There are items in a hurry to move that are worth not packing in boxes. Have a small plastic bag, expandable file, or something that is easy to fit in the front of the vehicle and put these items in there. If you need them during the trip, you will be glad to have them accessible.
1. Insurance documents: not only for the vehicle, but also any health insurance document is good to have within easy reach.
2. Get a 5X7 envelope for each pet. Have current photos, health certificates, immunization records, and other important information in this file.
3. Copies of credit card numbers. One big thing that ruins a move is having your bag stolen and some are hoping your numbers are “somewhere in the back” of that van or trailer. Having immediate access to the numbers and theft line can mean being able to quickly and accurately report the loss.
4. Maps! Directions on where you are going if needed and road maps should be kept up front.
5. The keys to the new place should already be on your keychain.
6. Medical records for all family members and any prescription medications.
7. Your latest bank statement, utility bills; conformation numbers and contact numbers for the utilities that come on in the new place.
8. Passports, birth certificates, and other important documents should have their own 8X10 envelope to keep them together.
9. If it’s a cross-country move, allow one change of clothes per day plus one extra per family member. Choose comfortable clothes. Freshening up and changing clothes after being on the road for 24 hours does wonders for attitude!
10. If you are from AAA or other clubs with travel discounts, have those cards and numbers available.
These ten things can be considered a ‘travel kit’. These tips can save you time and hassle, either down the road and/or downloading at the other end. One of the few more frustrating problems than arriving and finding that the power didn’t turn on as ordered is knowing the contact numbers because they are “somewhere” in a box marked “office.”
There have been unfortunate cases of vehicles catching fire, accidents happening – if you have these items in a kit you can easily grab them at least you have parts to start putting together.
Another tip: make the ride easier and have an organized trail system in or near the front. Get Ziploc brand bags and for each pet put one serving in each bag. When you stop, you can grab a bag and it’s premeasured for him… toss and let him eat. This also keeps bugs away and prevents food from getting dirty or wet.
Having important things within easy reach can prevent a lot of hassle at the times when they are needed most. If the unfortunate situations happen where these items are needed, you’ll be glad they’re close at hand and not “somewhere in a box.”