Moving takes a lot of energy and effort. It requires a person to be very organized, too. When packing your belongings for a move, you won’t want to forget to include a First-Night Box. It will see you through your very first night in your new home.

What is a First-Night Box?

A First-Night Box is exactly what it sounds like, a box that contains the items that you would need the first night that you stay in your new home. It’s packed inside your vehicle with you so that it doesn’t get lost in the stacks of boxes the movers brought in.

Why Pack a First-Night Box?

A First-Night Box alleviates stress by providing you with the things you need to get your day started. With everything you own packed in various boxes and placed throughout your house or apartment, you’d make yourself crazy looking for specific items. When you think to pack a box for your first night, you eliminate the need to do that because everything is stored in one convenient place.

What Items are Considered Essentials?

Here are 15 essentials you want to include in your First-Night Box:

1. Toilet paper. This is a no-brainer. You’ll need it more than anything else you think to pack. 
2. Garbage bags. They will be among the most versatile things that you pack. You could use them to carry items, cover things if it rains, or to pull trash duty. 
3. A manual can opener. If you plan on making any meal that comes in a can, you’ll need this to open it. Think soup, canned pasta, and even fruit.  
4. Dish soap. For quick clean-up. A few squirts can take care of many dirty surfaces and dishes. 
5. First Aid Kit. In the event of an emergency, this will be a true lifesaver. You can treat minor cuts, scrapes, and burns with what you have in your kit. 
6. A spare set of house–keys. What if you lock the only set you have in your vehicle or inside the house or apartment? It’s costly to have a locksmith come out and retrieve them for you.  
7. Snacks and beverages. This will tide you over until you can get to the grocery store. It will also help you stick to a routine with your kids. 
8. Medications. If anyone in your family takes prescription medications, they need to be carried with you. You don’t want to risk them being packed away in another box. 
9. Shower curtain. That way everyone can get cleaned up without splashing water on the floor. It’s especially important if you need to return to work right away. 
10. Towels. You’ll want one for each member of the family. That way they have a towel until you can get to the ones packed. 
11. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Again, this is for cleanliness. Taking a shower after a long day helps relax you. 
12. A change of clothing for everyone in the family. This includes your spouse and kids. Have them wear the shoes they have on, so you don’t have to pack another pair.  
13. Information about the utility companies you need to contact. Include phone numbers so you can reach them quickly. 
14. A tool-kit. It helps you put together furniture fast. 
15. Important records. You don’t want to risk losing these so make sure to keep a folder with them in it in your box.

Your First-Night Box provides you with everything you need to get through your first night comfortably and without issues. You’ll wake up from a good night’s sleep and be ready to unpack all those boxes. Because you thought to put together a First-Night Box, you won’t lose valuable time searching for things like your family’s toothbrushes or your spare phone charger.

Moving can be an overwhelming process. The chore of packing alone takes a mental, as well as a physical, toll. Fortunately, there are several ways to make packing easier, so you’re all ready to roll when the big day is finally here.

Wrap everything well

Now is not the time to worry about using too much wrapping material. If you don’t provide sufficient cushioning to protect your belongings, you’re only setting yourself up for heartbreak down the road.

Fear not, though – many household items can be repurposed into packing material. Use cotton balls or toilet paper to cushion makeup compacts or small jewelry boxes with mirrors. Wrap dinnerware in shirts from the closet. Cover any liquid supplies with plastic wrap to avoid leakage. Newspapers also provide good support, but be careful – the ink may leave stains. Wrap knives and other sharp objects in oven mitts or potholders.

Maximize space by vacuum-sealing clothing

Vacuum seal bags are available at online retailers such as Amazon, and are well worth the cost. Your clothing will pack neatly and efficiently, freeing up much-needed box space.

Mark boxes clearly

If possible, get a different size or style of box for every room of the house — or better yet, color code them so you know exactly where to put each box when moving in. Colored labels can be found at several online retailers, such as the Container Store. Whether this is an option or not, be certain to label boxes on the side, so you can tell their destination without moving any from the stack.

Pack a suitcase with essentials

Gather everything you’ll need for the first day or two, and put it in an overnight bag or suitcase that you can transport in your vehicle or the cab of the moving van. This will eliminate the need to paw through boxes on your first night in the new house.

Place sheets or towels underneath heavy furniture

This will make moving bulkier objects, like sofas or heavy chairs, that much simpler. Use older linens that you don’t mind parting with, in case they become badly soiled or torn in the move.

Use plastic bags for hardware

For furniture that needs to be disassembled before moving — such as tables or bed frames — gather all screws and washers in a plastic bag, then tie the bag to one of the legs or another part of the frame. This way, you’ll have everything you need for reassembly right at your fingertips.

Defrost the refrigerator early

Pack everything from the fridge in coolers, and defrost the unit at least a day before the move. This will eliminate the risk of leakage and potential foul smells. For more tips on defrosting, try this website.

Following these tips will make moving day a pleasure, rather than a hassle. Best of luck to you in your new home!