The Move Day Survival Kit

The "open-first" bag every Ironmen Moving and Storage customer should keep with them on move day. Don't load this on the truck. Carry it in the car.

Documents & Money

  • Driver's license, passport, Social Security card
  • Lease, purchase docs, keys, garage remote
  • Insurance cards (auto, health, renters/home)
  • Birth certificates, marriage license, kids' school records
  • Mover bill of lading + Ironmen written estimate
  • Cash for tips ($20–$40 per crew member)
  • Checkbook + 2 forms of ID

Phones & Power

  • Phones, laptops, tablets — fully charged
  • Chargers for every device (label with masking tape)
  • Power strip with 6+ outlets
  • Portable battery pack
  • Headphones / earbuds
  • Wi-Fi router (until the new home's internet is on)

First Night Toiletries

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
  • Soap, shampoo, deodorant, razor
  • Towel + washcloth (one per person)
  • Toilet paper (2 rolls)
  • Hand soap + paper towels
  • Hairbrush, contact case + solution

Meds & First Aid

  • Prescription medications (at least 7 days)
  • Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
  • Band-aids, gauze, tape, antibiotic ointment
  • Allergy meds, EpiPen if needed
  • Pet meds + food + leash + carrier
  • Thermometer

Clean Clothes (3 Days)

  • 3 changes of clothes per person
  • Pajamas + slippers
  • Sneakers for moving + 1 nicer outfit
  • Jacket / sweatshirt
  • Socks + underwear (more than you think)
  • Laundry bag for the dirty pile

First Night Bedding

  • Fitted sheet + flat sheet (one bed)
  • Pillow + pillowcase per person
  • Blanket or duvet
  • Air mattress backup (if beds aren't reassembled)
  • Sound machine / kids' nightlight

Snacks & Hydration

  • Bottled water (case)
  • Coffee + filters + mugs (or instant)
  • Granola bars, jerky, nuts, fruit
  • Reusable utensils + a knife
  • Paper plates, napkins, plastic cups
  • Snacks the kids actually like

Tools & Tape

  • Box cutter / utility knife
  • Scissors
  • Screwdrivers (Phillips + flathead)
  • Allen wrench set (for IKEA-style furniture)
  • Hammer + small nails
  • Tape measure
  • Flashlight + spare batteries
  • Garbage bags + Ziploc bags

Why a Carry-It-With-You Bag?

Every Ironmen Moving and Storage move stays on schedule, but boxes get loaded and unloaded over the course of a day. If you need your phone charger or your kid's medication at 7 PM and it's deep in the truck, that's avoidable stress.

How Big Should It Be?

Two large duffels or a rolling suitcase per adult, plus a backpack for each kid. If it doesn't fit in your car, trim it down — if you can't carry the bag yourself, it's too much.

Long-Distance / Intrastate Move?

Pack 2–3 days of clothes and toiletries instead of one, since your truck may arrive a day after you do. See our long-distance move prep guide.

Booking a Bay Area Move?

Pack this kit, label your boxes, and let Ironmen Moving and Storage handle the rest.