The Wheaton Blog

The “First Night Moving Box” Checklist

December 12, 2023 | Packing How Tos, Preparing for Your Move

Moving into a new home can feel chaotic. With moving boxes strewn about, it can be tough to find your essential items. So, how can you avoid playing a game of hide and seek with your toothbrush, body wash and snacks? The solution is packing a “first night moving box.” 

What is a First Night Moving Box? 

A first night moving box is a box, bag or container packed with move-in essentials that you may need during the first night in your new home. The first night box ensures that crucial items like toiletries, kitchen necessities, personal items and more are easily accessible.

What to Pack in Your First Night Box

The moving experts at Wheaton have put together a checklist for which items you should put in your moving essentials box: 

Toiletries 

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste. One of the last things you want to do when you move into your new home is lose track of your toothbrush and toothpaste. Packing these items will help you stay on top of your daily hygiene. 
  • Soap, shampoo and conditioner. After a long day of moving, you’re going to want to shower. Keeping these items close by will keep you from searching through every box in your house or running out to the store to purchase items you already own but can’t find. 
  • Bathroom essentials. For the first night in your home, you will need items like towels and toilet paper.

Kitchen Necessities

  • Non-perishable items. During the first night in your home, especially if it’s a brand new build, you might not have your refrigerator and freezer running. Having a number of non-perishable food items on hand will ensure that you will have something to eat while setting up your new home.
  • Plastic plates and utensils. You will need some plastic plates, cups and utensils. This will keep you from digging for dishes every time you want to eat or drink something. 

Personal Items

  • Clothing. It may take you a few days to get completely unpacked and situated in your new home. Because of this, you should include a couple days’ worth of weather- and activity-appropriate clothing in your first night box. 
  • Electronics. After a long day of moving, devices like your mobile phone and tablet will likely need charging. Include all your chargers in your first night box.

Entertainment

  • Books. To avoid boredom, you may want to include a few books to keep you busy when you’re not unpacking or setting up your new home.
  • Board Games. Board games are a great way to get all family members interacting. This will help fight off moving blues. 

Emergency Materials

  • First aid kit. Having a first aid kit in your first night box will make patching up the little scrapes and bruises that often come with moving much easier.
  • Box cutter. During your first few nights, you will spend a great deal of your time unpacking. A handy box cutter will help speed up the unpacking process.
  • Medication. Moving requires a lot of hard work and heavy lifting, meaning you may have a few aches and pains. Packing medications along for the ride will help ease the pain you may experience during your move.

You Take the First Night Box. We’ll Take the Rest. 

Having your first night box packed and ready to go will help make your relocation experience smoother. Moving doesn’t have to be a daunting task when you have the right help. Wheaton World Wide can make your move as seamless as possible. Ready to get started? If you’re moving out of state, request a free estimate. If you’re moving within state lines, find your local agent to get started.

Share This Post

Back to Top