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Your essential moving day checklist – What to keep handy for a smooth move - Tingsapp Blog
Nov 7, 2025

Moving Day Essentials Checklist - Stress-Free Moving Tips for Vancouver & Lower Mainland

Moving day is exciting, but it can also be hectic. Between boxes, movers, and schedules, it’s easy to forget the small essentials that make your first night in a new home comfortable. That’s where a moving day essentials kit comes in handy.

At Tingsapp, we believe that moving should be simple and stress-free. Just like our platform provides upfront pricing and trusted movers with a few taps, this checklist ensures you have everything you need at your fingertips on moving day.

Here’s your complete guide to preparing a moving essentials kit and making your move smooth and comfortable anywhere across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.


Why You Need a Moving Day Essentials Kit

Picture this - you’ve just arrived at your new home in Vancouver after a long day. You’re ready to unwind, but your toothbrush, charger, and towel are buried somewhere in a mountain of boxes. Frustrating, right?

That’s why a dedicated essentials box or bag is so important. It keeps the most useful items easily accessible, helping you avoid digging through boxes or making unnecessary trips to the store.

Whether you’re moving into a downtown apartment, a family home in Burnaby, or a suite in Surrey, having an essentials kit ensures a smoother first 24 hours.


The Must-Have Essentials

These are the top items you’ll want access to as soon as you arrive in your new space. Pack them in a sturdy tote bag or a clearly labeled box.

1. Toiletries

Keep your personal hygiene items close so you can freshen up without searching through multiple boxes. Include:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Soap and shampoo

  • Deodorant

  • Toilet paper

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Towels and washcloths

If you’re moving with family, pack individual toiletry kits for each person to save time and prevent mix-ups.


2. Medications and Health Items

Health always comes first. Pack prescription medications, vitamins, or over-the-counter essentials in one labeled pouch.

  • Keep inhalers, allergy meds, or pain relievers handy.

  • If you’re moving with kids, include children’s medication and basic first aid supplies.

A small first aid kit is essential too. Include:

  • Band-aids

  • Antiseptic wipes

  • Painkillers

  • Tweezers and gloves


3. Chargers and Electronics

Phones, laptops, and tablets are vital for staying connected and coordinating your move. Keep these with you:

  • Phone charger and power bank

  • Laptop or tablet charger

  • Extension cord or multi-plug outlet

Having your electronics ready means you can easily contact movers, update addresses, and order food after a long day.


4. Snacks and Drinks

Moving is physically demanding, so pack energy-boosting snacks and hydration options. Include:

  • Water bottles or reusable jugs

  • Protein bars, fruit, or nuts

  • Coffee or tea supplies

  • Disposable cups and napkins

If you’re moving during Vancouver’s warmer months, a small cooler with ice packs can keep drinks and snacks fresh.


5. Pet Supplies

For those moving with pets, keep their comfort in mind.
Pack a small kit with:

  • Food and treats

  • Water and food bowls

  • Leash or carrier

  • Waste bags and cleaning wipes

  • A favorite toy or blanket for familiarity

While Tingsapp movers do not move pets, we understand they’re part of the family - so keeping their essentials handy makes the move easier for everyone.


Essentials for the First Few Hours

Once your movers have unloaded your belongings, there’s still a lot to do. These tools and supplies will help you start settling in right away.

1. Basic Tools

You’ll likely need a few tools for furniture setup and small fixes.
Keep a simple toolkit ready with:

  • Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)

  • Hammer

  • Pliers

  • Allen keys

  • Measuring tape

While Tingsapp movers bring tools for basic disassembly and reassembly, having your own toolkit makes unpacking and organizing much smoother.


2. Cleaning Supplies

A quick clean makes your new home feel fresh and comfortable.
Pack a small cleaning kit that includes:

  • All-purpose cleaner

  • Paper towels and microfiber cloths

  • Trash bags

  • Broom or handheld vacuum

  • Disposable gloves

Even if the place looks spotless, it’s reassuring to give counters and bathrooms a once-over before unpacking.


3. Lighting and Power

You may arrive before your utilities are fully set up. Keep a flashlight or small battery-powered lamp ready, especially if you’re moving in the evening.

A few spare batteries and a power strip will also come in handy for charging multiple devices or plugging in lamps and small appliances.


4. Cash and Cards

Having a small amount of cash on hand can make moving day easier.
Use it for:

  • Tipping movers

  • Buying snacks or coffee

  • Small last-minute purchases

Even though most transactions are digital, a little cash can save time when stores or ATMs are busy.


5. Important Documents

Keep essential documents with you instead of in packed boxes.
Use a labeled folder or zippered pouch for:

  • IDs and passports

  • Lease or home purchase paperwork

  • Banking information

  • Moving contracts and receipts

  • Emergency contacts

If you’re moving with Tingsapp, your invoices and move details are easily accessible through the app, keeping everything organized in one place.


Your Overnight Comfort Bag

After a long day of moving, all you’ll want to do is rest. Prepare a small overnight bag so you can relax right away.

Pack:

  • Pajamas and fresh clothes

  • Bed linens, pillows, and a light blanket

  • Bath towels

  • A change of clothes for the next day

  • A small toiletry set for bedtime

Having a ready-to-go comfort bag means you can unwind without digging through boxes or searching for essentials late at night.


Make Your Move Simple with Tingsapp

Packing your essentials is only one part of the moving experience. The other is ensuring your move itself is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

That’s where Tingsapp comes in. Whether you’re moving across Vancouver, to Burnaby, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland, we make your move easy from start to finish.

Why People Across Vancouver Choose Tingsapp:

  • Upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges

  • Trusted local movers who are fully background-checked and trained

  • Real-time tracking so you can follow your move from start to finish

  • Flexible scheduling for last-minute or planned moves

  • Support for all move sizes - from full homes to single-item deliveries

Our movers handle heavy lifting and transport while you focus on organizing and unpacking. You can even schedule moves directly through the app for added convenience.

To learn more about the process, read From Booking to Unpacking - How Tingsapp Simplifies Your Move.


Final Thoughts

Moving day doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a well-packed essentials kit and a reliable moving team, you can start your new chapter in comfort and peace of mind.

Your essentials kit ensures that the little things - like chargers, toiletries, or a clean towel - are always within reach. And with Tingsapp, your entire move becomes easier, from booking to unloading.

Book your move today at tingsapp.com/order and experience how simple moving can be in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

Book your move today

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