Pack an “Open Me First” Box 
No matter how thoroughly you planned – you did properly plan for your move, right? –
moving a household can be uncommonly 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 tough to keep track of it all! … Which is why, when you (and your family?) are in your new home at last and all the delivered boxes are scattered around with all your stuff still in ’em, you’ll need something handy to help you through your first night.
The best “something” to have is an “Open Me First” box. Of course, that’s where good planning comes in. If you’ve given it some reflection, you’ll have loaded 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
- Various non-perishable foods, as your fridge or freezer isn’t likely to be hooked up yet – snacks, canned goods, and other such items
- 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 might not be put together already, 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 sufficiently occupied. It is, after all, for just one night … or so!)
- First Aid and Medications
- There are scores of compact, inexpensive but properly stocked first aid kits out there. Get one!
- You should also plan to take along any prescription medications you or your family members take. Aspirin (or some other over-the-counter painkiller) would be invaluable as well.
Remember: 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.
