Congratulations! You’ve officially moved into a new house, and it’s time to start turning it into your home. The first night is exciting, but it can also be equally frustrating. After all, all of your belongings are packed away in boxes.
Fortunately, with a little preparation before moving day, you can have everything you need for those first 24 hours to be enjoyable and efficient. All you need is this checklist.
Separate the Essentials
As you’re packing up your belongings, dedicate a box or two to essentials. Include everything you’ll need to unpack and move into your new home efficiently. Clearly label this box and place it in an easy-to-access place, so you can unpack it right away. Here are some things to include:
- Extra light bulbs and flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Cleaning supplies
- Paper plates, utensils and cups
- Bedding
- Towels
- Paper towels
- Garbage bags
Pack an Overnight Bag
Whether a bag or a clearly labeled box, pack like you’re heading on an overnight vacation. Include everything you’ll need for the first night and morning in your new home, such as:
- A Toothbrush (and tooth paste)
- Pajamas
- Clean clothes
- Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash
- Hair products
- Medications
- Cell phone chargers
24-Hour Survival Kit
Ordering pizza is a moving day classic, but you may find yourself hungry for a snack throughout the move, into the night or into the next morning. Pack a little survival kit to ensure you can keep your energy levels up, your health great and your mood even better as you unpack. Some things to include are:
- Protein bars
- Water bottles
- Trail Mix
- Dry cereal
- First aid kit
- Pain relievers
- Non-perishable food items
Temporary Furnishings
As you move into your home, your bed will likely be wrapped and leaned up against a wall; your shower won’t have a curtain and your windows will be wide open. With all of your valuables being out in the open, you want to have a way to cover up the windows as soon as possible. You also want to increase your comfort without having to dig through boxes or put together massive pieces of furniture. So pack temporary furnishes in a separate box, and include things such as:
- An air mattress
- Fan
- Shower curtain
- Window curtains or sheets that can on the windows
- Sleeping bags
- Pillows
- Charging bank for your electronics
Handyman Box
If there’s one thing you’ll always need when moving into a new home, it’s tools. While you may not need them on the first night, you will certainly need tools within the first 24 hours in your new home. So, have a handyman box packed and ready. If you have a toolbox, just make sure the following are inside:
- A Drill
- A Screw driver
- A Hammer
- Hanging hardware
- Pliers
- New door locks
For the Furry Friends
If you have pets in your household, you’ll need to pack a box separate for them. It’s easy to assume that all you need on-hand is a leash and some poop bags. However, you’ll quickly find yourself scrimmaging through boxes trying to find your pets belongings to keep them safe and entertained. Here are some things to include:
- Leashes, collars and poop bags
- Food and water dish
- Food and water
- Toys
- Bed
- Medications
- Crate or cage
With this checklist, you have everything you’ll need for the first night in your home. Now it’s just time for you to change the locks with your handyman box, hang some curtains for privacy and call it a night in your makeshift bedroom.
