Tips to Prepare For the First Night in Your New Home

Posted on August 27, 2019

Preparing for moving day has probably sapped you of all your strength. But don’t give up just yet! You still have to prepare for how you will spend the first night in your new home. Will you have everything you need – handy? How will you make that first evening enjoyable and stress-free for the family? Read on for some tips.

Pack a “First Night” Bag For Yourself

Whether you do this a week before moving day or the night before, this is a great way to organize all of your first night essentials in one place. Without an essentials bag, you will be digging through boxes and bags when all you really want to do is relax and rest.

Here are some suggestions on what to pack in your first night bag:

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Toiletries
• Eye glasses
• Medications, prescriptions
• Chargers for phones, computers, tablets and other electronics
• Pajamas
• Extra underwear
• Clothing and outerwear for the first two days
• Shoes
• First aid kit
• Wallet and credit cards

Pack a “First Night” Bag for Kids and Pets

Moving with children and pets can make the relocation process a bit more chaotic and challenging. But when you prepare separate overnight bags for them, you can reduce your chances of forgetting something crucial. Is there anything worse than forgetting your toddler’s favorite stuff animal that they just can’t sleep without?

Here’s what to pack for the kids:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Clothing and pajamas
• Containment unit, such as a bouncy seat or pack n’ play set
• Essential toys and stuffed animals
• Books or a tablet for games
• Snacks, formula, juice, food
• Sippy cups or bottles
• Pacifiers
• Medications and first aid kit

Here’s what to pack for your pets:

• Food for a few days
• Food and water dishes
• Plastic poop bags
• Kitty litter box and scooper
• Leash
• Toys and bones for chewing
• Crate or carrier
• Blanket

Pack a Home Essentials Box

Next, it’s a good idea to pack a separate suitcase or box containing home essentials for the first few days. Packing these items now will not only save you a trip to the drug store, but it will save your sanity as well. You don’t want to get caught without trash bags or toilet paper! Here’s what to pack for the home:

• Snacks, some canned goods and dry goods
• Sheets and pillows
• Trash bags
• Bottled water
• Bath towels
• Extra batteries
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Laundry detergent
• Shower curtain
• Paper plates, utensils and cups
• Lightbulbs
• Flashlight
• Can opener
• Essential cleaning supplies, such as wipes and cleaning spray

What to Unpack the First Night

You should also plan out which items you plan to unpack that first night as well as which rooms you will start to set up. Avoid taking on too much that first night. You will be exhausted and stressed. If you unpack anything, it should be all the bedrooms first so you can at least get a good night’s sleep. After you’ve put sheets on all the beds, head to the next essential room: the kitchen. Unpack all items you will need during the first week, from the coffee machine and mugs to plates and forks.

Contact Around the Block Moving Company

A solid plan starts with hiring the right movers to keep everything organized. Contact us in Dallas or Richardson today to get a free quote.