Organizing and coordinating a household move can be stressful with the many details to attend to. To reduce stress and make a first night easier, we recommend packing a “first-night” box. The purpose of this box is to ensure you’ll have everything you need upon arrival in your new home and eliminate the need of having to poke through boxes to find essential items.
To help you plan, here’s a list of common items people usually need on their first night in their new home:
1. Personal Items
Pack a couple of sets of clothing for each family member, along with PJs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair products, medications, and any other personal hygiene items you’ll need. Basically, think of your first night as a weekend getaway and pack any personal items you’d take on a short trip.
2. Electronics
Chances are your phone will be on your person during your physical move, but don’t forget additional items you might need shortly after you arrive, such as chargers, tablets/laptops, and headphones.
3. Bedroom Items
To start your first night off comfortably, plan for fresh bedding. Ahead of your move, wash and separate any sheets, pillowcases, and blankets you’ll need. (Don’t forget pillows!) If you’ve got little ones, pack any special blankets or stuffed animals they hold onto as they doze off to sleep.
4. Bathroom Necessities
It’s easy to forget items that aren’t as obvious, but ones you’ll find you really need upon arrival, like bathroom necessities. Remember to pack toilet paper, soap, hand soap, towels, washcloths, shower liner and hooks, and a bath mat.
5. Kitchen Must-Have’s
Even if you plan to order takeout your first night, you’ll still need to have a few kitchen necessities, such as glasses, coffee mugs, dishes, utensils, and napkins. You might also want to tuck in some snacks, beverages, or breakfast items so you can start your first full day in your new home without hunger pangs or needing to deal with running to the store for food. Don’t forget to pack one or two trash bags.
6. Cleaning Supplies
Even if your new home looks spotless, you’ll want to clean a few key areas for good measure. Useful items to keep on hand include disinfectant wipes, paper towels, gloves, cleaning rags, cleaners, scrub brushes, broom, and dustpan.
7. Kids’ Essentials
If you have children, especially little ones who are too small to help lift and unpack, put aside a few toys, books, art supplies (e.g., coloring books and crayons), or other play items to keep them occupied while you attend to moving details once you arrive in your new home.
Additional Tips
After inventorying your household needs, you might find you actually need more than one box for your first night. Here are some additional tips to help make a smooth move.
- Clearly label all “first-night” boxes.
- Put boxes aside, so they aren’t inadvertently packed with other belongings.
- Bring these items in your car, if possible (if not, talk to your mover about making them the last box on and the first box off the truck.
The first 24 hours of being in a new home are exciting but can be challenging when everything is still packed. Setting aside the essential items for your first night makes it easier and more comfortable.
Are you looking for a professional mover? Contact us today to learn how we can make your move a seamless one.