One of my top 10 tips for taking the stress out of your next move is to create “unpack-first” boxes when you pack the belongings in your old home. An unpack-first box contains the essentials you need to set up your new home and settle in quickly. Preparing unpack-first boxes takes a little planning but the time invested during the packing stage is more than worth it when you arrive at your new home.

Preparing Unpack First Boxes

Pack a box for each room. For efficient unpacking and setup, each room should have its own unpack-first box. However, you might be able to consolidate the items from some rooms into one box. It depends on how many areas or levels your new home has. For example, the setup box for the principal bedroom might also contain essential items for the ensuite.

Pack liquids in sealed containers or a separate box. You don’t want soap or household cleaner spilling onto your linens or any other items in the box. Make sure bottles are tightly closed, tape the lids, and seal them in plastic bags to prevent spills. Consider corralling all the liquids into one plastic bin for the move.

Make the boxes highly visible. Your home will be filled with boxes when packing and unpacking. You’ll need to see the unpack-first boxes easily. Some people choose large, transparent plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. If using cardboard boxes, wrap three or four bands of colourful duct tape around the box so you can see it from all sides.

Pack the open-first boxes first but close them last. Place your essentials in the open-first boxes before someone accidentally packs them in another box. However, close these boxes last because you may need some items during the packing process (tools, toilet paper, etc.).

If possible, move the unpack-first boxes yourself. If you have space in your vehicle or are moving locally, transport the unpack-first boxes yourself. You will arrive at your home before the moving van. However, it might not be possible to do this on a long-distance move. In that case, make sure the unpack-first boxes are the last boxes packed on the moving van, so they are the first boxes unloaded.

Unpack-First Box Essentials

The unpack-first boxes should contain household essentials. (Pack personal essentials in your suitcase). As much as you love your espresso machine, it isn’t essential. You can live without it for a few days. The definition of “essential” varies from person to person, so keep in mind the needs of your family and pets. Below is a list of suggestions based on what the Out of Chaos team has experienced over the years.

Kitchen

These are the basics that you will need on your first day in your new home. You might want to pack a few extras, such as a pot or pan, to make a home-cooked meal if you can’t get the kitchen unpacked before dinner.

• Coffee/tea supplies (including kettle, travel mugs)
• Reusable water bottles
• Food and snacks that don’t require refrigeration
• Disposable plates, cups, cutlery, or a camping set of dishes
• Can opener
• Corkscrew
• Sharp knife and small cutting board
• Dish soap and a few dishwasher detergent tablets
• Dishtowels

Bathroom

For each bathroom, you should pack:

• Hand soap
• Toilet paper (at least two rolls)
• Hand towels
• Shower curtain

For each person, you should include:

• Shampoo and personal care supplies
• Towel and washcloths

Also, pack a toilet plunger. There’s nothing more stressful than arriving at a new home to find a plugged toilet and tearing through boxes or running to a hardware store to find a plunger.

Bedroom

For each bedroom, you should include:

• Bed linens (sheets, blankets, pillowcases, etc.)
• Pillows
• An inflatable mattress (if you must wait a few days for your furniture to arrive)
• Curtains, or something to use until you install curtains (e.g., large, dark coloured, sheet)

Include some items to help your children and pets feel comfortable such as their favourite toys and comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals).

Pets

• Water and food bowls
• Pet food
• Cat litterbox and kitty litter
• Rolls of pet waste bags
• Treats
• Extra leash/collar
• Toys and comfort items such as blankets, tennis balls, etc.

Before you pack up your old home, prepare several days’ worth of pet food in meal-sized portions and put them in zipper-seal bags. If your pet eats canned food, buy meal-sized cans so you don’t have to worry about re-packaging and refrigerating leftovers.

Cleaning and Organizing

You may have to do some cleaning when you arrive at your new home. If you have cleaning supplies handy, you’ll be ready to unpack when the truck is ready to unload.

• Trash and recycle bags
• Cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, etc.)
• Rags, paper towels, cleaning cloths
• Laundry soap and fabric softener
• Small handheld vacuum

Tools

You’ll need tools handy. There are always items to disassemble and reassemble. You can use a ready-made tool kit or pack your own essentials, including:

• Hammer
• Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Level
• Multi-head screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Hex keys
• Measuring tape
• Drill (if battery-powered, bring extra batteries and a charger)
• Package of miscellaneous hardware (screws, nails, drywall anchors, picture hanging wire, etc.)
• Heavy-duty scissors
• WD-40 or another lubricant spray

Other Useful Items

• First aid kit
• Extension cords
• Modem and coaxial cable (for internet/Wi-Fi setup)
• Multi-port USB charger and cables to set up a device charging station
• Doorstops
• Bungee cords (to hold open exterior doors)

If you’re moving in the winter, include:

• Salt/sand
• Shovel
• Scrapers
• Lighter or lock de-icer (to unfreeze door locks)

Read more of our tips on creating a stress-free move. If you still have questions or find the whole process overwhelming, let Out of Chaos help minimize the stress and disruption with our Stress-Free Move Services. Contact us through our website today.

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