Should your moving essentials bag change by the season? Even though you will need to pack everything from dishware to family photos, you should keep some items with you during your move. This is where the moving essentials bag comes into play. Take a look at what you need to know about this bag and how the summer weather could change what you pack inside of it.
Is a Moving Essentials Bag the Same As Other Moving Bags?
No. Instead of packing general household items, you will pack basic personal items that you may need to use on your move-out and move-in day or in the days immediately after. You may also want to pack smaller-sized valuables (such as jewelry) or important documents (such as your marriage certificate or savings account information). The bag will travel with you—and not in the moving truck.
What Should Go Into the Moving Essentials Bag?
Along with valuables and important documents, this bag could contain toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, a phone charger, hand sanitizer, snacks, or anything else that you might need as you move or when you reach your new home.
How Does the Season Affect the Moving Essentials Bags?
The weather may play a role in what you choose to (or not to) pack. The warm summer weather can impact your move. The higher temperatures, humidity, and summer sun can raise the risks of heat-related illnesses, dehydration, or sunburn. The weather can also make you or your household members uncomfortable. This means you will need to add items to your moving essentials bag that can help to combat the summer heat.
What Summertime Extras Should You Pack in the Moving Essentials Bag?
The answer to this question depends on where you live, the projected forecast, your role in the moving process, and your personal or health-related needs. Bottled water is a top pick to pack in a summertime moving essentials bag. A high-activity move can leave you dehydrated in the summer months. Dehydration can cause headaches, muscle aches, or more serious illness. This makes it important to drink plenty of liquids on your moving day.
Along with bottled water, you may also want to pack a small battery-operated fan, a cooling towel, sunscreen, and a baseball or sun hat. Even though every moving essentials bag should include a change of clothes, you may need to add a few extra items to the summer version. If you could sweat through your first outfit, add a second or third change of clothes to stay dry and comfortable.
You may also need to add a sweatshirt or light jacket to your bag. While the weather is warmer in the summer, a sudden storm could cause a chill. When the sun goes down, the temperature could drop, making it necessary to wear something other than a t-shirt. Instead of rummaging through your boxes and bins to find a sweater or sweatshirt, pack one in the essentials bag.
How Many Moving Essentials Bags Do You Need?
The moving essentials bag shouldn't look like one of your other moving containers. Instead of a larger-sized tote, plastic bin, or suitcase, this bag should easily fit into the front seat of your car (or similar space). You may need to pack one bag per household member. Not only can this strategy reduce the size of the bags needed, but it can also help you to stay organized during your move.
A one bag per family or household member approach allows each person to keep their important documents separated. It also provides enough space to pack an extra change of clothes and enough sunscreen for the whole family.
Do you need help with your summertime move? Contact Los Flores Movers for more information.