Pack an “Open Me First” Box 
Even with the best of planning – 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 forever coming and going and going and coming and – whew! It’s tough to keep everything straight! … 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 ready at hand 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 attention, you’ll have crammed your first-night “Open Me First” box with …
- Toiletries
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, shavers, skin lotion, and anything else that helps you stay fresh, hygienic, and looking good
- towels (also maybe washcloths or loofahs or some such items, depending on your preference)
- Kitchen/Meal Essentials
- A selection of non-perishable foods, just in case your fridge or freezer isn’t hooked up yet – snacks, canned goods, and so forth
- Plastic or paper plates, cups, utensils, paper towels or napkins (Even if you decide not to cook but to order out, you’ll probably 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 you’ll be 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 may not be connected already, so you can skip bringing along DVDs or Blu-rays. You know you’ve been hoping for 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 entertained. It is, after all, for just one night … or so!)
- First Aid and Medications
- There are all kinds of practical, inexpensive but well-provisioned first aid kits out there. Get one!
- You’ll also want to bring along any prescription medications you or your family members take. Aspirin (or some other over-the-counter painkiller) would be prudent 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.
