Open Me First Box, Its Personal
When creating a checklist for a move, one of the most often forgotten items is the “open me first” box. And while this may seem like a concept of minimal importance, it can potentially make or break your first 48 hours in your new home. There are several different moving guides and relocation tips out there. Each one has a different view on what is important to include in this “box”. There is also some dispute on whether or not you should create an “open me first” box for each room of your home. While this can be a good idea, we feel that for the sake of ease and in an effort to not have to locate all of these boxes before nodding off to sleep, we would like to suggest creating one location that will have everything you need to be comfortable.
Use a Backpack, Suit Case or Duffel Bag
Make sure that this “open me first” box doesn’t look like everything else. It is also helpful to make sure that it doesn’t travel with everything else. If possible, transport this group of things with you in your personal vehicle so that you know where it is at all times. Keeping it in the trunk of your car is recommended until the movers have left and the house has “settled down”. This way you can avoid losing track of it in times of high traffic.
Pack for 2 days
Make sure to include a change of clothes for tomorrow and the next day. This allows for some extra time to get to your unpacking as well as an additional outfit to change into in case something gets spilled on or becomes sweaty from heavy lifting. Don’t forget PJ’s and sheets for your bed as there is literally nothing worse than finally wanting to sleep and having to search for linens. It is important to include all of your toiletries in travel sizes but especially remember to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. A travel candle and lighter can be a nice touch to relax you on your first night in your new home.
Vital Forgotten Items
While this may seem obvious, toilet paper is a very important thing to make sure to have in your home throughout the moving process. Everyone involved will benefit from this item arriving first in the bathroom. Expect a long day of talking and coordinating during your move. Don’t forget to pack your cell phone charger and a pen and paper in that first box. It’s also important to make sure to bring soap, a shower curtain and a towel so that at the end of a hard day, you can easily get clean.
