Your boxes are labeled, the furniture is wrapped, and the moving plan feels solid. Then the truck pulls away, and you realize you need something that’s driving away on the moving truck at the bottom of a box. From phone chargers to toilet paper, we need a lot of items within reach during and right after moving homes.

With so much on their minds, first-time and seasoned movers forget to keep critical items close at hand on moving day. I’ll discuss seven essentials you should keep with you during a home move. Enjoy expert packing guidance backed by my own mistakes and designed to help you get through the first night at your new home without stress.

1. Chargers and Power Strips

Few things cause panic faster than a dead phone on moving day. Your phone charger, laptop cord, smartwatch cable, and headphones often get packed too early and disappear into a box of tangled cables. Even if you have your phone charger, you might not be able to charge it conveniently without a power strip, since outlets at your new home might not be where you want them to be.

Keep all charging gear together in one bag that stays with you. This includes backup batteries and car chargers. Your phone is your GPS, camera, contact list, and communication tool with movers. Losing power means losing control at the worst moment.

2. Important Documents and Keys

Some items should never touch the moving truck. Important documents like IDs, passports, insurance paperwork, lease agreements, and closing documents belong with you at all times. The same rule applies to keys for your old place and your new one.

People often assume these items will be easy to find later. They are not. A single misplaced folder can stall move-in, utilities, or even access to your new home. Use a labeled folder or small lockable bag and keep it in your car or backpack. And make digital backups whenever possible.

3. Toiletries and Medications

The first night after a move is exhausting. The last thing you want is to dig through boxes looking for a toothbrush. Toiletries like soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, towels, and deodorant should be packed separately. Add medications, contact lenses, glasses, and anything you need daily.

Toiletries and medications should be in your first-night “Essentials Box”. Treat it like an overnight bag. If you would not check it on a flight, do not pack it in the truck.

4. Cleaning Supplies and Trash Bags

People rarely think about cleaning until they need to clean. Trash bags, paper towels, disinfectant spray, and disposable gloves become important as soon as the movers leave and you’re on your own.

Without basic cleaning supplies, clutter piles up fast and makes unpacking harder. Keep a small kit handy so you can manage messes as they happen instead of stepping over them all night.

5. Basic Tools

Even if movers handle the heavy lifting, you will still need basic tools. A box cutter or scissors helps you open boxes quickly. A screwdriver or Allen key is often needed to reassemble beds, tables, or crib frames. Always keep the furniture hardware bag with your tools, not taped to a box.

This is one of the most common oversights, especially for first-time movers who assume everything will be move-in ready. Tools are small, easy to lose, and immediately necessary.

6. Clothes, Bedding, and Comfort Items

After a long day, a good sleep sets you up for the next day of unpacking. Pack bedding, pillows, and a change of clothes where you can reach them easily. Include pajamas and comfortable shoes. If you have kids or pets, add one familiar comfort item to help them settle in.

7. Bathroom Basics People Often Forget — and How Zip To Zip Can Help

It is easy to assume the basics are covered during a move, only to realize at the end of a long day that simple bathroom items like a shower curtain, liner, or bath mat are packed deep inside the truck. These are small things, but they matter immediately when settling into a new home.

In situations like this, a professional moving crew makes a real difference. Zip To Zip Moving Company trains its teams to keep track of box placement throughout the unloading process. If an essential item is needed, the crew can quickly locate the right box, pull it forward, and keep it accessible without slowing down the rest of the move.

Scenarios like this highlight two common moving realities: first, many everyday essentials are needed right away, and second, experienced movers know how to adapt when plans change. Having a team that stays organized and responsive helps reduce stress during move-in day.

The smart moving tip is to keep first-day essentials with you rather than on the truck. When that is not possible, working with an organized moving company can make the transition far more manageable.