A checklist for preparing your home for a move to emergency shelter

31 August 2025

Transitioning from your current living situation to an emergency shelter is an overwhelming experience that demands foresight, organization, and emotional resilience. However, by following a structured approach, you can ensure that your move is as smooth and safe as possible, preserving your dignity and protecting essential items for you and your family. The following guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to help you prepare your home effectively before departure, ensuring that every necessary step is taken to support your transition to a new, temporary living arrangement.

The First Step: Documentation and Identification

Before you begin packing a single box, the most critical task is to secure your legal right to occupy the shelter and your family's identity. Without proper documentation, you risk being turned away at the intake desk or facing difficulties when registering with services. Gather all identification documents, including birth certificates, driver's licenses, and Social Security cards for every member of your household. If you are a victim of domestic violence, ensure you have your protective orders and police reports readily available, as these are often required for shelter admission in many jurisdictions.

Inventory Your Belongings and Prioritize What Matters

Once your documents are secured, you must take a hard look at what can and cannot be moved. Emergency shelters typically have strict rules regarding the number and size of boxes allowed, as well as what items are permitted inside the facility. You should create a detailed inventory of your current possessions, distinguishing between "essential" items and non-essentials. Essential items include medications, a change of clothes, a small first-aid kit, and any specific medical devices your family members require. Non-essential items like furniture, dishes, or sentimental photos should be left behind unless the shelter explicitly states they are allowed.

Categorizing Essentials for Safe Transport

To avoid confusion during the chaotic process of packing, it is highly recommended to categorize your items into specific groups using distinct bags or containers. This system ensures that nothing vital is lost in the shuffle. Follow this categorization strategy to streamline the packing process:

Medical Supplies: Keep all prescriptions, medical records, and necessary equipment (such as insulin pumps or oxygen concentrators) in a clearly labeled, waterproof bag that travels with you at all times. Never leave these in a shared box.
Hygiene and Personal Care: Pack a "night before" kit containing toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, and basic toiletries. This ensures you have what you need the moment you arrive at the shelter and do not have to wait days for laundry or hygiene kits.
Comfort and Sleep: Bring a lightweight sleeping bag, pillow, and any specific comfort items that are crucial for your family's mental well-being. A simple blanket or a favorite stuffed animal can make a significant difference in a temporary living space.
Emergency Cash and Contact Info: Store a small amount of cash in a secure envelope and a list of emergency contacts (including non-local numbers) in your phone or a wallet. This covers situations where digital payment methods may fail or connectivity is lost.

Securing the Home and Notifying Utilities

While you are preparing to leave, you must take immediate steps to secure your home from unauthorized entry and address utility concerns. If you are evicted suddenly, you may not have the opportunity to remove all personal property, so consider requesting a change of lock or changing the lock combination to prevent others from entering your space. It is also vital to contact your utility providers—electric, gas, water, and internet—to freeze your accounts or cancel services to avoid accumulating debt while you are in a shelter.

Many shelters require you to sign a lease agreement for the duration of your stay, which may limit your ability to keep certain items or impose restrictions on guests. Read these terms carefully before packing. Additionally, consider making a digital copy of important documents and storing them in a secure cloud service or on an external hard drive that you can carry, in case physical documents are lost or damaged during the move.

Emotional Preparation and Family Communication

Moving to a shelter involves more than just logistics; it requires an emotional adjustment that can be difficult for children and adults alike. Take time to sit down with your family and discuss the changes that are coming. Explain what a shelter is, what to expect regarding daily routines, and how you will handle rules and restrictions. Reassure them that you are doing this to keep everyone safe and that you will work together to make the best of the situation.

Create a visual schedule or a simple daily routine plan to help your family feel more in control of their environment. Establishing a sense of normalcy, even in temporary quarters, can reduce anxiety and promote stability. Remember that the shelter is a place of refuge, not the end of your story, and maintaining hope and cooperation among family members is the key to navigating this challenging transition successfully.