Moving
What to Pack in Your Car During Your Cross-Country Move
Moving to a new home can be stressful. Moving across the country can add to that stress. Yet it can also be an opportunity for fun, adventure, and fond memories. Having the right packing list for a cross-country move is one of the best ways to help make your long-distance trip go smoothly. Here are some tips for what to include.
Make a plan and assemble your kits
There are a lot of steps involved in preparing for a cross-country move, and this can feel overwhelming. Do yourself a favor and break the process down into small steps, and tackle one at a time.
Start by determining what you’ll pack in your car, not in the moving truck. A good way to break this down is to assemble several kits to deal with various situations.
Here’s a list of eight kits that includes necessities you’ll need to have and creature comforts you’ll want:
- Spare car key
The last thing you’ll want to do is lock your keys in your car or lost them while you are on a cross country move trip. Always keep a spare key on yourself at all times. Having one in your wallet or purse is usually best. For an added level of precaution, give another spare to someone else who is traveling with you.
- Extra clothing kit
By definition, a cross-country move will involve a lot of miles and a long length of time. Having some extra clothes for along the way is essential. You might spill something on yourself, get caught in a downpour, or need different clothes for varying weather conditions. Changing into clean clothing is also a good way to feel refreshed.
- Toiletries kit
On a cross-country move, you’ll likely be staying overnight somewhere, may for more than one night. Packing bathroom items is key. It’s a good idea to transport liquids in Ziploc-type bags in case of leakage. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush are all essentials.
- Snacks kit
Road trips and snacks go hand in hand. Taking snacks helps keep you from needing to stop for them along the way, they can tide you over until a meal, and they can be a great way to pacify impatient kids (and adults!). The trick is balancing delicious treats and healthy snacks. Remember to bring drinks, too! Buy a cooler that is the right size to keep handy in your car and load it up—and don’t forget some ice.
- Music and audio kit
Tunes, audiobooks, and podcasts are a great way to pass the time. Everyone can get involved in creating playlists of their favorite songs, stories, and podcasts. Giving each passenger some air time will help keep everyone happy.
- Cleaning supplies kit
Accidents happen, especially on a cross-country car trip with snacks! Manage spills and other messes with a cleaning supply kit. Buy a small plastic storage bin, preferably with a lid, and gather some cleaning supplies like paper towels, wet wipes, and scented cleaning spray.
- First aid kit
Although you never want to need it, this is one of the essentials. You can buy first aid kits that can treat various severities of injuries, so be sure to pick one that will work best for you and your passengers. It’s also a good idea to supplement it with some tweezers, small scissors, and a small knife.
- Car emergency kit
This is another kit that if you need it, you’ll be very glad to have it on hand. Roadside emergencies happen when you least expect them (that’s the definition of an emergency, after all), so having supplies and tools to handle them can help get you out of some tough spots. Include items like a flashlight, gloves, road flares, and a small toolkit with some basic tools, and be sure you know how to change a flat tire out for your spare tire.
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