After the stress of moving into a new Waterloo Region home, you want your first night there to be a pleasant one. Packing a special box or two for your first evening will make the transition go more easily. Trust us when we say that these boxes will practically save your life, or at least your memories of your first night in the new place. You won't have to sift through box after box to get what you need because everything will be in one spot.
Having a first night essentials box can help you save time and money. If you're relocating with several family members, it's a good idea to pack one primary essentials box with stuff that everyone will use. Then, give each family member a box to fill with whatever extras they'll require. Make sure the boxes are properly labeled "ESSENTIALS" and kept apart from the rest of your belongings.
Put these boxes aside and pack them last on the truck when you're ready to relocate. You'll always know where they are if you do it this way. We recommend transporting them personally if you have room in your own vehicle for maximum convenience.
We've compiled a few lists of items that you'll be glad to have in your survival kit. We hope these checklists help you in making your move as simple and stress-free as possible!
Packing List for Your First Night in a New Home
Personal
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
Bedding
Pajamas
Towels
A change of clothes
Prescriptions
Practical
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Paper plates, cups, and cutlery
Food (or takeout menus) for dinner, breakfast, and snacks
Coffee maker, cups, and coffee
Hand soap
Chargers for your phones, laptops, etc.
Basic cleaning supplies
Trash bags
Scissors
Basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, pliers)
Flashlight
Pen and paper
Kids
Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, powder, bottle/sippy cup, formula, spoon, baby food, pacifier)
Toys/entertainment (books, laptop, tablet, coloring books, Netflix/Disney + and a maybe a few DVDs if the Internet has yet to be connected)
Nightlight
Favorite comfort item (blanket, stuffed animal)
Pets
Food
Litter box
Bedding
Toys
Medicine
Leash, collar, and/or harness
Valuables
Important documents
Jewelry
Paperwork for the move and new home
Moving can be a long and challenging process, but the first night you spend in your new home is a very special one. It’s the first night of a brand-new journey. If you don’t have a few things prepared ahead of time, then you won’t be able to enjoy it as much as you’d like to.
To make the first night in a new home comfortable, there are some easy moving tips we recommend that will give you the opportunity to relax after a long day. If you take a little bit of time to prepare before moving day and then set up a few things once you’re there, you’ll be much happier for it.
How to be Comfortable the First Night You Move in
Pack Essentials Boxes
As we mentioned earlier, having essential items separated before moving in will make your first night much easier. You’ll be able to catch your breath and relax on your first night, rather than having to sift through a bunch of boxes to find a toothbrush.
Make Plans for Dinner
Think about what you will eat that first night in the new place and make preparations for it, whether it’s putting aside the ingredients and supplies you’ll need to cook or deciding as a family whether you’ll be ordering in or eating out (and what you’ll be eating).
If you’re moving to a new area, do a Yelp search to find out what restaurants are around. Collect the phone numbers and menus for takeout places, too so that you don’t have to waste time searching when you’re ready to eat. Better still? Ask your real estate agent to give you some recommendations, they almost certainly know where the best food can be found near you.
Prepare Entertainment
Chances are, you’ll want to relax as soon as the movers leave and everything is inside your new home. If you are moving with kids, it will be especially important to make sure they have something to do so they won’t get bored or restless.
It could be as simple as making sure the TV is hooked up in the living room with the cable turned on. If you will not have cable right away, connect the DVD player and have a few movies set aside to choose from. Entertainment options will give you a chance to wind down and get your mind off the move so that you can enjoy your first night in a new home.
Keep Your Pets Comfortable
If you are moving with pets, one of the first things you’ll need to do is put out their water and food and set up their bedding with a toy or two, so they can start settling in, too. After moving, your first night in a new home will be full of strange smells, not to mention the day will have been filled with a lot of frantic energy and changes. Putting their things out right away will help them adjust to the new surroundings and understand that they are somewhere safe.
Set up the Bedrooms and Bathrooms
After a long day of moving, the best part will be taking a hot shower and getting into a nice, warm bed. Take a few minutes to put toilet paper, soap, and towels in the bathrooms (along with any personal toiletries you have) and set up the beds.
If for some reason, you don’t have your bed frames yet, or you are unable to put them together before the night is through, invest in a budget-friendly air mattress, so you can at least get a good night’s sleep before you start unpacking and settling in some more the next day.
Ready to start looking for that perfect for you Waterloo Region home? Let Team Pinto use their huge local real estate experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs here.