What You Should Pack (and What You Should Leave Behind) When Moving to a New City

If you’re about to move to a new city, the packing panic is real. Everything suddenly feels important. But spoiler: you’re going to pack some dumb stuff — and forget the things you actually need.

Here’s what to bring, what to skip, and what you’ll wish you had on day one.

✅ Pack This

🧼 1. A “Day One” Survival Bag

You will not unpack immediately. Have this in your car or suitcase:

  • A roll of toilet paper
  • Chargers (label them!)
  • Toothbrush + mini toiletries
  • A clean outfit
  • Your meds + vitamins
  • Snacks + water
  • Important documents

This is your emergency kit when you’re too tired to dig through 17 boxes labeled “misc.”

🛏️ 2. Bedding + a Real Pillow

You can eat off the floor, but you will cry if you don’t sleep well the first night. Bring:

  • One full set of sheets
  • A blanket or comforter
  • Your actual pillow — trust
🍽️ 3. 1–2 Kitchen Basics

Don’t bring your whole kitchen. Bring enough to survive:

  • One mug
  • One plate
  • One pan
  • One knife
  • Sponge + dish soap

You’ll thank yourself when your takeout place forgets forks.

🛠️ 4. A Small Tool Kit

You will randomly need a screwdriver, scissors, or tape. Even if you’re not “handy,” this saves your life when something breaks day one.

💡 5. Stuff That Makes It Feel Like Home

The move will be chaotic — bring at least one comfort item. A candle, framed pic, favorite hoodie — something that softens the newness.

❌ Leave This Behind (Seriously)

🪑 1. Cheap Furniture That Won’t Survive the Drive

IKEA drawers that already lean? That chair you “might fix”? Leave it. You’ll end up throwing it away on arrival.

🍽️ 2. Every Single Cup You Own

You do not need 19 mismatched mugs and 4 wine glasses you never use. Bring 2 of each. That’s it.

📚 3. All Your Books

Hard truth: they’re heavy. Ship them or only bring your top 5. You’ll probably reread none of them during the move.

🧥 4. That Entire “Someday” Pile

If you haven’t worn it, used it, or looked for it in a year… you’re not going to in the new city either.

🧴 5. Half-Empty Products + Random Toiletries

That shampoo with one pump left? That hotel lotion from 2022? Toss it. Moving is a fresh start. Don’t drag clutter with you.

🧾 Final Checklist Thought

When you move to a new city, you don’t just bring stuff — you bring your energy. Travel light. Pack smart. Create space for the life you’re building next.

You’ll never regret bringing comfort, function, and just enough chaos to feel like yourself.

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We’re more than a restaurant guide — we’re helping you build a life in your new city. Whether you just moved or you’re still figuring it out, we’ve got your back.

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