When moving, you want to make your life as easy as possible. That’s where the open first box comes in. It’s the box you open first when unpacking your new place. It contains everything you need to get you and your house set up. I’ve moved five times so far in my married life – so I’ve had some practice.
Because there are so many boxes to unpack, you need the one box that will help you start your house set up quickly. You don’t need to be searching for the basics likes toilet paper, some paper plates to eat off of and box cutters to open all those boxes. Let’s take a look inside the box and break it into categories. You can also head to my other moving post, The Ultimate Moving Guide, for an easier way to pack!
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By breaking everything into categories for the box, you’ll be able to easily pack your items. You’ll also know that whatever room in your house you’re unpacking, you’ll have the necessary tools to clean it, prep it or just be ready to spend the first night.
The box is good for every kind of person as well. Singles, families, whatever – you’ll still need the same basic items. And don’t forget tools to open the boxes. It’s in this box but it’s worth mentioning here too because you’re so worried making sure you’ll have toilet paper that you get there and can’t open any boxes!
And lastly, make sure to pack your duffle bag full of clothes and beauty supplies to last you about five days. That’s typically the time I give myself to get settled and hope the washer and dryer are set up.
Open First Box List
The Box
Collapsible box
Opening the Boxes
Scissors
Box cutters
Kitchen
Cabinet and drawer liners
Paper plates
Plastic cups
Napkins
Throw away utensils
Ziploc baggies in all sizes
Trash bags
Cleaning
Paper towels
Duster
Magic erasers
Clorox wipes
Disposable towels
Bathroom
Hand towels for bathrooms
Bathing towels
Kleenex box
Bedroom
Sheets for beds
Pillows (I pack these in a separate unpack first, number two box)
If you have any items you pack in your open first box – let me know below! It’s always helpful to here more tips and see how you unpack as well.
This is super useful, and I’m going to keep this in mind for any future moves I’m certain are coming my way! We moved about a year ago, and that first box was definitely lacking some things; definitely didn’t get enough paper towels, and also soap seemed to be missing for a while lol!
I’m not very organized to be honest. I know where everything is (sort of), but it often doesn’t make sense to everyone else. Even the moving guy was like “you could’ve done a better job labeling those boxes” (insert very embarrassed face).
So like I said, I am bookmarking this for later, thanks for putting this list together 😀
I love that. I can’t believe the moving guy told you that! I’m so happy it was helpful. I think I need to create a printable PDF with this too, that way next time you can just check it all off.
I love this I am going to put in every thing you have suggested plus some tools like a screwdriver and Allen key set and bug/fly spray
Those are great ideas!