Buying a new home is an exciting and sublime experience, and when the time comes to move into your house, you may be wondering how to prepare for the first couple of days.
Naturally, most of the household items used in your day-to-day life will be packed away. So, it is important to set aside a few essentials to hold you and your family over while you get settled into your new home.
Prepare for a Picnic
Since your new kitchen will take time to set up for cooking, you can plan on feeding everyone with simple choices like pre-made sandwiches, pasta and salads as well as fresh fruit and granola bars to snack on. Remember to include paper plates, napkins and plastic utensils in your picnic basket along with plenty of water and other liquid refreshments.
Pack for an Overnight Stay
The first evening in your new home will most likely be at the end of a long and busy day, so you’ll definitely want to rinse it all off, get some good sleep and start fresh the next day.
Toiletries
Be sure to pack your favorite soap, shampoo and conditioner as well as your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. If you wear contacts, remember to include your saline solution and contact lens container. Also, most new homes don’t include shower curtains, towels and toilet paper — so you’ll want to include those as well.
Sleeping bags
Your bedding may still be packed away somewhere in a box at the end of moving day and your mattress either still on the way or inaccessible. Bring along a camp mattress or sleeping bag so you can rest comfortably on your first night in your new house.
Change of clothes
In addition to packing your pajamas, it’ll be important to include a fresh set of clothes to change into as you start unpacking and settling in.
Make Sure You Have The Right Tools
Having a set of commonly-used tools on hand is also a smart strategy for moving. This should include various sizes of flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, a socket wrench ratchet set, a hammer and a pair of pliers. Many types of furniture such as cabinets, shelves and bed frames need to be taken apart and reassembled before being moved into a new home. Having quick access to a few simple tools can make a big difference when you’re on a schedule.
Remember the Little Things
It’s also important to have an overnight bag or crate with one- or two-day rations of food for your pets as well as your kids’ favorite toys, games and stuffed animals. Also, a few minor scrapes and bruises can be part of the moving experience — so a first aid kid with bandages, gauze and antibiotic ointment is a good thing to have handy.
With a bit of smart packing, moving to a new home can be a smooth experience for everyone. Contact us to learn more about new properties that are ready for a growing family to call home.
