The Quintessential List Of Neglected Necessities To Pack | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Quintessential List Of Neglected Necessities To Pack

Don't forget these during your next move!

13
The Quintessential List Of Neglected Necessities To Pack
Wendy You

Clothes, shoes, phone, laptop, charger, money, identification—That's all you need to survive, right?

It's way too easy to forget the little things that are part of the daily routine, the little conveniences we take for granted when we have settled into one habitat for a while. While these little things are the most basic, they are also the most essential to everyday comfort. I had to learn the hard way, but now everyone else can learn from my foolishness.

Although you can buy most of these things at a convenience store after moving in, it’s never a bad idea to have a starter’s pack—because isn’t the whole moving process hectic enough? With these necessities out of the way, you can pretty much unpack your personal items and settle in for the next couple of days:

1. Hand soap

No day is complete without a thorough hand washing, antibacterial and more than once preferred. And if you don’t agree…we’ve got issues.

2. Shower toiletries

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bath sponges, toothbrush, and toothpaste—whatever you use in your daily cleansing ritual. This way you can be squeaky clean when you’re out buying everything else you’re missing.

3. Paper towels

Spills happen unexpectedly, and sometimes you don’t have any clothes that you’re willing to sacrifice to soak up the wetness. Paper towels will clean any messes in your new place, as well as help get rid of any initial dirtiness within the place.

4. Cleaning spray or wipes

Along with paper towels, a disinfectant spray or wipes will make your new place feel like home. Unless you’ve moved to a hotel-like place, chances are the people before you didn’t tidy the place after moving out, or the place is dusty from being uninhabited or from renovations. It’s best to start off clean than dirty. That said, why not throw in a dustpan and broom or a Swiffer, too?

5. Utensils

Many things are hard to eat without utensils, and sometimes even delivery and takeout places forget to provide those. I went 24 hours without proper dinnerware, and it was not pleasant. Even if it’s just one fork, one knife, and one spoon to start off with, it’s better than nothing.

6. Garbage bag and can

There's nothing worse than not being able to throw anything away for even a couple of hours. We thrive on garbage! But the last thing you want is to have it lying around your new place.

For the process of moving:

1. Scissors

You’ve spent hours packing into boxes, taping them and wrapping things up. Don’t forget that you have to unpack from these boxes, and the easiest way to do so is by cutting the tape!

2. Bath towel

Trust me: After a long day of moving packages to and fro, you’re going to want to shower almost immediately in your new place.

3. Snacks

There’s no need to feel that snacking guilt because moving is hard physical labor (unless of course you’ve hired people). Be sure to pack some chips, protein bars, or a fruit medley to keep that energy going!

4. Toilet paper

If your move takes more than an hour, chances are you’re going to have to use the bathroom. Who wants to run around the neighborhood to find a place willing to let you use their bathroom? Sure, it’s a great way to meet your neighbors, but it’s terribly inconvenient. Your new place has a bathroom (hopefully) so why not use it?

5. Water bottles (or cups)

As with snacks, you need to keep up the energy. Maybe you can survive without solid nourishment, but you can’t continue moving without proper hydration. If you prefer bottles, bring plenty—like a whole case. Tap water works just as well too, even if you don’t have a cup.

6. Keys

This may seem obvious, but apparently not to me. We packed our rental truck and were about to head off, but fortunately, a small functional part of my brain reminded me that I can’t actually move any of this stuff without the keys to my apartment.

Congratulations! You're now ready to begin a new life in a new place with as minimal stress possible. Why? Because you were prepared. Unlike me.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178544
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5751
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451496
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22733
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments