The first night in a new house can be stressful. You will likely be exhausted from a long day of moving, the home is probably not the cleanest, boxes are everywhere, and you may feel like you are living in chaos. If you are moving with children, you will need even more items to ensure your kids are comfortable for their first night in a new place. That’s why it is so important to plan ahead and prepare everything you will need to make that first night easier. When you are packing your belongings, you definitely want to pack a few “first night boxes'' to ensure you have those essential items you will need for a successful first night. Below is a list of items you should consider packing for your first night.

Cleaning Supplies

When you arrive in your new home there’s a good chance you will want to do some basic cleaning. There’s no need to scrub floors and baseboards, but you will definitely need to do some light cleaning in order to feel settled for the night. Here are just a few basic cleaning supplies you should have on hand for that first day:

Cleaning rags

Paper towels

cleaning sprays

Gloves

Trash bags

Dish soap

Broom

Dust pan

Home Essentials

In addition to basic cleaning supplies, you will also need a few items around the house for those first couple of days. Packing these items will not only save you a trip to the grocery store, but they will help you maintain your sanity while trying to unpack and get organized. Here are a few common home essentials:

Toilet paper

Trash bags

Small bottle of laundry detergent

Light bulbs

Hammer

Screwdriver

Scissors

Box cutter

Shower curtain and hardware

Personal Essentials

It is very important to pack and organize all of your personal essentials in a box labeled “First Night” so you can easily find these important items. These are the items you will definitely need right away, so be sure you transport them in your own car. Otherwise, you could end up sifting through piles of boxes to find what you need. Here are a few of the most common personal essentials for your first night:

Extra clothes

Toiletries

Toothpaste and toothbrush

Medications

hairdryer

Pajamas

Phone and computer chargers

A few bath towels and washcloths

Tylenol or Ibuprofen (for sore muscles)

Kids and Pets Essentials

Moving with kids and pets means planning for others beside yourself. This can also make the process more challenging, which is why you should prepare and plan in advance. For younger children especially (and your pets), moving can be a stressful and scary experience so you want to be sure you have everything they will need for a successful first night.

Diapers and wipes

Extra clothes and pajamas

Sippy cups or bottles

Books or tablet to play with

Medications

Blanket or favorite stuffed toy

Pet food

Pet bowls

Litterbox

Leash

Linens and Sleeping Items

Everyone will definitely be tired from a long day of moving and will certainly be ready for a good night’s sleep. Rest is critical during those first few days when you will be spending long hours unpacking and getting organized. Hopefully, your movers will have assembled your beds and mattresses so you can sleep. If not, you will need to either prioritize that as your first to-do item, or pack an air mattress for your first night. Here are some other sleeping essentials:

Sheets

Pillows

Blankets

Air mattress or sleeping bag (if your beds are not assembled)