What to Pack in an Overnight Moving Bag

A moving bag of essentials would be your moving day survival kit during your move. It is the bag that will carry everything you might need to spend a couple of nights at your new spot until you can unpack your belongings. Not only that, but it will also serve as your mini-safe, where you can store important documents and items that you don’t want to risk sending with the rest of your luggage.

A gym bag or a travel bag will be enough to pack your overnight luggage in. However, if you travel abroad, moving to a different country, you might consider a bigger suitcase. Regarding international removals, the following overnight bag list might look a bit different. This will depend on personal needs and your situation. For now, we will focus on the basics you need to cover for packing the perfect overnight bag. What should an overnight bag include?

What to pack in an overnight bag

Who is this post for:

• People that are relocating and would like to prepare a bag with essentials;
• People that wondering how to pack a weekend bag;
• Travellers searching for an essential overnight trip packing list;

Clothes and bedding for an overnight stay

• Change of clothes + Spares;
• Change of shoes;
• Clean underwear and socks;
• Sleeping clothes;
• Slippers/flip-flops;
• Towels;
• Blanket;
• Bedsheets;
• Pillows+pillowcase.

Remember to check the forecast for your moving date and pack warmer clothes if needed. Pack additional underwear and socks in case you engage in some sports or other physical activity and would like to take a quick shower. Unlike other travelling bags, your moving bag of essentials does not have to be simple and minimalistic. Its sole purpose is to contain everything that you might need and provide you with easy access to it.

In an overnight bag, pack the following electronics

• Phone + charger;
• Laptop/tablet + charger;
• Wi-fi biscuit;
• Small portable speaker;

At your new home, there might not be cable TV and internet available for the first couple of days, so pack something to keep you entertained during your unpacking breaks. The speaker will boost your mood to deal with the vast work you must cover before setting up your new home the way you like.

Toiletries for your moving bag of essentials

• Toothbrush;
• Shampoo;
• Soap/shower gel;
• Toilet paper;
• Comb;
• Feminine products (if needed);
• Roll-on/deodorant;
• Body lotion/hand cream;
• Hairdryer;
• Wipes.

Hygiene is important, and toiletries are a mandatory part of your overnight luggage. You may not have time to unpack all of your belongings right after you move into your new home, but you will want to take a shower before bed or first thing in the morning. This is why it is so important to pack basic toiletries in your overnight bag.

Moving essentials bag for your pets

• Dog food + dog treats;
• Cat food + treats;
• Two bowls for food and water;
• Leash;
• Plastic bags;
• Cat litter;
• Pet toys;

You can’t forget about your pet. It is a part of the family as well, and it should have a small overnight bag of its own.

Additional

If you are on prescription medication, make sure you add it to your overnight bag list. Add some plasters, disinfectant and painkillers, just in case. Pack them separately in a bag or a plastic organiser. That will be your moving medkit.

Your important documents should always be with you. Personal documents, diplomas, birth certificates and anything else. Keep them in a folder and keep them in a separate compartment of your bag.

Water and snacks will prove valuable if you arrive late and need some extra energy to make your bed and go to sleep.

***

You are more than welcome to share any personal thoughts and ideas in the comment section bellow. What should be added to this list?

Image source: depositphotos / gupina