The First Night: How to Pack a Moving Day Survival Kit for Your New Home
Packing for a move? Before you pack all those boxes for your moving company to transport, save yourself lots of time and hassle by learning what movers will not move.
Your first night in a new home can range from hectic to downright chaotic so it’s important to prepare as much as possible. While most of us research everything from packing tips to how to hire the right moving company, we forget one small yet crucial detail - the first night moving survival kit.
Your first night in your new home will most likely look like an endless sea of unopened boxes, uninstalled electronics and unassembled furniture. Given this disorderly scenario, it’s important to have and know what to pack in your moving day survival kit. Not only will this make your first night run smoother, you’ll be refreshed and ready for more unpacking the next morning!
1. Air Mattress & Bedding
Unless you’re moving into a furnished home, the most important requirement for a comfortable night after a long day of moving is a place to rest your head. While some people opt to sleep on a hard floor, we recommend packing an air mattress along with sheets and pillows inside your first night survival kit. The last thing you need is a restless night’s sleep when you have another full day of cleaning and unpacking ahead. An air mattress is the next best thing to the comfort of your own bed and can come in handy for future use as well.
2. Towels & Toiletries
Even though you’ve mostly likely boxed up an abundance of towels and toiletries already, it’s safe to say that you won’t have the time or energy to search through your boxes on the first night. Hence, make sure to pack an extra supply of travel-sized toiletries, towels and PJ’s in your moving day survival kit. Check out the list of essentials below so that you don’t miss a thing!
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Deodorant.
- Soap, shampoo and conditioner.
- Toilet paper.
- Lotion
3. Non-Perishable Foods
While it’s true that most moving companies will not move perishable food items for reasons such as spillage and spoilage, that shouldn’t stop you from packing a few non-perishable foods to enjoy on your first night. Since your refrigerator may not be up and running as well, make sure to include packaged snacks and canned drinks to munch on throughout the day. Also, don’t forget to include plastic plates and cutlery. But when it comes to full meals, we recommend treating yourself to take-out!
4. Emergency First-Aid Kit
You may not want to think about needing emergency medical supplies during a hectic time like moving day but it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. Moving, lifting and cutting boxes open can result in small scrapes and bruises so make sure to include band-aids, Neosporin, pain medication and hot pads in your first night emergency supplies kit.
When it comes to packing for a big move, it’s important to consider your first night in your new home. Since moving day is already a hectic process, packing a first night survival kit will ensure that your first night will be a breeze.
Now that you’re all set for your first night, what about your first month after a big move? Check out SmartMove’s comprehensive, week-by-week breakdown of the most vital move-in tasks to remember during your first month in a new home.
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