Anyone who has faced a move knows that, despite the excitement of starting to live in a new place, it can become a headache if you don't follow certain guidelines that include: reviewing the essential things for moving.
And this point is of total relevance. If you don't have a list of what you need to move to a new home, you'll probably find yourself in many situations where you're about to use something and, suddenly, realize you don't have it at home.
This becomes even more important when you ask yourself what are the necessary things to move alone. That's where forgetfulness is more likely to happen. If you've reached this point, you're probably wondering what are the necessary things you shouldn't forget. At Horizont Atlantic we have prepared a list of essential things in a home when you become independent or change homes to help you with your move.
Kitchen utensils
A house can lack many things. In fact, there are many items you can buy later or even never have. Kitchen utensils are not part of these. They are essential and you will have to count on them as a priority.
The experience of our moving and packing team confirms this. The majority of customers who hire Horizont Atlantic to carry out their moves to a new residence have special preference because pots, pans, kitchenware, spatulas, kitchen scales… go from the beginning. All of this is essential to be able to eat well and, therefore, becomes a priority in any move, especially if you become independent.
Clothing
Clothing is another point that people who are moving pay the most attention to.
We recommend you prepare an initial selection of winter and summer clothes of all styles: sports clothes, formal clothes, a couple of outfits for events, everyday clothes, comfortable clothes to wear at home, underwear, etc. This can go into our packing boxes and arrive at your home in the early moments of the move.
This way, the customer ensures a sufficient wardrobe base for any situation.
Cleaning products
One of the most repeated actions in any move is doing a general cleaning when you arrive at the new property. It's logical: you're going to start living there permanently and you want to be able to use all the spaces and surfaces with peace of mind.
Although cleaning products can be purchased at any time, if you already have them it's worth bringing them to the new house so you can have them from day one.
You have to keep in mind that a move is a process where there are many movements, transfers and changes, and that means your new home will get dirty quickly, so doing continuous maintenance cleaning will be an excellent idea.
Valuables
Valuables –jewelry, mementos, etc.– should go on the moving truck on a first trip. This way, you can place them in their new locations as soon as you arrive at the house and stop worrying about them being in boxes or getting lost with all the hustle and bustle until you're fully settled.
First aid kit
If you take medication, bringing a small first aid kit will be helpful to keep your health status under control. It is recommended to prepare a box with band-aids, bandages, some cold medicine and aspirin for headaches, in addition to your usual treatments, to prevent any ailment that may arise while you're settling in.
These are the essential things for moving in almost any circumstance. Everything else is accessory and can arrive later or, if we handle the transport at Horizont Atlantic, be opened later. Thanks to these tips you will be able to enjoy your new home comfortably from the very first moments.
Frequently asked questions about the essentials of a move
What do I absolutely need the first night in my new home?
Just one specific "FIRST NIGHT" box with: sheets, pillowcases, blanket, towels (1 per person), basic hygiene products (toothpaste, soap, toilet paper), mobile and laptop chargers, flashlight, scissors and box cutter, non-perishable snacks, water, silverware and disposable dishes, usual medication, clean clothes for 2 days. You load this box in your car, not on the truck.
What is the critical documentation that should NOT go on the truck?
Carry it with you by hand: ID, passport, family records, property deeds, important contracts (rental, mortgage, insurance policies), medical documentation, academic certificates, jewelry, cash, computers with critical data not backed up. If the truck gets lost (rare but it happens), your documentation and critical valuables are safe.
What kitchen utensils do I need the first day?
Minimum viable: 1 frying pan, 1 saucepan, 1 spatula, 1 sharp knife, 1 can opener, 4 plates/glasses/cutlery per person, coffee maker or teapot (important for morale), basic cleaning products (sponge, dish soap, cloth). Enough to survive 3-5 days while you unpack the rest.
And for the bathroom? What do I need when I arrive?
Shower curtain with rings (if the new house doesn't have them), toilet paper (2-4 rolls), gel, shampoo, towel per person, toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, comb, hair dryer, feminine hygiene products, basic first aid kit (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, band-aids, rubbing alcohol). If you have a baby: its specific products in a separate box.
What tools are indispensable after the move?
Minimum kit: flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, small hammer, pliers, measuring tape, small level, cordless drill with basic drill bits, assorted fasteners, electrical tape, painter's tape, small brush. You'll almost certainly need it the first week (hanging curtain, assembling furniture, adjusting appliance). More about planning: labeling system.
This list becomes unnecessary when you hire the full move: the packing material, boxes and assembly are included in our moves in Tenerife, so you don't have to buy anything on your own or calculate how many boxes you need. Fixed price in 24 h.