Why You Need an "Open First" Box When Moving

When you’re packing up the house for the big move, the last thing you are probably thinking about is what it’s going to be like the first time you need to cook a meal or how your morning routine will go in the new place.  That’s because you are likely more focused on completing your packing duties, anticipating the moving crew, and thinking about all of the changes going on in more of the long-term state of mind.

The problem with forgetting to think about the short-term is that you are going to find that you may have some difficulty getting settled in when you first arrive at your new home. The solution to this is packing a box labeled “open first” in order to make the transition a smooth one.

Having a box ready for week one at your new house will make you feel at home much sooner, make it easier to get settled, and it will allow you to take your time on the boxes that aren’t as urgent. Don’t let yourself struggle to find your cookware, shampoo, and dog bowls; pack your “open first” box now.

What to include in your “Open first” box

The best way to handle this box is to think about the items you use most often in each room of your home. How does your day normally begin? You likely start the day with a workout, a shower, getting dressed, and preparing breakfast for the family.

This means that you’ll need easy access to your favorite workout gear, your shower supplies, work clothes, and cookware for preparing breakfast and dinner. Don’t forget that your day actually began in bed, which means a set of sheets is your very first essential. Perhaps an alarm clock, phone charger, and bathroom linens would be a great idea too.

When you get ready each morning, what items do you mindlessly grab that you’d be lost without during week one in the new house? Don’t forget items like your toothbrush, your hairbrush, cosmetics, deodorants, and lotions. If you take any medicine, be sure to include that too. Then make sure you have items like a bath mat, shower curtain, shower gels, and shampoos, as well as toilet paper and hand towels.

When it’s time to cook each morning and evening, you’ll want to be sure you have a few of your main kitchen supplies, like pots and pans, spatulas, plates, and cups. Make sure you bring your essentials seasonings and oils to be able to prepare eggs in the morning or a dish for dinner.

Bring cutlery, serving spoons, mugs, scissors, and containers to put leftovers in. You’ll probably regret forgetting the coffee maker or your favorite tea and be sure to grab a sponge and tablecloth to keep your new kitchen looking great.

Other essentials

Along with your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen essentials, there may be a few other items that would fit perfectly in a box for your arrival at the new home. While you get ready to set up your utilities or locate your lamps, make sure you have a flashlight ready at first. You’ll also want a few of your basic tools, candles, matches, some trash bags, and batteries handy.

When it comes to your kids and your pets, you’ll want to consider their essentials as well. Would your son be lost without his favorite stuffed bear? How will you feed the dogs without their daily food and water bowls? Bring items you would use on a daily basis in your routine now knowing that you’ll be establishing your routine at the new house.

This may also mean you need to pack some games for the kids while you work on setting up your cable TV, your reading glasses and a favorite book, important documents and a list of emergency contacts, and cash available to order a pizza or tip the moving crew.

The most important thing you can do during your residential move is to label your boxes well in order to locate items more easily in your new home. By packing the essentials in a box labeled “open first,” you may find that it’s easier to unpack the rest now that you have your daily essentials right at your fingertips and already in place in the new house. Make sure you grab each family member’s essentials, including the kids, Fido, and of course, yourself. 

Your Complete Moving Checklist

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Moving isn't fun, but it doesn't have to be as stressful as you remember it from the last time. By creating a moving checklist early and getting everything done on a timeline, you'll be far better prepared for actual moving day. There are several items you may not be aware of that belong on your moving checklist. Here's a look at a complete moving checklist to help you create one for your specific move.

60 Days Before Moving Day

About two months before you move, it's time to start going through some of your things. This is a great time to deal with decisions, such as items you want to sell, donate or get rid of. It's even a good time to consider planning a yard sale, if that is part of your strategy.

Another good task to get off your list is to start looking into local movers to help with packing or the actual moving. You can also create a moving folder for all of your forms, estimates and receipts from the move.

45 Days Before Moving Day

When you it the six-week mark or about 45 days before moving day, it's time to start thinking about when you want to pack up and getting the right supplies. You can make your reservation for plastic moving boxes at this time and calculate how many you will need. This will give you ample time to change the delivery date, if necessary.

You should also start thinking about buying other packing supplies, such as tape, packing paper, specialty boxes for specific items and bubble wrap. At the 45-day mark, it's also a good idea to start paring down your groceries, especially the perishables and frozen items. This will allow you to move without needing to worry about food spoiling.

30 Days Before Moving Day

About one month before you start moving, you may want to start packing up some of the less needed items, such as holiday decoration or sporting gear you won't be using anytime soon. This is also a good time to locate important documents and valuable items you want to travel with you and not in the moving truck.

At the 30-day mark, you can also change your address online and start contacting important companies to notify them of your move.

10 to 14 Days Before Moving Day

Since you already made your reservation for green moving boxes (plastic boxes), you will want to start packing once your boxes are delivered. You get to keep the boxes for a full 14 days without any additional charge, so this is a great time to start packing. It is possible to have items already wrapped in bubble wrap or sorted out for packing ahead of this time.

2 to 4 Days Before Moving Day

A few days before moving day, you need to wrap up the packing portion of the move. This is also a great time to take apart furniture, defrost the freezer and make sure you have the right amount to pay the movers and cash for the tip.

On Moving Day

When moving day comes along, you want to make one final sweep through the home before you leave for good. Look for any items you may have forgotten and make sure to turn off all lights and lock the door. It's also a good idea to leave contact information for the new tenants just in case you left something behind.

Use this moving checklist and you'll be set for a much less stressful move.