Packing the first-night box is a helpful step to settling in your new home without making late-night runs to the 24-hour big box store or corner market. However, it’s easy to forget a few things with all the activity of a household move.
Here are 15 first-night box items that are common for people to forget.
Bathroom Necessities
1. Toilet paper – Unlike vacation home rentals that might supply one roll, your new home will not have any.
2. Toothbrush and toothpaste – This is one of those oft-overlooked items that you assume you have – until you don’t.
3. Shower curtain and curtain hooks – If anyone wants to take a shower after a hard day’s work, it’ll be challenging to do without making a big mess on the floor without a shower curtain and hooks.
Bedroom Needs
4. Sheets – Make sure everyone has sheets for their sleeping surfaces stashed aside, so you don’t have to go digging through a mountain of boxes to find them when all anyone wants to do is sleep after moving all day.
5. Pillows/pillowcases – A good night’s rest will require pillows/pillowcases. Make sure you have enough of them in an easily accessible place.
6. Blankets – Even in the warmer months, many people want a light blanket for comfort when sleeping, and in the winter months, it’s an absolute must to make sure everyone has a blanket.
7. Pajamas – Sure, you can sleep in your clothes, but do you really want to? After a refreshing shower, everyone will want to cozy up for a good night’s rest in their PJs.
8. Special items for sleep – If the kids have a favorite blanket/stuffed toy to sleep with, make sure it’s not covered in an avalanche of boxes. If anyone needs a noise machine, stash a portable one in the overnight bag.
Kitchen Essentials
9. Plates and utensils – Plan for either disposable or your everyday items, as long as everyone has something to use to eat.
10. Cups or glasses – Can be disposable if it’s easier for your first couple of nights—alternatively, pre-buy bottles of water, seltzer, and juice boxes to have on hand.
11. Napkins and paper towels – Always good to have!
Miscellaneous Essentials
13. Power strip – Initially, it might be hard to reach the outlets with all the boxes in the rooms. Until everything you have unpacked, it’s helpful to have a central power strip for everyone to plug in their electronics.
14. Chargers – Speaking of electronics, make sure everyone has the correct charger; if you’re like many households with a mix of Android and Apple devices, you won’t be able to share.
15. Tools – It’s inevitable you’ll need to do assembly, tighten fixtures, or perform minor tasks when moving in. Having a small toolbox with the basics, including a box cutter, can be extremely helpful.
Moving Made Easy
With all the details to juggle on moving day, it’s easy to inadvertently overlook a few items that don’t stand out but are essential once you’ve arrived at your new home.
Hire professional movers to help pack, unpack, or transport your household. Contact us today for a free quote! We’re happy to answer any questions or explain our services in detail.