Pack an “Open Me First” Box 
Regardless of how thoroughly you planned – you did properly plan for your move, right? –
moving a household can be very chaotic. People and boxes and vehicles and this and that and the other are always coming and going and going and coming and – whew! It’s a bear to keep your wits about you! … Which is why, when you finally get yourself (and your family?) into your new home and all the unpacked boxes are strewn around with all your stuff still in ’em, you’ll need something handy to help you through your first night.
The most useful “something” to have is an “Open Me First” box. Of course, that’s where good planning comes in. If you’ve given it some forethought, you’ll have crammed your first-night “Open Me First” box with …
- Toiletries
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, shavers, skin lotion, and [[whatever else helps you maintain your hygiene and appearance
- towels (also maybe washcloths or loofahs or some such items, depending on your preference)
- Kitchen/Meal Essentials
- A selection of non-perishable foods, as your fridge or freezer isn’t likely to be hooked up yet – snacks, canned goods, and so forth
- Plastic or paper plates, cups, utensils, paper towels or napkins (Even if you’d rather order out than cook, you’ll likely want something with which to eat and drink besides your hands!)
- Personal Items
- Only enough clothing to get you through the next day or so (Keep it simple … unless you plan on attending a Grand Ball your first night in!)
- Cell phone and other chargers
- Entertainment
- Cards
- Board Games
- Books and magazines
- (Your TV and entertainment system probably won’t be up and running yet, so you can skip bringing along DVDs or Blu-rays. You know you’ve been wanting a few minutes to finish reading that new novel, anyway. And if you’ve got kids, the cards or board games should keep them well enough occupied. It is, after all, for just one night … or so!)
- First Aid and Medications
- There are lots of small, inexpensive but well-equipped first aid kits out there. Get one!
- Don’t forget to carry with you any prescription medications you or your family members take. Aspirin (or some other over-the-counter painkiller) would be a good idea too.
Keep in mind: the better you plan and the earlier you do it, the smoother your move will go. And the better your first night will be in your new home.
