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 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 hard to keep anything under control! … Which is why, when you finally get yourself (and your family?) into your new home 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 consideration, 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 stay fresh, hygienic, and looking good
- towels (also maybe washcloths or loofahs or some such items, depending on your preference)
- Kitchen/Meal Essentials
- A few non-perishable foods, just in case your fridge or freezer isn’t hooked up yet – snacks, canned goods, and other such things
- Plastic or paper plates, cups, utensils, paper towels or napkins (Even if you prefer having food delivered to preparing it in your new home that night, you’ll undoubtedly want something with which to eat and drink besides your hands!)
- Personal Items
- Enough clothes for a day or two (Keep it simple … unless you figure 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 connected already, so you can skip bringing along DVDs or Blu-rays. You know you’ve been looking 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 sufficiently entertained. It is, after all, for just one night … or so!)
- First Aid and Medications
- There are scores of practical, inexpensive but properly stocked first aid kits on the market. Get one!
- You’ll also want to carry with you any prescription medications you or your family members take. Aspirin (or some other over-the-counter painkiller) would be invaluable as well.
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.
