Let’s be honest—moving prep, moving day, and moving recovery all come with a certain level of stress. I know, I know…the Pollyannas of the world call it “moving day excitement” and, while there’s some of that, there’s also a lot of moving parts to keep up with for your move to go off without a hitch.

The good news is, there are things you can do to alleviate some of the move-associated anxiety. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is creating a Kitchen Essentials box (or two) of necessary items you’ll want to have easy access to just before, during, and after the move. And being the benevolent removalists we are, we decided to share with you exactly what you’ll need to set aside for the perfect Kitchen Essentials box when planning a move.

Food

Some people will tell you to reserve a few shelf-stable items to make dinner prep the night or two after the move easier. While this is true, we humbly suggest including food for the night before your move and here’s why—the stress will be building, you’ll be anxious about the next day’s big move, and, as much as you think you’ll love making Aunt Sophia’s famous lasagna for your last nostalgic meal in your old home, you will not want to deal with washing and packing dishes and lasagna pans the night before your move.

Make things easy on yourself and keep a few pantry staples on hand:

  • Dry pasta
  • Canned or Jarred pasta sauce
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Canned tuna or chicken

If you are like us and coffee is LIFE, put your coffee maker, ground coffee, and any accessories in the box as well. You’ll want easy access to a cup of joe the mornings of and after the move.

Disposable Dishware

Disposable plates, napkins, cutlery, and cups are lifesavers. Even if you plan on ordering takeout just before or after the move, there’s always a chance you’ll need a fork and knife. Pack enough of the following dishware to accommodate every family member for a few meals:

  • Paper or plastic plates
  • Plastic cups
  • Plastic forks, knives, and spoons
  • Paper napkins or a roll of paper towels
  • Salt and pepper packets or shakers

Cookware

If you are one of those Julia Childs types who find cooking soothing and can’t wait to christen your new kitchen, pack an essentials box of basic cookware so you can get your cook on without being forced to completely unpack the kitchen. Another tip—if you still use hard copy cookbooks, take a photo of any recipes you think you’ll want to prepare in the new place before boxing up the books. You’ll have easily accessible recipes when the time comes to get cooking. Some items to include in your cookware box include:

  • A large pot
  • A frying pan
  • A saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Cooking utensils – spatulas, spoons, whisk, chef’s knife, tongs
  • Aluminum foil
  • Resealable bags
  • Oven mitts
  • Kitchen towels

Cleaning Supplies

You’re going to want quick access to cleaning supplies before, during, and after the move. I realise some of the items listed below have already been mentioned above, but I’m listing them here again in case one of you readers only wants information on cleaning supplies. I’m thorough, if nothing else…perhaps slightly redundant as well, but definitely thorough.

  • Paper towels
  • Kitchen towels
  • Dish rags or sponges
  • Kitchen cleaner spray
  • Kitchen disinfectant wipes
  • Dish soap

May I make a suggestion? As much as you love the idea of cooking a fantastic first meal the night you move into your new home, it is quite possible that you will be out of gas…spent…exhausted. Keep the goal of making a home cooked meal that first night if you must but do yourself a favor and prepare for other alternatives.

A week or so before the move, swing by restaurants near your new home and pick up takeaway menus. Find out what food delivery services are available in your area. If the day of the move comes and you find cooking is THE LAST thing you want to do, you’ll be grateful to have the option of ordering in.

Another option is to make Aunt Sophia’s world-famous lasagna in advance and freeze it. You can enjoy half the night before the move and half on your first night in your new home…and you won’t have to dirty one dish. Talk about a win-win situation.

And, if you’re looking for a removalist team to reduce your stress even further, we hope you’ll reach out to us here at Holloway Removals. You’ll move the right way with Holloway, we guarantee it.