First Night Move In Checklist

Ross Sapir

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People want the first night they spend in their new home to be as comfortable as possible. After the movers leave and your family is finally getting settled, you will need access to a few essentials for the first night after a move. 

When packing for a move, it is important to reserve a few boxes and mark them, “Move-In.” The purpose of these boxes is so that you have what you need close at hand on the first night after your move.

These boxes will be the last ones loaded onto the moving truck and the first ones unloaded at your new residence. Below we will discuss how you should organize your move-in boxes and what should go in them. Use this first night move-in box checklist to prepare your family for its first night in a new home. 

Pack a move-in box for everyone

Every member of your family will require something different in their move-in box. This step might even require individual luggage or overnight bags instead of boxes. If you are flying to your new destination, such as NYC, then this will be your only first night move-in option.

Be sure to include the essential items that each member of your family will need on the first night after your move. This will include medication, clothing, toiletries, and other essentials. 

And make sure you remember your pets! Pack their medication, food and toys in their own first night move-in box. 

Prepare a move-in box full of staples

Staples can be easy to forget in the chaos before moving day. You will probably throw most of them in a box when you are packing your kitchen and never think twice about it. 

But staples are essential for the first night after moving into your new home. You will need things to clean floors and fixtures, throw away trash, and to help you unpack. Here are some things you should pack in your move-in box of staples:

• Toilet paper
• Soap
• Trash bags
• Box cutter
• Paper towels
• Shower curtain
• Cleaning rags
• Mops and brooms
• Dust pan

Professional Tip: You will want to clean areas of your new home or apartment before unpacking your items, so always remember to pack a staples box.

Food and drinks

We cannot stress enough how important it is to eat and drink food and water during and after moving day. When people are frantically fixated on their move, sometimes they forgo eating. This only adds to the stress and anxiety of moving day. 

Your kitchen may not be set up and unpacked the first night you are in your new home. This is why you need to pack a first night move-in box with food and drinks for everyone. Keep in mind that your fridge and microwave may not be available on your first night.

Here are some essential food and drink items to reserve in a move-in box: 

• Non-perishable items
• Beef jerky
• Coffee
• Instant breakfast
• Tuna fish
• Lunchables 
• Bottles of water
• Peanut butter 
• Bread

It is a good idea to plan to have food delivered to your new home for the first night you are there. Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats are perfect after your move is complete. 

Essential bedroom supplies

Items like bedding and pillows can get lost in the sea of boxes if you do not include them in your special move-in boxes. You will spend all night looking for bedtime essentials instead of getting some much-need rest. 

Pack a first night move-in box with pillows, bedding, and sleep machines for everyone. Children especially need nighttime comforts and they will already feel wary of sleeping in a strange place for the first time. 

Air mattresses might be necessary if your mattresses or beds are being delivered later. And dog beds and cat beds are another essential item to include in your first night move-in boxes. 

Plan for a change of plans

This final first night move-in box should include things that you will need in case something goes wrong. Bumps and bruises are inevitable, and you should plan for a change of plans after your move. 

Here are some things to pack in this move-in box: 

• Emergency first-aid kit
• Prescription medication
• Phone chargers and other chargers
• iPads for kids
• Laptops

Professional tip: Make sure these first night move-in boxes are labeled as such and are loaded last by your professional movers. That way you will have them first at your new home.

Take the stress out of moving

Hiring professional movers really is the easiest way to take the stress out of moving. They have the knowledge and expertise to safely pack your items and transport them to your new location. You will especially want to hire professional movers in NYC because moving in the city is difficult. 

Hiring an NYC moving company to handle your transfer will allow you to focus on more important things like your family. Use this first night moving box checklist to make sure they get everything they need in your new home.