When most people envision the difficulties involved in the moving process, they imagine fruitless house hunts, financial finagling, and the ever-daunting task of packing their precious belongings. One thing, however, that most people tend to overlook is the often-overwhelming notion of unpacking and settling into a new home.
As sales manager of Affiliated Movers of Oklahoma City, Inc., Nathan Howell has spent years helping people manage the moving process from start to finish. In order to survive those first few nights in your new home, Howell suggests making the following items easily accessible:
Bedding
Once you move into your new home, you’ll need a place to sleep. Be sure to keep some sheets, pillows, cases, and blankets on hand so that the act of going to sleep does not have to resemble a scavenger hunt for the right supplies.
Light bulbs
If the previous owners of your new home were nice, then chances are that they left their light bulbs intact. However, on the off chance that they decided to strip the house of bulbs before departing, you might want to come prepared with your own bulb supply. After all, the worst way to welcome yourself to a new home is to do so by stumbling around in the dark.
Shower supplies and towels
Even if you’re not the one doing the heavy lifting, at the end of your moving day, you’re bound to want to take a shower. Unless one of your new bathrooms happens to come equipped with a glass door, you’ll need to have a shower curtain and rings handy in order to be able to cleanse off the stress of the day. In some cases, you might even need to supply your own shower rod. Additionally, make sure to have some towels on hand so that you don’t have to drip-dry and soak your new bathroom floor in the process.
Toiletries
Certain toiletries most people tend to use regularly, so you’ll want to keep a set handy for your first night in your new home. Put together a bathroom survival kit with soap, shampoo, toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and if applicable, contact lens solution and cases.
Window coverings
If the previous owners of your new home left their blinds and curtains up, then you can cross “window treatments” off your new home to-do list. However, if you’re moving into new construction or a place where the windows were left bare, then you’ll need to bring some window coverings along in order to be able to do things like get dressed (and in some cases, use the bathroom) without putting on a show. Painters’ tape and brown contractor paper tend to work well as a provisional fix. For an even more reliable solution, go to any home supply store and buy a few sets of temporary paper shades. They cost less than $10 each and can spare you the embarrassment of having your new neighbors get to know you a little too well.
First-aid kit
The process of unpacking can take a physical toll in the way of cuts and scrapes, so put together a first-aid kit with items like bandages, ointment, pain relievers, and any prescription medications that you happen to be taking.
Basic kitchen supplies
It might take a few days to unpack and wash all of your dishes. Therefore, it’s a good idea to bring along some paper goods to make eating at home an initial option.
Unpacking tools
In order to get into your boxes, you’ll need scissors and a razor blade at the very least. Add in some trash bags, as garbage tends to make an appearance during the unpacking process.
Cleaning supplies
While you’d like to hope that your new home will be in gleaming condition upon your arrival, the reality is that you might have to do some quick cleaning before you can truly feel comfortable. Bring along a mop, broom, and dustpan, as well as some rags, paper towels, and spray cleaners.
Clothing and sleepwear
While you don’t need immediate access to your entire wardrobe, keep a couple of days’ worth of undergarments, clothing, and pajamas on hand.
Baby and pet supplies
Set aside some diapers, baby food, and other such necessary supplies so that they’re easily accessible once you get to your new home. If you have a pet, then keep his food, feeding bowl, and leash or litter box on hand.
By having these key items around, you can make those first few nights in your new home as comfortable as possibe. As for the rest of your stuff, not to worry: It will all get unpacked eventually.
