As you prepare for your move, do your future self a favor and pack a first-night box. This is going to be your survival kit for the first few days to a week after arrival at your new home.
In these early days, when everything is new, and you may be fatigued, the more you plan ahead, the smoother the transition will be for you and your family. Your plan must include a first-night box.
With over a century of experience in the field, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the first night box to avoid stress.
What’s a First Night Box?
Also called an Open First Box, it’s a box filled with all the essentials you and your family will need during the first few nights in your new home to stay comfortable. Include items that help keep up routines and keep things feeling normal as you go through the transition. This is especially important if you are moving with kids and pets. You don’t want not having their favorite toy or outfit to put a dent in this exciting journey of moving.
How to Pack an Open First Box
The size of the box, or boxes, depends on your family and how many items you will need for the first few days or weeks. Just in case, pack the most urgent and valuable items in a suitcase.
To decide what to pack, review photos of the property and build a step-by-step timeline. Think through the types of situations you may encounter in the first weeks. Ask yourself how much time you will have for errands. What can your family not do without? Pack these items. Clearly label the box. Speak to your moving company and inform them of its importance so it will be loaded last and therefore be the first out of your shipment.
What to Put in an Open First Box When Moving?
Here’s a list of essentials for your first night in your new home. Use it as a checklist.
- Bed linen
- Fast-dry towels
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Disinfectant wipes
- Scissors
- Phone chargers
- Adapters
- A couple of sets of change of clothes per person
- Pajamas
- Extra undergarments (socks, underwear)
- First aid kit
- Collapsible bowl, comfort toy if moving with pets
- Comfort items, entertainment, and toys for your kids
- Non-consumable baby supplies
- Earplugs, eye mask
Before packing your first night box, run everything by your move coordinator to avoid including any items prohibited from your shipment.
Final Thoughts on Packing a First Night Box
You might wonder, what if my shipment is delayed? What if the first night box doesn’t arrive on time, and I can’t use it?
Although unpredictable situations can happen, FastPAC Forwarding offers day-specific, door-to-door deliveries. This helps make your planning and arrival at your destination seamless.
Your personal move coordinator ensures everything is in order so your first-night box is delivered straight to your door. Contact our representatives to book a free quote today.
