Moving Starter Pack
A lengthy list of all the things you forgot you needed for a new home
Updated as of March 2, 2025
I am an acquirer of home things. If you’ve ever stepped into one of my past homes, you’d know that I have a hundred tiny spoons, little bowls for every occasion, and most of my treasures were hand-carried home from an adventure. But no matter how many tiny spoons I own, it’s not helpful when I need a AAA battery for a flashlight.
Moving is stupidly daunting. It’s not just the big stuff. It’s the little things you don’t think about until you need them — like when it’s time to do the dishes, and you realize you don’t have dish soap. Or you don’t have a sponge rack for the kitchen sink. Or a broom. You need lightbulbs. You have to restock the pantry and fridge. The list goes on.
I recently did this move as a one woman show. No one to bounce ideas off of, or in my case, validation that you’re putting the plates in the right cupboard. I first published this list when I moved in September 2024, but it’s been a running compilation of “Oh shit, I forgot that too.” So, if you’re in the process of moving or simply need another brain to help stock up on random house things, I hope this helps :)
A few sections lean into my personal style, which is somehow countryside cottage now. Not sure how I got here, but here we are. That said, some suggestions are non-negotiable (like my vacuum, it’s the only good one, just get it). ENJOY!
The Must Haves
First things first. Always know where your box cutter is so you can actually open your boxes and unpack. I will never forget my first install with Amber Interiors and we shipped boxes to Connecticut and couldn’t open them because we didn’t mark the box with our toolkit. Amateur hour!!!!
I finally got a Miele Vacuum and have never looked back. I got the ‘entry level’ and it’s perfect for my space. It works wonders on hardwood floors, great on low pile rugs. I’ve used fancier Miele versions and they are all phenomenal.
The wet mop that does wonders. I used it at my brother’s house and couldn’t believe how efficient this is. So easy to use and it’s shocking how dirty your floors are.
A toolkit and power drill! Ladies, it’s sexy to own and know how to use these things. I’m a Dewalt Power Drill girl (and don’t forget the bits!!). There’s too many things you need in a toolkit and now i’m going to go down a rabbit hole and write down all the must-haves later. Start with getting a legit toolbox.
Light bulbs! If you’re in a small space and want lovely warm lighting, keep the wattage low, get soft white, and make sure they are dimmable. I added a handful of my favorite lighting options here.
Batteries, flashlight, headlamp. Have these ready to go at all times! I was so thankful I had all three of these ready when I had to evacuate my house during the Eaton Fire.
Felt pads! Put them on the bottom of all your furniture and the back of art and mirrors when you move in.
Power strips, especially the flat surge protector for behind furniture! And extension cords.
I have these mini stools in every closet and room. Never knew how much I need these!
I’m well-equipped with air purifiers post-fires and swear by them now. I have heavier duty ones in my larger spaces, as well as this smaller one in my bedroom. I don’t like white noise and it’s quiet enough that I don’t notice it!
There is much more is listed on my Amazon Storefront. All the random things like a hook for your razor in the shower, a sponge caddy for the kitchen sink, etc. etc.
Kitchen
These William Sonoma dish towels and oven mitts are tried and true the best. This time I got lemon yellow because my kitchen is yellow :)
Stainless steel: All-Clad
Nonstick: Material Kitchen (code: CatMaterial for 20% off)
I am a Le Creuset girl through and through
Knives: Material Kitchen + Stand (code: CatMaterial for 20% off)
I finally splurged on a Moccamaster and my mornings will never be the same. Worth every penny. I also have this Delonghi Espresso Machine. The irony is that now I make matcha everyday now.
I’ve tried so many food storage containers and I go back to these every single time. And these are my favorite for overnight oats, soup, etc.
I always get these glass pump bottles for dish soap so I don’t have to look at ugly containers on my kitchen counter :)
Pot and pan holder rack, option 1 and option 2. I can never stack my pots and pans again.
Spice drawer organizer, option 1 and option 2. The chicest of all though, is evermill.
Wayyyyy more of my kitchen stuff here. All the random things like dish scrapers, a meat thermometer, etc. etc.
Dinnerware + Drinkware
The most timeless white plates are Apilco. They are sturdy and will last forever.
I currently have multiple sets of plates (oops), both vintage and new, and was gifted these gorgeous white plates that I love. Here are the matching pasta bowls that I use daily.
An entire cabinet filled with Ginori Oriente Italiano would be lovely.
I love these simple glasses. The Icon Juice Glasses are super cute (my favorites are: the apples, the cherries, the bees, the red hearts).
These classic wine glasses and martini glasses. I have, no joke, 40-ish wine glasses and at least 20 martini glasses.
This polishing cloth for glassware (no streaks!!) is the best.
You can never have enough wine foil cutters or bottle stoppers.
Most of my favorite vintage drinkware is from Bar Keeper in Silverlake. You can get every gadget for your bar here and they have a delicious selection of small batch spirits. It’s one of my favorite stores in LA.
Storage + Organization + Closet
This wine glass storage box is amazing. I have 5+ of them and keep them in my garage. It comes in different sizes for plates, platters, etc.
I have a ton of these bins that come in multiple shapes and sizes. I use them for extra beauty products, under sink storage, extra toilet paper, etc.
I swore by this handheld steamer ($26) for years which is especially great if you don’t have a ton of storage space, but I was ready for an upgrade so I got this standing steamer.
Got this rec from the organizing queen Jen Robin. A baseball hat organizer! Genius.
I love my laundry hamper.
Simplehuman has always been my go to waste bin (for my kitchen). I have this smaller one for my bathroom.
This is a great multipurpose storage bin. I used them to store cashmere clothing (damn moths) or winter clothing. And I used these to pack all my linens and blankets for the recent move.
Speaking of moths. Hang these in your closet or death by moth!!
These compression storage bags are a necessity, especially for moving and storage. Use them for blankets, pillows, winter clothes… I have at least 6 of them.
I use these in my bathroom + junk drawers and I also have these, which are a little nicer/thicker.
I use this lazy susan in my kitchen cupboards with all my oils, vinegars, etc.
I use these glass jars for laundry detergent powder, bath salts, etc. Makes everything prettier :)
Felt hangers save so much room! Get these hangers and hangers with clips.
Window Treatments
The Cast Iron hardware collection from Pottery Barn is the real deal. I’ve owned mine now for five years, are still in perfect condition, and have worked in every home. It depends on the style of your home, but I have the ball finials (I love the tapered finial, too)
I have the Belgian Flax Linen Curtains in Dark Flax with the light filtering lining. The weight on them is luxurious and I think they are the *perfect* neutral curtain.
Bathroom
These bath towels, bath sheets, wash cloths, changed my life. Truly the plushest, coziest towels ever. No notes, aside from the fact that I will never buy anything else. Tons of colors. I have Chiffon.
I keep coming back to these towel hooks, towel ring, and towel bar. The quality is amazing and they are so affordable.
This is the best electric toothbrush I’ve ever used. I finally swapped to this recently and regret wasting time trying all those chic ones. oral-b forever!
I love my bathmats. They are so plush and soft. Here’s another one I love if you’re looking for a low pile version.
Always have backup toothbrushes.
More of my bath + beauty must haves here!
Bedroom
Bedding + Sheets: I’ve tried a lot and I always go back to this set from target. I don’t know what to tell you, it’s affordable and so comfortable. I have two sets in white on rotation.
I have these down pillows from Parachute and love them. All my decorative pillows in my house are from Shoppe Amber Interiors, of course.
I love my down insert from Parachute that i’ve used for years
This bed skirt is so cute!!
Everything else in my bedroom (rug, nightstands, dresser, mirror) is vintage
Office
I’m sitting in this chic and comfortable desk chair as I type.
I have a pretty big office space and I wanted a big desk that blended in. I looove how simple it is.
I finally upgraded to a new second screen monitor. This is so thin, so light, and pretty!
I tried to get Apple knockoffs to save money, but I ended up returning everything and got the Apple keyboard and mouse :) I really tried, but there’s just no comparison.
My laptop is propped on this.
This mouse pad is great and only.
I am anti-seeing-cables! Also these for cords.
I always keep a can of compressed air to clean out my keyboards and screen cleaning spray in a drawer.
More of my office things here!
Lighting
I love night lights!! Especially in hallways and bathrooms. No one wants to walk into a wall in the middle of the night. This is a pack of 4 for $9
I have this desk lamp in polished nickel and it’s gorgeous.
I have this on my nightside table. The quality is impressive.
While I would love a Louis Poulsen table lamp, my budget is more here.
More Random Things
I’ve gotten a lot of frames for great prices here. Anthropologie also has the cutest and affordable frames (here, here). I always get one and hang onto them for years and years. They are super cute for housewarming gifts too!!
I love this non-toxic laundry detergent. Also, iykyk: grandma’s secret spot remover is the holy grail.
Do you know you need to clean your dishwasher and washing machine regularly?
My tried and true clear glass candle stick holders ($22 for a set of 12!). Here are all my entertaining must haves.
I have so many microfiber cloths for cleaning. You just need them!
Things I want but definitely don’t need.
I love champagne and/or sparkling wine and need new glasses. Can’t decide between these sophie lou jacobson coupes or flutes?
This Ichendorf Milano olive oil dispenser via Big Night <3
This tea set.
OK! That’s it for now. I’ll continually update!
Love, Cat
I'm moving for the first time in a few years this fall (also a one woman show with the support of family + friends!), THANK YOU for this extensive list! I know I'll be referencing this list countless times over the coming months.