The first night in a new house is stressful. You’re tired from moving. The home’s clean level is questionable. Boxes are everywhere. And somehow there is no toilet paper to be found.

So, what do you need the first night in your new house? Here’s a list of things to consider for an open-first box (or two). If you have space, you might want to keep it with you in the car so doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. If you don’t have room, you could mark them with red marker or brightly-colored duct tape. Then, load them last so they come off first.

Click image to download checklist.

First night in new house checklist

For you

• bedding
• toilet paper
• toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner…
• hand soap
• shower liner
• towel for each family member
• pajamas
• work clothes
• ibuprofren: Your muscles will thank you.
• first aid kit: It’s easy for someone to get cut or injured lifting and maneuvering furniture and boxes through awkward spaces.

Kids

• baby supplies: sippy cup/bottle, formula, baby food, spoon, diapers, wipes, pacifier, Pack ‘n Play
• bedding
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• pajamas
• night light
• favorite lovey
• change of clothes
• entertainment: crayons/coloring book, books, few toys, laptop/DVD player

Eat

• cups
• paper plates
• silverware
• paper towel
• dinner (or takeout menu!)
• breakfast
• snacks
• coffee machine, coffee, filters, mugs
• corkscrew/bottle opener
• pet food

Practical

• basic cleaning supplies
• rubber gloves
• trash bags
• scissors
• screwdriver and philips head
• hammer
• pliers
• flashlight
• phone charger
• pen and paper
• permanent marker
• cash if you need to tip movers

Documents

• important documents: checkbook, passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards …
• HUD statement: We ended up needing this a couple times shortly after moving for getting new utilities and insurance.

Oh! And don’t forget something bubbly to celebrate! Here’s to a smooth move.

What to do first in a new house

In the first few days, our recent move left me wandering around our chaotic, cluttered house unsure where to even start. I finally made myself a checklist to end the pacing. Here’s what I did:

• Clean. Clean whatever time allows before moving in everything. Once boxes and stuff flood the house it will be harder to clean, and you’ll have less energy to do it! Think floors, baseboards, and walls first. Bathrooms and kitchen next.
• Furniture. Put major pieces of furniture where you think you’d like them. It’s nice to get the living area set up to have a place to sit down for a minute.
• Kitchen. It’s a relief to have the kitchen organized, especially with hungry kids, so that’s next on my list.
• Bathrooms. Putting bathroom products and towels away so you can find them.
• Bedrooms. Next up, bedrooms. I put the master bedroom together first for my own sanity, and then organized the kids’ things.

At least once these major things are in place, you can take a little more time figuring out where other things go like linens, computers, toys … does the list ever end?

Also see

Moving part 1: Sell your house faster with these home staging ideas
Moving part 2: Change of address, services to stop, organizing checklist
Moving part 3: Problems to look for when buying a house checklist
Moving part 4: Interior decor process for a new house
Moving part 5: Family’s first night in new house checklist

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