The first-week box: bridging arrival and delivery

Why there's a gap

Moving out of Alaska usually means your belongings travel by barge, container or truck on a different schedule than you. Even if you drive the ALCAN with a loaded vehicle, most of your home is somewhere else for a while. Your mover can give you a delivery window; plan as if you'll be living out of a box for at least the length of that window.

What goes in the box

Think one week of ordinary life: a pot and pan, a few plates and utensils, a sharp knife, dish soap, a towel per person, sheets for each bed or a sleeping pad, toilet paper, basic medicines, phone chargers, a small toolkit and a box cutter.

Add the things that are hard to replace quickly: prescriptions, glasses, important documents, a few comforting items for kids and pets, and anything you'll need for work in the first days.

If you're crossing Canada

If you drive through Canada, the box rides with you across two borders. Keep documents for every traveler and pet easy to reach, and check current rules on food, plants and other items before you pack them, because what you can bring changes. When in doubt, leave fresh food out of the box and buy it after the border.

Label it so it doesn't disappear

If the box travels with your shipment instead of with you, mark it clearly and ask your mover to load it last so it comes off first. Better still, keep it in your own vehicle or checked bags. And file your change of address before you leave so mail follows you while you wait.