Congratulations, it’s almost time for your first night in your new home! Moving house is a huge task, and it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed with all the things you need to remember.
You don’t want to spend the first night in your new home searching through boxes trying to remember where you packed something you need, so it’s a good idea to have a first night box or pack that contains all the essentials for those first few hours. To make your first night in your new home as smooth as possible, use our first night checklist to help you narrow down those moving day must-haves.
Toiletries
Think about the toiletries you’ll need for the first night and the first morning in your new home to save rummaging in boxes. You might want to consider
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Soap
Shampoo and other hair care products
Toilet paper
Bedding & Towels
Make sure you have towels and bedding for each member of your household so that everyone can clean up and have somewhere comfortable to sleep after a long day of moving.
Snacks
You’ll likely be exhausted after a long day of moving and unpacking, so having some snacks on hand can help you refuel during this time. Pack things like chips, crackers, granola bars, water and other healthy drinks to get you through the night.
Coffee, tea or your favorite refreshment
Looking forward to your first sip of coffee or tea in your new kitchen? Well make sure it’s easy to find! Even if you’re an avid tea or coffee drinker, it can be easy to forget the basics until you need them. To avoid having to run to the nearest store on moving night, pack a few teabags and/or instant coffees just in case you want some additional energy for the night ahead or the next morning.
Of course if you forget to pack your snacks and drinks (or, let’s be honest, you’ve finished them within the first few hours) you can use services like Deliveroo and JustEat to order what you need to your door. If you’ve moved to a different location and you’re not familiar with the services in your area, be sure to do your research and find out which offers the best service for you (our reviews can help with that).
Cooking essentials
If you still have the energy to cook after the excitement of moving day, you’ll want to make sure you have the essentials for your meal in your first night box. Include items that will make your first meal in your new home easier to prepare such as
Plates
Napkins
Cutlery
Cups
Mugs
Clean, comfortable clothes
You’ll probably be exhausted after moving day and one of the best ways to unwind is changing into something clean and comfortable. That’s why including changes of clothing for yourself and each member of the household is a good idea. Think about the temperature in your house and consider whether you should bring warmer or lighter options.
Pajamas or something comfortable to sleep in
Don’t forget to pack something comfortable to sleep in on your first night so you can enjoy a restful night’s sleep after a busy day and wake up refreshed.
First aid supplies
While we all hope we never have to use them, it’s always best to have first aid supplied to hand just in case. Consider items like any medication you might need in case of an emergency, painkillers and antihistamines, bandaids and bandages.
Toolkit and flashlight (and extra batteries)
Having a small bundle of tools will help you deal with any small issues you find as quickly as possible. Consider items like a hammer, screwdriver, pliers and a flashlight.
Cleaning supplies
While cleaning your new house from top to bottom is unlikely to be on your list of priorities on your first night, it’s worth packing a few sponges, cloths and cleaning products so you can wipe down surfaces if needed before unpacking boxes.
Entertainment
Relaxing in front of the TV might be the perfect scenario for you on your first night. But if that doesn’t appeal to you, or you haven’t got everything set up yet, think about what else you’ll do to unwind. You might want to pack some entertainment like a good book, a pack of cards or a few board games so you can enjoy your first evening in your new home without having to venture out immediately.
Electronics chargers
Last but certainly not least, don't forget to pack electronic chargers including phone chargers, laptop chargers and anything else you might need for the first night in your new home.
And there you have it- you’re comprehensive first night box with all the essentials. By being prepared, you’ll make sure you have everything you need when you arrive at your new house, including some comforts to make your transition into a new home as easy as possible. When you’re ready, read our move-in checklist to help you turn your new house into your perfect home. Happy packing!
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