Moving Day Survival Kit: "Open First" Box & Carry-On Checklist!

Moving Essentials: Why You Need an "Open First" Box and Carry-On Suitcase for Your Next Move

Moving day can be overwhelming, especially when you're settling into a new home with boxes everywhere. One way to ease the transition is by preparing an “Open First” box and a carry-on suitcase, stocked with essentials to make your first day (and night) as smooth as possible. Here’s what you need to include in each, along with a detailed checklist to help you pack smart.

What is an "Open First" Box?

The “Open First” box is designed to hold all the essential items you'll need to set up your new home right away. Think of it as your first line of defense against chaos: everything inside should help you start living in your new space before you’ve even unpacked the majority of your belongings. Here’s a complete breakdown of what to pack.

Toiletries and Personal Care

Moving can leave you feeling like you’ve been on an overnight adventure, so having personal care items ready is a must. Include:

• Hand soap and hand sanitizer

• Toilet paper (two rolls, just in case!)

• Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap

• Towels and washcloths

• Hairbrush or comb

• Basic first-aid items and any essential medications (band-aids, pain reliever, prescriptions)

• Laundry detergent pods for any immediate laundry needs

Basic Kitchen Items

You won’t want to unpack every pot and pan on your first night, so pack only the basics:

• Two plates, cups, and sets of cutlery

• One or two multi-use utensils (like a spatula or knife)

• Small pot and pan for simple meals

• Tupperware style storage container

• Paper towels or dishcloth

• Coffee maker or kettle (if you can’t go without your morning coffee), plus coffee or tea supplies

• Coffee filters (if needed)

• Snacks and quick meals (apples, granola bars, or chicken soup)

• Water bottle to stay hydrated

• Dish soap for quick cleanups

Cleaning Supplies

You may want to give surfaces a quick clean before unpacking fully. Include these basics:

• Disinfectant wipes or spray

• Trash bags for immediate disposal needs

• Multi-surface cleaner (such as Mr. Clean)

• Microfiber cloth and sponge

• Broom and dustpan for sweeping up dust or debris

Basic Tools and Equipment

Sometimes furniture or electronics need quick adjustments, so pack a few essential tools:

• Sharpie marker for labeling or notes

• Scissors or box cutter for opening boxes

• Flashlight for any poorly lit areas

• Basic toolkit (screwdriver, wrench)

• Duct tape for quick fixes

• Measuring tape for furniture placement

• Pen and notepad for jotting down notes or measurements

• Moving checklist and planner to stay organized

What to Pack in Your Carry-On Suitcase

Your carry-on suitcase should act like an overnight bag, containing items that you'll need immediate access to during and right after the move. Think of it as preparing for a 3 day trip: pack items for comfort, personal needs, and any crucial documents.

Clothing and Comfort Items

A change of clothes and a few comfort items can make a big difference when you’re moving in:

• Sweats, a change of clothes, and socks for each person

• Basic bedding (sheets, blanket, pillow) for an initial comfortable night

• Flip-flops or slippers for convenience

• A jacket or sweater in case the weather is cool

Important Documents and Small Valuables

Keep these close to avoid losing anything important during the move:

• IDs, passports, and essential paperwork

• Wallet and keys 

• Phone charger to keep your phone ready for contacts and directions

• Laptop, mouse, and charger for work or entertainment needs

Why This Packing Strategy Works

Having an “Open First” box and carry-on suitcase keeps the most essential items in two easily accessible places. The “Open First” box ensures you can immediately begin settling in, setting up the bathroom, kitchen, and any essential living spaces. Meanwhile, the carry-on suitcase acts like an emergency overnight bag—perfect for the initial transition period, keeping personal items close at hand.

Packing these essentials can make the first day in your new home less stressful and help you avoid digging through endless boxes. This way, you can focus on enjoying your new space rather than scrambling to find the basics!

Complete "Open First" Box and Carry-On Suitcase Checklist

Open First Box

• Toiletries and Personal Care: Hand soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, towels, hairbrush, first-aid, and laundry pods.

• Kitchen Items: Two sets of plates, cups, cutlery, small pot, pan, storage container, coffee maker, snacks, water bottle, dish soap.

• Cleaning Supplies: Disinfectant wipes, trash bags, multi-surface cleaner, microfiber cloth, sponge, broom, dustpan.

• Tools and Equipment: Sharpie, scissors, flashlight, basic toolkit, duct tape, measuring tape, pen, notepad, moving checklist and planner.

Carry-On Suitcase

• Clothing and Comfort: Sweats, change of clothes, bedding, flip-flops, jacket.

• Documents and Valuables: IDs, passports, wallet, keys, phone charger, laptop, and chargers.