5 Items to Have for Your First Night in a New Home
When you have a long-distance move, you most likely won’t arrive at the same time as your moving company. Depending on how far you're moving, you might have a night, or several, in your new home without all your belongings.
The first few nights in a new house can be challenging, especially if you don’t have what you need. You'll want to prepare if you forgo a hotel and will be "camping" in your new home until your moving truck arrives. Also, if you are driving to your new home, you might be able to bring more things with you, but if you are flying, you’ll need to hit the stores right away when you get there.
Here are things to consider bringing or buying to make the first few days in your new house easier before the movers arrive.
1. Basic Cleaning Supplies
It’s a good idea to clean the house before you start setting it up. The previous occupant probably cleaned it, but that might have been weeks ago, and they may have done it in a hurry.
Bring or buy a few basic supplies, such as antibacterial wipes, window cleaner, and dish soap. Getting a roll or two of paper towels is also a good idea.
If you need to clean natural stone countertops, consider the solutions you put on them. It’s better to wipe them down with a damp cloth until you can source the right cleaning tools.
2. Toilet Paper
Believe it or not, toilet paper is probably the first thing you’ll need in your new home. Your essentials bag might have room for a roll or two, but how fast you run out might surprise you.
Stock up on enough toilet paper to get you through the first week. Buy the kind that you like. It’s not a bad idea to consider having a plunger on hand.
- Kitchen Items
Even if you plan to get takeout for the first few days, you’ll need some kitchen supplies. Restaurants sometimes include these utensils, but you don’t want to be stuck if they forget.
Make sure you have plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. If you choose paper products, make sure they are thick enough to hold the food item without disintegrating.
4. Towels
You may pack basic toiletries in your essentials bag so you can shower or wash up at your new home. But if you don’t have towels, you’ll have no way to dry off. So bring a few bath towels with you.
5. Air Mattress
If your belongings arrive several days after you, an air mattress is an essential item. You need to be able to sleep, preferably not on a bare floor.
Choose an air mattress that is large enough to be comfortable. Make sure you have a way to inflate it. Make sure you have some bedding available too.
Options
You might consider ordering from places like Amazon, so your necessities arrive at your new home quickly and conveniently. Or order ahead from local stores and plan to pick up your items when you arrive. Online ordering makes shopping easier for you.
Other things to have on hand before the moving truck arrives include:
- Medications, including all of your prescriptions.
- Personal electronic devices like laptops, phones, and tablets, plus their chargers
- A small first aid kit
- Tool kit
Moving Done Right
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