Most of the attention and planning before a move is given to packing the items that will be shipped ON your moving truck or van.  But don’t forget to plan and pack the items that will NOT go on the moving vehicles! There are three categories of items that you should plan on packing and keeping separate, so that they stay with you during the move.

1. Items you will need during the time it takes your moving vehicle to arrive to your new home:

Whether you are moving a block away, or across the world, you should carry with you the items that you need day to day. Each family member should have their own “Carry Me” box (or suitcase) which should include:

·clothing for as many days as you will be without your belongings,  plus a few spare changes in case you don’t find the box with your clothing right away

·cosmetics and toiletries, including toothbrush and toothpaste

·medication that is taken daily plus over-the-counter medicine you might need such as ibuprofen or antacids

·anything that you can’t live without, or that simply makes your life more comfortable (MP3 player, cellphone, etc.) Don‘t forget the chargers!

Plan in advance what you will put in the “Carry Me” boxes or suitcases, and keep them physically separated from the moving boxes so they don’t mistakenly get loaded on the moving truck or van. It will be a l-o-n-g week if your child’s  favorite blanket or teddy bear that she can’t sleep without accidentally gets shipped off on the moving truck!

2. Items of great importance or value to you:

You should keep with you items that are very valuable and /or important to you .

·your wallet, cash, ATM card, checkbook

·important financial papers and bank records

·passports

·medical records; school records

·backups of important files (paper copies or computer files on flash drives)

Aside from that fact that it’s ALWAYS a good idea to keep these things close at hand to avoid  identity theft, it is also a hassle to replace lost or stolen credit cards, passports and drivers licenses while dealing with moving into your new home.

If you have something of great sentimental value that is irreplaceable (like your lucky watch, or your daughter’s stamp collection), you should probably carry it with you. When in doubt, check with MoveInsure about shipping high value items.

3. Items you’ll need when you first arrive to your new home:

Some people pack a box that they place on the moving truck or van and mark it “open first.” If you are able to, it’s best to pack and take this with you. When the movers arrive and start unloading, you might not find that “open first” box first at all! This box or suitcase should contain whatever you will need in your first days in your new home.

·Bed linens

·A couple of rolls of toilet paper and paper towels

·Some kitchen basics: cutlery, paper cups, plates and a pot and pan.

·Snacks

·Pen and paper

·Scissors and tape

·Garbage bags

·Towels

And finally, keep WITH you a list of everything that was packed and loaded on your moving vehicle, so that as it is being unloaded you can check it off your list.