Moving Day Essentials
If you’ve ever moved before, you already know the truth: Moving Day is basically a trust fall with the universe… except the universe is holding a cardboard box and wearing mismatched socks.
But don’t worry — today we’re turning the chaos into confidence, the stress into strategy, and the “WHERE DID I PACK THE TOILET PAPER?!” into “Oh look, I’m a moving day goddess.”
Moving Day doesn’t have to feel like a punishment — not when you’ve got the right essentials, the right attitude, and the right amount of sass.
We just moved in to our beautiful new home last week so you’re going to be seeing a lot of “new house” posts!! Moving can be super stressful if you’re not organized (not my strongest skill…) so these things were a life saver to have on hand right when we moved in!
I set them aside in a box marked Move-in Day Essentials and when we moved in we had everything we needed on hand! (oh wait… actually that box of course was no where to be found until midway through the move. BUT once we found it we had everything we needed!) ((My best moving advice to you is to just relax… life will return to normal soon.))
MOVE-IN DAY ESSENTIALS
Let’s be honest: Moving Day is not glamorous. It’s not cute. It’s not the moment you become the main character in a cozy home‑renovation montage. It’s sweat, dust, tape stuck to your elbow, and someone yelling, “WHO PACKED THE REMOTE IN THE KITCHEN BOX?!”
But here’s the thing: Moving Day doesn’t have to be miserable. It doesn’t have to be chaotic. It doesn’t have to be the day you question every life choice that led you to owning 27 throw pillows.
The secret? Preparation. Essentials. A little humor. And a whole lot of LouLouGirls energy.
Because when you have the right things on hand — the right supplies, the right snacks, the right mindset — Moving Day becomes less “crappy” and more “manageable with occasional bursts of triumph.”
Moving Day Essentials
🧰 SECTION 1: THE ABSOLUTE NON‑NEGOTIABLE ESSENTIALS
These are the things you MUST have on Moving Day. Not “should.” Not “maybe.” Not “if I remember.” MUST.
✔️ 1. Toilet Paper (for every bathroom)
Because nothing — and I mean NOTHING — humbles a person faster than realizing they packed the toilet paper.
✔️ 2. Hand Soap
You’re going to touch things. A lot of things. Things you don’t want to think about.
✔️ 3. Paper Towels
Spills will happen. Sweat will happen. Tears might happen. Paper towels are there for all of it.
✔️ 4. Scissors
You will lose them. You will find them. You will lose them again. Bring two.
✔️ 5. All the Tape
Packing tape. Painter’s tape. Duct tape. Emotional support tape.
✔️ 6. Contact Paper
For lining drawers and cabinets so your new home feels fresh and clean from day one.
✔️ 7. Disinfectant Wipes or Spray
Because you don’t know who lived there before you… and you don’t want to.
✔️ 8. Rags or Cleaning Cloths
For wiping, scrubbing, dusting, and occasionally crying into.
✔️ 9. Sticky Notes
Label things. Make lists. Leave reminders. Stick one on your forehead if you need to.
✔️ 10. A Pen That Actually Works
Not the one from the junk drawer. A real pen. A reliable pen. A pen that won’t betray you.
🥤 SECTION 2: FOOD & DRINK ESSENTIALS (AKA: SURVIVAL ITEMS)
Moving Day hunger hits different. It’s the kind of hunger that makes you question whether you’ve eaten in three days.
✔️ 1. Water Bottles
Hydration is not optional. Dehydrated you is cranky you.
✔️ 2. Easy Snacks
Granola bars Fruit Crackers Trail mix Anything you can eat with one hand while yelling, “WHERE’S THE BOX CUTTER?!”
✔️ 3. A Cooler
Keep drinks cold. Keep snacks fresh. Keep your sanity intact.
✔️ 4. A “Treat Yourself” Meal Plan
Pizza? Drive‑thru? DoorDash? Yes. All of it. You earned it.
🛋️ SECTION 3: HOME‑SETUP ESSENTIALS (THE THINGS YOU’LL NEED IMMEDIATELY)
✔️ 1. Foam Pads for Furniture
Protect your floors. Protect your furniture. Protect your soul.
✔️ 2. Trash Bags
For trash. For donations. For things you don’t want to look at anymore.
✔️ 3. A Small Tool Kit
Screwdriver Hammer Measuring tape Allen wrench (You know… the usual suspects.)
✔️ 4. Light Bulbs
Because at least one will be burned out. It’s the law of moving.
✔️ 5. A Box Cutter
Your new best friend. Treat it with respect.
🧼 SECTION 4: CLEANING ESSENTIALS (BECAUSE YOU KNOW YOU’LL NEED THEM)
✔️ 1. Broom & Dustpan
Dust bunnies multiply during moves. It’s science.
✔️ 2. Vacuum
Especially if you have kids. Or pets. Or carpet. Or eyes.
✔️ 3. All‑Purpose Cleaner
For everything. Literally everything.
✔️ 4. Magic Erasers
For walls. For scuffs. For “mystery marks.”
🚚 SECTION 5: MOVING DAY PRO TIPS (THE Lou Lou Girls EDITION)
✔️ 1. Pack a “Do Not Pack” Basket
Keys Wallet Medications Phone chargers Snacks Important documents Your sanity
✔️ 2. Make Beds FIRST
Trust me. Nothing feels better after Moving Day than crawling into a made bed.
✔️ 3. Keep Kids Busy
Snacks Tablets Coloring books Bribery (We don’t judge.)
✔️ 4. Keep Pets Safe
A closed room A crate A babysitter Anything to keep them from escaping into the chaos.
🎉 SECTION 6: PLAYFUL ASIDES TO SPRINKLE THROUGHOUT
- “If you haven’t lost the scissors at least twice, are you even moving?”
- “If you find something weird behind the fridge, no you didn’t.”
- “If you label a box ‘miscellaneous,’ may the odds be ever in your favor.”
- “If you’re still using boxes from your last move, you’re my people.”
Moving Day will never be perfect. It will never be effortless. It will never be the highlight of your year. But with the right essentials — and the right attitude — it can be smoother, easier, and a whole lot less crappy.
You deserve a move that feels manageable. You deserve a home that feels peaceful from day one. You deserve a Moving Day that doesn’t end with you crying into a roll of packing tape.
So pack smart. Prepare well. Laugh often. And remember: You’re not alone — this community is cheering you on every step of the way.
Now go conquer Moving Day like the queen you are.


Your Closest CHEERLEADERS!
We are your big sisters , cheerleaders , and confidence boosters in building a happy home. We are the Lou Lou Girls!



This post was great timing, as my parents are moving into their first new home in 25 years, TODAY!!! I am super excited because they are moving from 150 miles away, to just a few minutes down the road. I will definitely pin this and share with my mom!
This is a great list, esp the contact paper! I hate moving, so anything that makes it easier is a great idea!
We moved almost 4 weeks ago now, my moving day box essentials was some of the above, scissors, tape, pens, paper, kitchen roll, cleaning products. But most important of all, kettle, tea bags and mugs! (and phone charger)
The contact paper is a huge help, I need to remember that!
Love this list. I'll be moving soon. TP is essential! Now I know contact paper is too. 🙂
Such helpful tips! Thank you for sharing these wonderful Moving Day Essentials with us at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I'm pinning and sharing.