Plan the First Night in Your New Home

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, packing what you'll need the first night in your new home will eliminate a lot of frustration for you and your family.

Make sure the box or suitcase is clearly marked and easily accessible. Nobody desperately wants to search for diapers or toilet paper. Make a list and check off each item as you pack so no vital items get lost.

Here we have selected a list of must-have items that you will surely need the first night in your new home.

Extra Clothes

Your box or bag for the first night should include a complete set of clothing (including socks, shoes, and underwear for each person in the family). For babies and toddlers, be sure to pack more than one change of clothes because life is messy and so are toddlers. Also, add pajamas for everyone.

Medications and Medical Equipment  

Make sure you have all of this ready. Also, double check to make sure all medications and necessary medical equipment such as inhalers or glucometer are packed in your box for the first night.

First aid box

Make sure to include an antibacterial ointment for the occasional scraped knee, pain reliever ointment for unexpected encounters with insects or flying insects, and of course plenty of band-aids for all kinds of minor injuries.

Toiletries

Include toiletries, hand soap, body wash, and a small bottle of laundry detergent in your box for the first night. It looks like we are going to need several bags and boxes, doesn't it?

Tip: Pack liquid bottles in a separate waterproof container. A small plastic tub works well for this, so you don't spill shampoo or detergent all over your clothes or bedding.

Paper Articles and More

Paper towels and toilet paper for each bathroom in your new location should be available as soon as you settle in for the first night. After all, how can you survive without those items? To avoid emergency trips to the store, be sure to pack all the rolls you'll need.

And garbage bags - don't forget the garbage bags. Moving can create a lot of things that need to be thrown away. If you immediately bag it while you unpack it, it will feel more organized and your living space will look neat and tidy.

Chargers, Cables and Batteries

Connectivity essentials are a must for all of the devices that each person in your home depends on to keep in touch with the outside world. Make sure you have a power cord for your laptop and computer just in case.

What's for dinner?

There is no need to worry about food the first night in your new home. You've worked hard to organize this move, so be kind to yourself and order takeout or home delivery. It's easier for you and more fun for everyone to explore the food and restaurants near your new location.

If possible, give everyone a choice, even ordering from more than one place. Who says you can't eat Mexican food with your favorite Thai snacks or burgers and pizza? Just make sure it's a fun experience that creates a good memory for your new adventure at home.

Surely someone will be hungry before dinner. So you may want to add some snacks to your box for the first night.

Good hydration

Do not pack juices, sodas, and water bottles in boxes that will be placed in the moving van. Instead, take these drinks with you to make sure every member of the family stays happy, healthy, and well hydrated.

Essential Items for Breakfast

Remember that after your first night, morning comes. And after a long day of unpacking, you will find that morning comes too early! Unless you've already discovered that gourmet bakery down the street that offers takeout or home delivery, you'll want to have everything you need to make that special first breakfast right at your fingertips.

Items needed for breakfast may include the coffee maker, toaster or can opener, kitchen utensils such as spatulas and spoons, as well as pots and pans, and disposable plates, bowls, and silverware.

For some of us, breakfast essentials include access to our favorite news sources. If your family includes someone who believes that a move-in-ready home is complete only if the Wi-Fi works, then you will be able to check out the news sources that you depend on every day. However, in your new home, you will want to watch the news on local television and online newspapers. This will give you an idea of ​​your new community while enjoying breakfast that first morning.

Pet Plan

Another good way to learn about the neighborhood is to take your dog for a walk. Just make sure you've packed the leash and harness so that you can meet local leash and poop bag requirements so you can show off your great neighbor skills.

Any movement can be traumatic for furry friends, but they'll adjust more quickly if you pack their family items like feeders, drinkers, beds, blankets, as well as cat litter and litter boxes. Having your usual litter box available from the first moments in your new home will help establish good hygiene habits and help prevent accidents in unfamiliar surroundings.

Since a change in diet can adversely affect the digestive system, moving week is not the ideal time to introduce new and different foods into your pet's diet.

Linens and towels

Given how bulky bedding can be, this could justify a box of its own. If your family likes sleeping bags, you can opt for those instead of sheets. In this way, children can camp in their beds with lightweight sleeping bags with interior decoration, instead of sleeping bags for camping in cold weather. Every family is different, so prepare bedding that suits yours. There are no hard and fast rules here.

Creature Amenities

This could be anything from a favorite blanket or stuffed toy for your toddlers to your air purifier or whatever device you depend on for those soothing sleep sounds. We all have those little things that give us comfort and serenity. Make sure they are packaged and easily accessible so that they are easy to find when family members need them most during the first few hours in their new home.

As you prepare the contents of your boxes for the first night, you will likely add several more items to our basic checklist. Our goal was to help you get started. With lots of planning and anticipation, we know that you will be happy with your successful move. Congratulations on a job well done.