What to put in a first day box

Moving house can be hectic, yet there are many things which help to reduce stress levels on the day itself. A goal without a plan is just a wish, as the saying goes, and the goal of settling into a brand-new home can be made far simpler with advanced planning and forethought. 

Much of this forethought involves scheduling things well in advance – visits by blinds companies, the installation of home broadband, removal firm bookings – rather than waiting until the last minute. To this list, we would also add the creation of a first day box. This is a reinforced cardboard box or packing crate filled with things you’ll need in the hours after arriving at the new house. It should be brought with you rather than loaded into the removal van, as you’re likely to arrive at your new home first. 

First among sequels 

A first day box provides instant access to important or essential items from the moment you unlock your new front door. Think of it as the equivalent of hand luggage on a long-haul flight; even if your suitcase goes AWOL, you’ll still possess essentials like money and passports. A first day box should only contain items you’re likely to need in the first 12-24 hours in your new abode, by which point unpacking ought to be well underway. 

While everyone’s list of first-day new-home essentials will vary depending on family members and lifestyles, these are some common suggestions… 

Medicines and toiletries 

If anyone in your family relies on medicines, especially at short notice, don’t entrust them to the umpteenth box at the back of a lorry behind sofas and sideboards. Carry them with you. Also bring some plasters (it’s amazing how often moving day ends with a bandaged finger), a toilet roll and hand soap, a kitchen roll and cleaning wipes. Throw in some painkillers to tackle the all-too-common aches resulting from heavy lifting. 

Food and drink 

There’s often little time to eat on moving day, especially if you’re cleaning your old property before rushing off to your new abode. Make a batch of sandwiches the night before and pop them in a bag on the day with bottles of water and an ice pack to keep everything cool. If you have pets, pack sachets of food or biscuits; if you value a cuppa, fit in a kettle and mugs plus spoons/teabags/sugar/coffee. Cereal bars are lightweight and high-energy – and don’t melt. 

Paperwork and electronics 

The first day box is the obvious place to transport any paperwork you’ll need – confirmation letters, contracts and so forth. It’s also a good place to keep chargers (you may spend much of the day on the phone…) and family entertainment like tablets or games consoles. While moving day might be frenetic for you, it’s frequently dull for younger family members as they wait to access their belongings and colonise their new rooms. 

First night essentials 

You may not get your keys until late in the day, which means there might not be much time to unpack before exhaustion overwhelms you. Rather than having to rake through dozens of boxes to find nightly essentials, set aside toothbrushes and paste, pyjamas and other bedtime essentials. This might include eye masks and medication for adults, picture books and a favourite teddy for younger children, nappies and wipes for babies and toddlers. 

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