There are a variety of reasons you have to temporarily relocate-a job assignment, home renovations, or even to be close to an ailing loved one. Whatever the circumstance causing you to move into short-term lodgings, you will have to decide what necessary items to pack. While your needs will vary depending on your destination, the length of your stay and several other factors, the following tips will help guide your decisions when determining what to pack for your temporary move.
Find out what's included:
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Furniture and appliances: Is your short-term rental already furnished? Find out what type of furniture and appliances are included in your apartment. There may be the basic such as a bed, couch, dining table, and refrigerator, but no microwave, toaster or dresser. Make a list of all the must-haves and check off each one your rental features-this way you will know what, if anything, you should bring.
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Bedding, linens and towels: While you may want to cuddle with the familiar quilt from your bed at home, if your housing comes equipped with bedding, linens and towels, it may be simpler to leave your own behind. Make sure whatever is included will be adequate to accommodate your family, and pack some extras if necessary.
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Television: Does your unit include a television, stereo or DVD player? These electronics may be less likely to be included, so determine if you are a technology junkie, you may choose to pack yours.
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Cookware: What type of kitchen items are included in the rental? Pots and pans? Dishware? Cutlery and cooking utensils? If the rental does not feature a fully-stocked kitchen, pack only your essentials. Try to limit yourself to one per item-one large pot, one frying pan, one spatula, one ladle, one set on dinner plates, etc. If you have a kitchen tool you simply cannot live without-such as a juicer or food processor-bring it along, but try to refrain from packing every specialty cookery gadget in your kitchen.
Will you need storage?
Are you planning on returning to your home after your temporary stay ends? Or will you be moving elsewhere? If you are terminating your lease or selling your home, you will have to find storage for your excess belongings until you have made plans for your future permanent residence. If you are relocating for work, your RELO package may compensate you for storage costs. Ask your moving company if they offer storage services, or find a separate facility to stow your belongings. If you are storing any wood or leather furniture, antiques, or other items sensitive to heat or moisture, you should consider climate-controlled storage to prevent damage.
Have a moving sale
One way to lessen the dilemma of deciding what to leave and what to bring is eliminating some of your items before the move. This is especially helpful if you plan to leave your non-essential belongings in storage during your temporary move-the less you have to store, the less you will pay. Sort through old clothes, books, DVDs, knick knacks, and unimportant possessions to decide what you can live without. Have a yard sale, donate items to charity, or sell them online.
Pack clothing for climate
The length of your stay and the climate of your location will determine how much of your wardrobe you should pack. If you are moving to the Northeast from December until March, you will only require warm winter clothing and heavy coats. However, if you will be there for an entire year, you will need clothing to accompany all four varied seasons in the region. On the other hand, if you are moving to San Francisco, the moderate year-round Mediterranean climate will mean lightweight clothing, a few light jackets, and no heavy sweaters or snow boots-regardless of how long you stay.
Try to pack staple pieces that can be paired easily with other items to create a variety of looks without having to haul your whole closet away. If you are a shopaholic, you may be tempted to bring every dress, tie, suit, or pair of shoes you own. Resist the urge and pack one item per type of occasion-one pair of sneakers for exercise, one pair of heels for a night out, one pair of boots for hiking and outdoor activities.
Hobbies and entertainment items are important to stave off boredom-especially if you are feeling isolated in a new place. However, keep non-essential items like DVDs, books, and video games limited space in your moving inventory. Remember, you can always visit the library or get a Netflix subscription to meet your entertainment needs during your temporary move.
Don't forget the essentials
Some items are so obvious, you may forget all about them! Must-haves for your temporary relocation include:
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Toiletries: While it may be easier to re-purchase some of your personal care items when you arrive at your destination, certain everyday essentials are required: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, soap, and shampoo.
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Personal documents: Make sure your important documents either in a safe place at home, or packed to bring with you if you will need them during your stay. Examples include your birth certificate, driver's license, social security card, medical records, passport, and any other documents required for travel-- especially if you're going overseas.
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Medications: Be sure to pack all prescription medication and important non-prescription medication. Depending on the length of your stay, either see your doctor to get a refill before leaving or arrange to get refills at your destination.
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Your pet and his/her amenities: Unless you have arranged for his or her temporary care, your furry friend will be coming with you. Besides checking to verify animals will be permitted at your short-term rental, don't forget to pack some of your pet's favorite things. Unfamiliar surroundings can be unsettling to pets, and the scent of his or her bedding, toys and food dish can be comforting.
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Important devices and chargers: Remember to pack your cell phone, laptop, mp3 player, camera and any other essential device, as well as their corresponding chargers.