Moving day is a whirlwind of activity. Amid all the packing, organizing, and coordinating, it’s easy to overlook one critical detail—what your child will need immediately during and after the move. That’s where an essentials bag comes in. Designed to hold everything your child needs for the first 24 to 48 hours, this bag is a lifesaver for both comfort and convenience.
In this guide, we’ll take you through exactly what to include in your child’s essentials bag, how to organize it, and why it’s one of the most important things you’ll pack for the big day. With a well-prepared bag, you can reduce stress, prevent last-minute scrambling, and keep your child calm and cared for during your transition.
Why an Essentials Bag Matters for Kids During a Move
When you’re relocating, especially with small children, the early hours and days in a new home can feel chaotic. You might not have time—or the energy—to dig through packed boxes looking for a toothbrush, favorite toy, or pajamas. An essentials bag ensures that all your child’s immediate needs are met without disrupting your moving schedule.
From changes in routine to navigating a brand-new space, moving can be overwhelming for children. Their essentials bag offers familiarity, security, and comfort, making the adjustment easier and smoother.
When and How to Pack the Essentials Bag
Ideally, you should pack your child’s essentials bag at least a day or two before moving day. This ensures you have everything ready without being rushed. Choose a bag your child can recognize and feel comfortable carrying. Backpacks or small rolling suitcases work well.
Keep the bag accessible—do not load it into the moving truck. It should travel with you, whether by car or plane, so it’s within reach whenever needed. The goal is to make sure you’re not caught off-guard in a moment of need.
Essentials for Hygiene and Personal Care
The essentials bag should contain the basic hygiene items your child uses daily. This includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and child-friendly soap or shampoo. If your child wears diapers or training pants, be sure to include a generous supply, along with wipes and any rash cream.
Don’t forget extras like hand sanitizer, tissues, and a small towel or washcloth. These items are especially important if you’ll be traveling for several hours or staying overnight before settling into the new home.
If your child takes any medications or has allergies, make sure prescriptions, medical devices, and EpiPens are packed in the essentials bag. Keep them in their original labeled containers for clarity and safety.
Clothing and Sleepwear for Comfort and Routine
Pack at least two full changes of clothes, including socks and underwear. You’ll also want to include weather-appropriate outerwear, such as a hoodie or rain jacket depending on your moving day forecast. Children often feel more at ease when they’re dressed comfortably in familiar clothes.
Sleepwear is essential, too. Packing their favorite pajamas helps signal a return to normalcy when bedtime rolls around. If you’re arriving at your new home late, you won’t have to dig through boxes for a clean pair of PJs.
Including an extra pair of shoes or slippers is also helpful, especially if your child is walking around unfamiliar or unpacked flooring.
Favorite Toys and Comfort Items to Ease Anxiety
Transitioning to a new home can cause emotional turbulence for kids. Including their most beloved comfort item—whether it’s a stuffed animal, blanket, or doll—provides emotional security. These familiar objects help reduce anxiety and offer stability in the middle of change.
You can also include a couple of favorite toys or books. These don’t just entertain but also anchor your child’s sense of normalcy. Even one or two familiar items can make a new space feel more like home.
Avoid overpacking by choosing smaller items that still have sentimental value or serve multiple purposes, such as a coloring book that also functions as a journal.
Snacks and Drinks to Keep Energy Up
Pack several non-perishable snacks that your child enjoys. Moving day is unpredictable, and having reliable snacks on hand prevents hunger-related meltdowns. Granola bars, fruit pouches, trail mix, and crackers are good choices that won’t spoil easily.
Also pack a reusable water bottle or juice box to keep your child hydrated. Avoid overly sugary snacks or caffeinated beverages, as these may lead to mood swings or energy crashes.
Having food and drinks readily available can be a huge time-saver and help you avoid unnecessary stops if you’re traveling long distances.
Entertainment and Activity Materials
Long hours in a car, at the airport, or waiting during unloading can leave kids restless. Be sure to include simple and quiet activities such as coloring books, crayons, sticker books, or handheld games.
Older children may appreciate a tablet loaded with movies or educational apps, especially during extended periods of travel. Make sure to bring headphones and charge devices in advance.
A simple notepad or drawing pad with pens can also encourage creative expression and help kids process their emotions during the transition.
Emergency Information and Documents
It’s smart to include a copy of important documents in your child’s essentials bag. This could include identification, insurance cards, a list of emergency contacts, and medical records, especially if you’re traveling across states or countries.
These papers should be sealed in a waterproof folder or pouch. While you may carry the originals, having duplicates in your child’s bag adds an extra layer of preparedness.
Creating a Child-Friendly Travel Plan
If your move involves long travel, prepare your child ahead of time. Explain the journey in simple terms and go over what they’ll see and do. Let them help pack their bag with you, giving them a sense of ownership.
For moves involving flights, keep airport security in mind and avoid packing liquids in large quantities. Always have essentials easily accessible in case of delays.
The more prepared and comfortable your child feels, the less likely they are to feel overwhelmed during the move.
How Big Bear Movers Supports Family-Focused Moves
At Big Bear Movers, we understand that a successful move means more than just getting your boxes from one home to another—it’s about making sure your family feels supported every step of the way. We handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on helping your children feel safe, seen, and settled.
From our flexible scheduling to our careful handling of your belongings, our services are designed to keep family moves smooth and stress-free. Explore our blog for more expert moving tips designed for families with kids.
Final Thoughts: Giving Your Child a Confident Start in a New Home
An essentials bag might seem like a small detail in the larger picture of moving, but it plays a major role in making your child feel comfortable and secure during a time of upheaval. It’s the difference between chaos and calm when your child needs something familiar.
By thoughtfully packing hygiene items, comfort objects, snacks, clothes, and entertainment, you’re giving your child—and yourself—peace of mind. It’s a practical and powerful way to maintain routine, reduce stress, and ease the emotional transition of moving.