the chance to sit down and think about it. Moving day isn’t the time for cooking proper meals, so it helps to plan ahead with simple, easy options.

The key is convenience; you want something you can grab quickly without needing to unpack half your kitchen. Eating little and often can help keep your energy up throughout the day and prevent that late afternoon slump.

Good options include:

• Sandwiches or wraps
• Preprepared meals that can go straight in the microwave
• Snack bars, fruit, or crisps
• A cheeky takeaway 
• Bottled water or soft drinks

A change of clothes

It’s always a good idea to move house wearing clothes you don’t mind getting mucky because you will inevitably get dust on them and feel uncomfortable towards the end of the day, so you will thank yourself for having a spare outfit ready to change into as soon as you’ve showered off the day.

You will also want to keep a towel and your toiletries within reaching distance for this same reason.

Create a box of bathroom basics

It’s surprisingly easy to pack your bathroom items too early, especially if you’re trying to get ahead with packing and are too focussed on a change of clothes and prepping food, but your toiletries are the things you’ll need right up until you leave, and again as soon as you arrive.

Having a dedicated bag or box for bathroom essentials saves you from opening multiple boxes just to find one item. Think about what you would normally use over a 24 hour period and make sure it’s all easily accessible. After a long day of moving, being able to wash up properly and feel clean makes a real difference to how settled you feel in your new home.

Make sure you keep to hand:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap or shower gel
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Deodorant
• Toilet roll 
• Hand towels
• Face wipes or tissues

You might also want to include:

• A hairbrush or comb
• Moisturiser or skincare items you use daily
• Nail clippers just in case you catch one on the furniture

Don’t pack away the medicine

Small knocks, cuts, or headaches are fairly common when you’re lifting, carrying, and on your feet for long periods. Having a few essentials within reach means you can deal with things straight away rather than searching through boxes.

Keep a small kit with:

• Plasters and antiseptic cream
• Pain relief (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Any prescription medications
• Allergy tablets if needed
• Bandages or dressings

If anyone in your household relies on regular medication, keep this with you at all times rather than packing it away. It’s one of the few things that should never go in the removal van.

Keep your toolbox close

One of the most underrated and underappreciated parts of a moving day survival kit is the trusty toolbox, with all of your hammers, screwdrivers, hex keys, box knives, and a torch. Don’t pack them, because as soon as you place them in a box, you will inevitably end up needing them.

Cleaning supplies for both ends of the move

Even if your old and new homes are clean, moving itself tends to create a mess. Dust gets stirred up, footprints appear, surfaces get littered with crumbs and corners that have been hidden away under furniture will be mucky. And let’s not forget that it’s always a good idea to clean your new home to meet your standards before unboxing everything.

Keeping a few cleaning essentials accessible helps you stay on top of things without digging through boxes.

It’s worth having:

• Cleaning spray and cloths
• Washing up liquid 
• A tea towel
• A mop
• Floor cleaner
• Kitchen towel
• Toilet bleach 
• A hoover if possible

Keep important paperwork with you

Moving day isn’t the time to be searching through boxes for important documents. These should always stay with you, rather than being packed away.

Keep everything in one clearly labelled folder or bag, including:

• Passports and ID
• Property paperwork
• Vehicle documents (such as your V5)
• Contact details for key services

Prepare for the unexpected

Even well organised moves can have small hiccups. You might arrive later than planned, discover something isn’t working yet, or simply need something you hadn’t thought of. The following items aren’t essentials, but they can make your first evening much more comfortable if things don’t go exactly to plan:

• Spare lightbulbs
• Phone chargers and extension leads
• An electric heater or hot water bottles
• A small speaker or radio

Keeping little ones comfortable

If you have children, moving day can feel long and unsettled for them. Familiar items and small distractions can make a big difference.

Put together a simple ‘kids box’ with:

• Snacks and drinks
• Favourite toys or games
• Books or colouring activities
• A blanket or comfort item
• A change of clothes

For more advice on moving with children, take a look at our blog: Moving Home With Kids: 5 Tips to Keep Them Engaged.

Don’t forget your pets

Pets can also find moving day confusing, so it helps to keep their essentials separate and easy to access.

Make sure you have:

• Food 
• Water bowls
• Leads
• Carriers
• Bedding
• Familiar toys
• A treat or two

Don’t forget your checklist

​​Even with preparation, things can slip your mind, especially on a busy moving day when there’s a lot going on at once. Having a checklist nearby gives you something to refer back to so you can stay organised and keep track of what’s been done and what still needs attention.

Make sure you have your main checklist to hand, along with extra paper and pencils or pens so you can add to your list and cross things off as the day unfolds. It’s also useful for quickly labelling boxes, jotting down reminders, or noting anything you need to follow up on later. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to help you stay one step ahead of the day.

Hire the right removals team

Moving house can feel like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and support, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. At Jack and Jill Removals, we’re here to take the strain out of moving day so you can focus on the joy of starting fresh. Our Home Removals team has years of experience in smoothing over the moving process and making things as easy for you as possible. Once the boxes are unpacked and the kettle’s on, you’ll realise that all the effort was worth the hassle.