Picture this: you’ve just moved into your new home. Boxes everywhere. You’re desperate for a cup of tea and a hot shower, but you can’t find… anything. Not the kettle, not your toothbrush, and definitely not your hair straighteners.
Sound familiar?
We once had a customer who couldn’t find her straighteners after moving, and actually asked us to replace them because she “didn’t have time to unpack”. (We didn’t, of course. But it did inspire this blog post!)
On the flip side, we also had one brilliantly organised customer who turned up with a perfectly packed essentials box and called it her “Grab Box.” We loved the name so much that we’ve shamelessly stolen it. So if you’re reading this, thank you for the inspiration!
So, let us introduce you properly to the Grab Box – your moving-day survival kit for everything you’ll want to have on hand in the first 24–48 hours after moving in.
It’s the one box you’ll be so glad you thought about ahead of time.
Before You Pack It… Take a Moment to Think
When you have a calm moment — ideally the day before moving — walk yourself through your usual daily routine. What do you do first thing? What absolutely has to happen for your day to feel normal?
If you wake up to a sunrise alarm clock because you can’t face mornings without it, pop that in.
If you always straighten your hair, the straighteners are definitely going in.
If you rely on your skincare, your Kindle, or your evening wind-down essentials, add those too.
These are all real-life examples from actual moves — so don’t be shy about including the quirky things that make your day work.
And whatever you choose, pack it before our arrival, so nothing accidentally ends up loaded into the van.
What to Pack in Your Grab Box
Everyday comforts
- Kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, sugar, and a couple of snacks
- A plate, bowl and cutlery for each person
- Toilet roll and kitchen roll – absolute essentials and often forgotten!
Freshen up
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and shower gel (moving is sweaty business!)
- Hairbrush, deodorant, and your trusty hairdryer or straighteners
- A clean towel and your comfiest PJs – you’ve earned them
The “let’s get clean before we get comfy” section
- Cleaning wipes or a small spray cleaner, for that first bathroom wipe-down (because who really wants to sit on a toilet they haven’t cleaned themselves?)
- We’re partial to Ineos wipes, they smell amazing (not an ad, just personal opinion!)
Quick convenience
- Phone charger, meds, glasses, and a change of clothes
- The TV remote (yes, people lose these on moving day too)
- Your Kindle or favourite book for winding down after the chaos
And for the pets
- Food, bowls, lead, and their favourite toy, because they’re moving too
Top Tip
Mark it loud and clear: “GRAB BOX – OPEN FIRST!”
Use a different coloured tape or marker so it stands out. Keep it in the car with you so it doesn’t accidentally end up buried with other boxes.
Why It’s Worth Doing
Your Grab Box will save you from that late-night rummage through ten boxes labelled “Bedroom” in search of socks, toothpaste, or the will to live. It’s all about starting your first night right – clean, comfortable, and calm.
At Mason Moves Bristol, we’ve seen our fair share of moving day meltdowns and we promise, this one little box can make all the difference. Think of it as your moving day sanity saver.