Hi there! I’m thrilled you’re here—whether you’re already part of the 1st Choice Movers family or considering working with us for your next move in San Diego, welcome!
We’ve been helping families and businesses move for years, and if there’s one piece of advice I always share, it’s this: a well-packed moving kit is your secret weapon to a smooth and stress-free move.
Let me walk you through exactly what to include in your essential moving kit so you can approach your moving day like a pro—especially if our team is showing up to help!
🎯 Why You Need a Moving Day Kit
Even with the best movers (hint: that’s us!), things move fast on moving day. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be digging through boxes to find your phone charger or medication. Your moving kit gives you peace of mind—and trust me, that’s priceless when the big day arrives.
Whether you’re moving across town from North Park to La Jolla or heading out of state, this checklist will help you stay organized, comfortable, and prepared.
🧰 Tools of the Trade: Basic and Advanced SuppliesEssential Tools:
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips): For taking furniture apart and putting it back together.
- Hammer & Pliers: Trust me, these get used more than you’d think.
- Utility Knife: Perfect for cutting tape, cardboard, and plastic wrap.
- Tape Measure: Double-check furniture dimensions before they go through your new doorway.
Want to Go Pro?
- Power Drill: Speeds up furniture assembly tenfold.
- Furniture Sliders & Doorstops: Help protect floors and make the process smoother.
👉 Pro Tip from our movers: If you don’t have these tools on hand, just let us know. We arrive fully equipped, but having your own on standby is never a bad idea.
📦 Packing Supplies: Your Belongings Deserve the BestMust-Have Materials:
- Boxes in Various Sizes: Heavy-duty boxes make a difference. We offer them, too!
- Plastic Bins: Ideal for weightier items or things you’ll need right away.
- Packing Paper & Bubble Wrap: Keeps glassware and décor safe in transit.
- Moving Blankets & Stretch Wrap: Protect furniture and fragile items.
Don’t Forget the Labeling Gear:
- Permanent Markers & Stickers: Mark boxes by room and item type.
- Color-Coded Tape or Labels: Makes unloading and unpacking much faster.
🧹 Cleaning Supplies: Leave It Better Than You Found It
Whether you’re turning over the keys to your landlord or handing off a sold home, a clean space matters.
Pack:
- All-Purpose Cleaner, Sponges, Rags
- Broom and Dustpan
- Window Cleaner & Trash Bags
If you’ve booked us for packing or unpacking services, we’ll help minimize the mess. But having these basics handy is always smart for last-minute touch-ups.
💼 Personal Essentials: Keep These CloseImportant Documents:
- Driver’s license, passport, and moving paperwork
- Utility transfer or setup documents
- Home and renters insurance information
Hygiene & Comfort:
- Toiletries and hand soap
- Medications
- A change of clothes (trust me, moving is sweaty work!)
Keep all of this in a clearly labeled bag or backpack—don’t pack it in the moving truck.
🥤 Fuel Up: Snacks and Drinks for a Long Day
Moving can be exhausting, and staying hydrated and nourished is critical.
Pack:
- Bottled Water & Electrolyte Drinks
- Protein Bars, Fruit, Sandwiches
- Cooler with ice packs for perishables
🍎 Pro Tip: Treat your movers well! Offering water or light snacks goes a long way—and it’s always appreciated.
🛠️ Safety First: Don’t Overlook These Must-HavesSafety Gear:
- Gloves: Protect hands when handling boxes and furniture
- Masks: Great for dusty garages or cleaning
- Safety Glasses: Optional, but helpful for DIY furniture work
First Aid Kit:
- Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen—just in case
🐾 Pets & Kids: Don’t Forget Their Essentials
If you have little ones (human or furry), pack a kit specifically for them.
For Pets:
- Leash, food, water bowl, waste bags, crate, and meds
For Kids:
- Favorite toys, snacks, tablet or books, and extra clothes
Consider having a family member or babysitter watch over kids and pets during the move so you can focus fully.
⚡ Miscellaneous Lifesavers
These are the small things that make a big difference on moving day:
- Phone chargers and power banks
- Extension cords
- Notepad and pen
- Cash or change for unexpected expenses
- Small toolkit (Allen wrench, scissors, etc.)
- Paper towels and toilet paper for the new place
- Lightbulbs and batteries
Final Thoughts: Simplify with 1st Choice Movers
At 1st Choice Movers, we’ve seen it all—and moved it all. From high-rise condos downtown to sprawling estates in Rancho Santa Fe, we understand the logistics, care, and service that make a move successful. We pride ourselves on being licensed, insured, reliable, and friendly.
📍 Visit us at 8250 Miramar Mall, San Diego, CA 92121
📞 Call 1-714-654-5343
🌐 Get a free moving quote now
Let us take the stress out of your move. We’ll do the heavy lifting—you just focus on the fun part: starting fresh in a new space.
Here’s to a smooth, stress-free move!
Want more moving tips?
Browse our blog for helpful checklists, timing strategies, and even playlists to keep you pumped on the big day.
Lois Lane is a professional blogger and a seasoned Content writer for wellhousekeeping.com. With a passion for simplifying complex Home Decor topics, he provides valuable insights to a diverse online audience. With four years of experience, Lois has polished his skills as a professional blogger.
