Pack an “Open Me First” Box 
Even with the most thorough planning – 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 tough to keep your wits about you! … Which is why, when you finally get yourself (and your family?) into your new home and all the unopened boxes are sitting 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 consideration, you’ll have stuffed 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, should your fridge or freezer not be 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
- A day or two’s worth of clothes (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 may not be set up 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 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-provisioned first aid kits out there. Get one!
- Don’t forget to bring along any prescription medications you or your family members take. Aspirin (or some other over-the-counter painkiller) would be invaluable too.
Remember: the better you plan and the quicker you do it, the smoother your move will go. And the better your first night will be in your new home.
