In order to plan a smooth and stress-free move, you have to stay organized throughout the moving process. This involves efficient packing, great box labeling, and setting aside items for your open first box.
It’ll take a while to fully unpack your home. For most people, it’s weeks or even months until the last box is emptied and its contents are put into the right places. However, there are some things that you’ll need right away, and you’ll fill your open first box with those items.
What is an Open First Box, and Why Do You Need One?
Basically, an open first box is a container of essentials you’ll need within the first few hours of arriving at your new home. Instead of poring through boxes to find these items, you’ll know exactly where to look because you’ve packed—and properly labeled—this box of crucial supplies. You’ll be less stressed and rushed, and your kids and pets will settle into their new surroundings once everyone’s essentials are unpacked.
Preparing an open first box is one of the best ways to pack efficiently for a move. And, since efficient packing leads to quicker and easier unpacking, it’ll improve our entire moving experience.
Your Open First Box Checklist
Your open first box might turn into multiple boxes depending on how many people you have in your home. For example: each adult and each child might need their own box. Regardless of how many people you’re packing up, every move should have an open first box with these items:
- Bathroom items like toilet paper, soap, a towel, your toothbrush, toothpaste, and the shower curtain
- Home essentials including trash bags and basic cleaning supplies
- First night must-haves, such as a phone charger, bed linens, and pajamas
- First morning needs like your coffee maker, favorite grounds or beans, and a mug
Remember: you’ll need an extra open first box or two if you’re moving with kids or pets. Children, especially youngsters, can become stressed during a move. You can alleviate their anxiety by pre-packing a box with their favorite bedsheets, comfiest pajamas, and the stuffed animal they’ll want to cuddle the first night in their new bedroom. To help them feel at ease and settle in even faster, put the book you’ll read to them that first night into their open first box.
The open first box for dogs, cats, and other pets should include food, treats, toys, etc.—whatever will help them feel at home. If you’re one of the many people in Chicagoland with a dog, be sure to stow your pup’s leash in this essentials box. Once the move is over, treat Fido and yourself to a nice walk through your new neighborhood. It’ll help both of you relax and check out the area.
Our Plastic Moving Bins are Perfect for Your Open First Box…and All Your Other Moving Container Needs!
You’re planning a smooth, easy, and affordable move. You might as well add “eco-friendly” onto your list too! All you’ll need to do is ditch old-school cardboard and rent plastic moving bins. In addition to being sturdy and stackable, they’re also nice and big. Instead of cramming your open first box items into a little cardboard box, give everyone in your household over three cubic feet worth of space with our 24” long, 19” wide, and 12” high totes.
Place your order today or drop us a line with questions about our rental bins and other packing and moving supplies!