How to Pack a First Night Box

How to Pack a First Night Box

​Did you just purchase a new home and you’re starting to pack everything to begin the moving process? Are you wondering how you will find everything on your first night in your new home? Moving to a new home can be overwhelming but with a little planning, our first night moving box checklist should help. And trust me, you do not want to miss packing this box because depending on the size of your home and amount of your belongings, it could take weeks to unpack everything and you don’t want to be stressed looking for stuff you really need.
 
So what is a first night box? It’s a box or two of the essentials you will need for the first couple of days at your new house. I usually make one for every room for good measure, but one box or two could work if you don’t have that much stuff.  This list will help keep your move stress free.
 
The first thing to know about your first night box is to pack it in your car or truck, not the moving van. That way you will know exactly where it is upon arrival at your new home. Another thing is to label it with a bright colored tape or marker in large letters that says first night box bathroom or first night box cleaning supplies. If you’re flying or there’s no room in your vehicle for your first night box or boxes, just be sure to load them very last in the moving truck so they will be first out of the truck and the movers can set them aside somewhere for you to find first. Another great way to find your first night box easily is to pack it in a different type of box. For example, if you’re moving with cardboard boxes, put your first night box in a plastic tub or suitcase so it will be easy to identify.
 
So, what do you put in your first night box or boxes? Here are some ideas to pack for your move. Another thing to do after looking over this list is to think of stuff you use everyday, from waking to going to bed. Nobody wants to be searching for their toothbrush or their dogs favorite toy the first day at their new home.
 
CLEANING SUPPLIES
Some homes are move in ready (yay!), but some need a little TLC. This is why we urge everyone to pack some basic cleaning supplies and a couple of basic tools in your first night box.
 
Broom
Box cutter or scissors
Cleaning solution
Dish Soap
Dust Pan
Hammer
Light Bulbs
Paper towels or cleaning rags
Plastic Gloves
Screwdriver
Trash Bags
Vaccuum
 
BATHROOM
There’s nothing that will stress you out more than moving all day and then not being able to find stuff to take a shower to wash off a long day. This is why it’s a great idea to pack your essential bathroom items in your first night box.
Bath towels
Conditioner
Cosmetics
Dental floss
First aid kit
Hair Dryer
Hair Straightener or curler
Shampoo
Shower Curtain & shower curtain rings
Soap
Toilet paper
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Washrag or Loofa
 
BEDROOM
After a long day of moving, there’s nothing you want more than to fall right into bed. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack a first night box for your bedroom. And most movers will set up your bed for you if you just ask (we always do this for our customers if they say it’s ok because getting sleep during moving in is critical to stay stress free.) Be sure to add a first night box to each additional person’s bedroom too.
Air mattress (if you will arrive at your new home before your bed does)
Air mattress pump (if needed)
Blanket
Clothes for a few days
Fan or sound  machine
Mattress protector
Pajamas
Pillows
Pillowcases
Sheets
 
PETS
Bed
Bones
Crate
Food
Food and water dish
Leash or harness
Toys
Treat
 
FOOD
If you bought or are renting a home, it will hopefully have a refrigerator that is already plugged up and running. But if not, think about if you will need to keep any food cold or research places to eat in your new city, which is also a great way to get to know your new neighborhood.
Can opener
Disposable dishes such as plates, forks, spoons and cups
Easy to eat food and portable snacks such as peanut butter, chips, granola bars, beef jerkey, trail mix, crackers, etc….
Microwave
Paper towels
Sippy cups, bottles or bibs if you have children
Water
 
PERSONAL ITEMS
Chargers for electronics
Children’s tablets or books
Children’s favorite toys
Checkbooks and debit cars
Electronics such as Ipad or laptop
Extra batteries if anything you really need uses them
Important documents or files you may need for your move (insurance policies, title documents)
Medications and prescriptions
 
CHILDREN
Baby food or formula
Bibs
Blanket
Bottles
Carrier
Clothing
Pajamas
Diapers
Diaper wipes
Pacifiers
Sippy Cup
Stroller
Tablets
Toys
 
I hope this list helps keep your move stress free! Just be sure to make sure you either take these boxes in your own vehicle or pack them last on the moving truck so you can set them aside somewhere as soon as you get to your new home.
 
If you need more moving tips, check out our blog. And if you’re moving out of state or in Arkansas, give me a call for a free quote.