9 Must-Haves Everyone Needs When Moving to a New City in 2022
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One wise woman by the name of Melissa Viviane Jefferson (aka, Lizzo) once said, “all the rumors are true.”
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That said, it’s official. I’m moving to a new city. The rumors really are true.
Although a ton of you have absolutely no idea who I am and are wondering, “why the hell should I care?”, others might be thinking to yourselves, “OMG, I’m moving, too!”
Moving is both an exciting and stressful time in one’s life, especially when the move is to a brand-new city. I’m not knocking any of you moving a few towns over from where you’re living currently, but there’s genuinely so much more stress that comes along with switching cities entirely.
How expensive are moving companies when relocating as far as I am? How am I going to make new friends? What are the most important items I’m going to need to make this move an easier transition? These are questions I’ve been pondering day after day since I’ve made my decision to leave the Big Apple for the Windy City this summer.
But, I’ve realized I need to settle one thing at a time to get my ducks in a row, so right now, I’m putting all of my focus on what must-haves I’ll need (and what I won’t) before heading on over to the Midwest — and these are must-haves I believe everyone should consider (and shouldn’t consider) when moving to a new city.
Just keep in mind: if you plan on ditching a majority of your current household items to rebuy once you make it to your new home, ditch out on the dumpster and donate instead. Lots of thrift stores in your area are more than likely to accept donations, just check one before you head out. Goodwill and Salvation Army are two excellent places to start.
As we begin to pack our carry-on bags and moving boxes, it’s time to let the excitement build and the stress release with the help of these 9 must-haves to consider when moving to a new city. Find all of my picks below.
1. A New Mattress
How long have you had the mattress you’re currently sleeping on? If you can’t pinpoint an answer to that question, there’s a solid chance you need a new one.
When moving, especially if it’s to a far location, picking up a brand-new mattress to help yourself start fresh is a solid idea. Sleep Foundation says that mattresses can typically last seven to ten years total, so if you haven’t moved in that span of time, a new mattress should be on the horizon.
Not only that, but packing a mattress into a moving truck isn’t a fun task — especially if you are ditching movers for a U-Haul in hopes to save some extra cash. Solo movers, let me know how you think you’re going to get your old mattress down the stairs of your current apartment and up the stairs of your new one. And, that elevator? You really think it’s going to fit? Good luck.
I suggest you leave the mattress on the curb and deliver one straight to your new place. So many online retailers are shoving beds in boxes nowadays for easy, hassle-free deliveries folks can bring up to their new spots without breaking their backs in the process. My favorite spot to pick up a new mattress is Casper for their effortless packaging, oozing comfort and payment plans through Affirm.
If you still want to try to pack your mattress and realize it’s too much of a job once moving day comes around, give it to God, baby. Just get on your phone and buy a new one.
Buy: Casper Original Mattress Starting at $72.00/month
2. Moving Boxes
This is an absolute no-brainer, but you’re going to need a ton of moving boxes to get your move going smoothly.
Personally, I’m already beginning to hoard larger boxes from items I order online come in so I can save some money, so if you find yourself receiving items in the mail frequently, I suggest doing the same. That being said, the boxes I keep until then will be nowhere near enough the amount I’ll need when I move.
Amazon Basics sells a slew of reliable moving boxes at a great price to ensure everything you’re bringing gets from point A to point B in a safe manner. There are over 4,500 5-star reviews and counting on these boxes, so with Amazon, you can know you’re absolutely in safe hands.
Buy: Amazon Basics Cardboard Moving Boxes $43.04
3. New Appliances
Some of the appliances you’re bringing might pass the bring-along test depending on how long you’ve had them, but others, well… others need to be thrown in the dumpster.
Personally, there’s no way I’m bringing my air fryer, toaster, coffee machine or my microwave with me. All have been through hell and back. Bringing them to a new city seems almost embarrassing.
These are items I suggest starting fresh with, especially when Amazon constantly has deals on just about any appliance you can list off in twenty seconds. I’m not really talking about major appliances, keep in mind. If you’ve purchased a refrigerator, washer or dryer you simply can’t leave behind, I completely get it.
But, that air fryer you’ve been using daily since 2018 with three-year-old breadcrumbs caked to the bottom that simply won’t come off no matter how hard you try? What’s the point? Just get a new one.
Buy: COSORI Air Fryer $99.84 (orig. $119.99) 17% OFF
4. Plants
I know, the idea of parting ways with plants you’ve kept alive day after day for years and years is a gut-wrenching feeling. I have a deep attachment to all 11 plants scattered throughout my current apartment, but realistically speaking, I don’t know how possible it’s going to be to move them. That said, I’ll probably pass them off to a couple of trustworthy friends before I go.
But let me keep it real with you: I cannot have an apartment without plants. It just simply can’t happen.
Once I get to my new place, I will be purchasing new plants. Yeah, it might seem slightly silly to some, but plants inside of the home bring tons of life to your place. I’m planning on ordering from The Sill because they have a number of affordable little green friends to choose from. And, they come in pots!
Buy: Plants from The Sill Prices Vary
5. Light Fixtures
Chandeliers, light fixtures, floor lamps — none really make sense taking with you on a larger move. First and foremost, some are not meant to move from the place in which they were installed. That said, if you’re able to move them, there’s a solid chance they will break in transit.
Take my folks for example. They recently made a larger move themselves from New Jersey to South Carolina. They packed the U-Haul excellently, yet two light fixtures broke on the way there. It’s a safer bet if you simply don’t even bother wasting the effort. Pick up something fresh for your new home instead.
The Home Depot has an epic selection of light fixtures under any category you can think of, so I suggest you start there.
Buy: Hampton Bay Dark Oil Rubbed Bronze Torchiere $109.00
6. A Garbage Can
You’re not going to pack your garbage can in the back of your U-Haul, are you? You’re literally trying to start fresh. How do you plan on starting fresh with an old garbage can?
When moving, your garbage can should be the least of your priorities. But, here’s the catch: given you haven’t purchased a garbage can in a while, you’re going to be a little surprised when you see just how much one of these puppies goes for. Surely, you aren’t going to find something of quality under $60. And, yeah, that includes this one from Amazon Basics below. You’re just going to have to splurge on this one. Sorry about it.
Buy: Amazon Basics 40 Liter Trash Can $70.71
7. Shower Curtains
Shower curtains are another ridiculous item from your current home to pack when moving. Like, really? You need those funk-filled curtains in your new place? Maybe reconsider.
My shower curtains are gross. I was stalking my own TikTok the other day and found out that I’ve had the same shower curtains since the beginning of the pandemic. They’re on their last limb, that’s for sure. I will be snagging a new set the second I get to my new city, as should you.
As expected, Amazon has every kind of shower curtain imaginable no matter the theme, like these highly-rated all-white waffle knits below.
Buy: Waffle Weave Fabric Shower Curtain $16.99 (orig. $25.99) 35% OFF
8. Glassware
Here’s a pro-tip: donate all of your glassware to a local Salvation Army prior to moving. It’s not worth taking with you. Plus, it will have a second life and many memories to make in someone else’s home.
It feels that we always hear about someone packing glass after glass after glass between newspapers and bubble wrap and packing peanuts to simply break on the way to the destination. Save yourself the heartbreak and pick up a set of glassware once you get to your new city. You’ll be thanking me later.
Buy: Home Essentials & Beyond Glassware Drinking Glasses Set $24.99
9. A Rug
Rugs are slightly controversial when taking on a move. Why? Because some have been passed down for generations, others are exceptionally rare and others folks may have a serious sentimental hold on.
The issue? All of those mean that the rug is really, really old. Not to mention heavy as all hell.
Consider reselling your rug to a collector or donating it to a local Salvation Army instead of lugging it cities away to your new spot. When you get to your new home, consider a floor rug from Ruggable. Why? Because you can actually wash these rugs in a washing machine. Yeah, you totally read that right. No more dry cleaners, no more tough-to-remove stains, no more old rug smell. Just clean, clean rugs.
Buy: Ruggable Verena Dark Wood Rug Starting at $89.00
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