It’s been a long day. The moving van is loaded, Sam and his family said their goodbyes, and they drove several hours to their new home. At this point, they really just want to relax… but they can’t.
You see, in the hustle and bustle, they forgot to pack an essentials box for their first night at home. The items Sam’s family needs are scattered in boxes they haven’t yet unpacked.
Where are the sheets and blankets? What about toothbrushes and toothpaste? Little Timmy can’t sleep without Mr. Bear — which box has the stuffed animals?
Even when the move happens without a hitch, moving day is tiring. Packing a first night box ensures you have the items you need at the end of this long day. With a little planning, an essentials box or bag can transform a stressful arrival into a calm way to ease into your new home.
But what should you pack in your essentials box? In this article, we’ll walk through a first night box checklist to make your arrival as organized and stress-free as possible.
What’s a First Night Box?
A first night box (or essentials bag) contains all the must-have items you’ll need immediately after a move. This isn’t just another box — it’s a stress-saver after a long day of moving! A first night box makes certain that you have access to personal essentials, food, and comfort items without having to rummage through multiple boxes when you’re exhausted from a long day.
Why You Need a First Night Box
Moving can be a whirlwind. After a move, you may not have immediate access to all of your items. Instead of opening countless boxes, you have one go-to container with all your necessities. Whether it’s your phone charger, a quick snack, or your set of pajamas, this box makes sure everything you need that first night is easy to find.
How Many First Night Boxes Do You Need?
It’s a good idea to customize essentials boxes based on your household size and personal needs. Every move is different, but here are some things to consider as you make your first night box checklist:
- Pack Individual Boxes for Each Family Member: Everyone has unique needs. Personalize each box with individual items like personal toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes.
- One Shared Household Essentials Box: In addition to individual boxes, have a communal box stocked with shared items like kitchen supplies, several sets of sheets, extra blankets, and basic tools.
Essentials To Include in Your First Night Box
So what should you pack in your first night box?
1. Personal Items
Make sure to pack essentials to help you feel fresh and ready to tackle day two in your new home. This might include:
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and a hairbrush.
- Medications: Keep your prescriptions and any over-the-counter medications handy.
- Clothing: Pack pajamas and a change of clothes for tomorrow.
2. Food and Kitchen Supplies
Avoid the munchies or making a late-night food run with a bit of planning:
- Pack Snacks and Meals: Include easy-to-prepare snacks, a few pre-cooked meals, or ingredients for a simple dinner.
- Beverages: Stock up on water bottles and your favorite beverage.
- Basic Kitchen Tools: Consider paper plates, plastic utensils, and even a kettle and coffee supplies for your first night box checklist.
3. Bed and Bath
Prepare for a comfortable evening after a long moving day:
- Pack Bedding Essentials: Towels, sheets, pillows, and blankets.
- Shower Needs: If your new home isn’t set up quite yet, consider packing supplies like a shower curtain, toilet paper, shampoo, and soap.
4. Electronics and Tools
Need to make a few calls in the morning (or scroll Instagram)? Are you going to start unpacking and setting up first thing in the morning? Make sure you’ve got the tools you need close by:
- Chargers and Cords: Keep your phone charger, laptop charger, and extension cords easy to access.
- Emergency Supplies: Pack flashlights with extra batteries for unforeseen outages.
- Basic Tools: A box cutter, screwdriver, or any simple tool can be very helpful as you begin setting up your new home.
5. Children’s or Pets’ Needs
Remember Little Timmy and his favorite toy? If you’re moving with little ones or furry family members, make sure they have the supplies they need to feel safe and comfortable:
- For Kids: Diapers, baby formula, favorite toys, or comfort blankets.
- For Pets: Enough pet food, a leash, pet toys, and even a litter box if needed.
6. Important Documents and Valuables
Don’t forget to add important documents and valuables like jewelry to your first night box checklist! Sometimes people pack these items, but we suggest keeping them close so you have them when you need them:
- Identification: IDs, passports, and lease documents.
- Safety Items: Emergency contacts and a set of keys for your new home.
Packing Tips for Your First Night Box
A well-organized first night box checklist not only ensures you have everything you need but also makes the process of moving smoother and less stressful.
Here are some pro packing tips:
- Use a Clear Bin or Clearly Labeled Box: This helps differentiate your box from other moving boxes so that it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
- Keep It With You: Make sure the box is transported with you rather than being loaded onto the moving truck.
- Avoid Overpacking: Stick to essentials only — remember, the goal is quick access, not to pack everything but the kitchen sink!
Make the First Night in Your New Home Stress-Free
Remember Sam and his family from earlier? Let’s rewrite that first evening to make it cozy instead of chaotic. Because Sam packed a first night box for himself and his family, they were able to relax, clean up, and have a restful first night in their new home. They had pajamas, toiletries, snacks, and even Mr. Bear to help them settle in.
By preparing a first night box checklist and packing the items you need, you can set the stage for a smooth transition into your new home. With a little planning (and a great moving partner like Central by your side), you can begin this new adventure off on the right foot! Here’s to a fresh, comfortable start in your new home!
Wondering how to make your whole move streamlined and low-stress? Contact Central today!
First Night Box Checklist FAQ
Q: Should I make one box or one per person?
Ideally, prepare individual boxes that cater to each family member’s needs, along with one shared household essentials box for joint items.
Q: How do I keep first-night items from getting lost?
Use a clear or brightly labeled container and keep it with you during the move rather than packing it with the other moving boxes.
Q: What if I have young kids or a baby?
Customize your first night box checklist to include specific items such as diapers, baby formula, and comfort items like toys and blankets so that children have everything they need to feel secure and comfortable.
Q: How early should I pack the first night box?
Start packing your box well in advance — ideally a few days before your move — to avoid rushing and to ensure you remember the items you need.
Q: What should I do with the first night box after unpacking?
Once your essentials are unpacked, consider repurposing the box for storage or recycling it to reduce waste.
By taking these steps and using a first-night box checklist, you can make sure your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
