OPEN FIRST BOX: WHAT TO INCLUDE

Usually by the time you finish moving, you will be ready to hit the sheets. The next morning, you’ll want to be able to start your day in the usual way. What do you need to be able to do this? You don’t want to find out that you packed your only set of sheets in a box that’s in the back corner and will take forever to get to. You don’t want to go to take a shower and not be able to find the shampoo, towels, or the toothbrush and paste.

 

This is a great example of organized packing. Not only are there labels, but there are pictures on the labels as well.  Also make sure to have one that's marked "OPEN FIRST" and make sure to include supplies you'll need in the next 24 hours. 

Copyright 2011 by Jennifer Morrow

This is why I suggest in, How De-Cluttering Can Help You Pack, that while you are staging, you start to make a list of the items that should be packed in that box, or boxes. It’s unlikely it will all fit in one box, especially if it’s not just you. Obviously you won’t be able to pack them now, but at least you’ll have a list to make the process go quickly. You are much more likely to remember items as you use them in your daily life.

Each family is unique, but here are some basics:

• Sheets and blankets
• Tissues
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Paper plates, cups, and utensils
• Snacks for you and especially the kids
• Food or ideas for dinner that night and breakfast the next morning
• Coffeemaker, coffee, creamer, sugar, cups, and spoons for your morning coffee
• Towels for the bathroom
• Soap: for kitchen and bath sinks
• Personal hygiene items: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, make-up, and whatever else you use. This is a personal list and varies with each person and family.
• Books to read or something to do that night
• Light bulbs
• Pajamas and a change of clothes for the next day
• Pet food and supplies
• A few toys for the kids or pets

Other items, such as important paperwork, your master packing list, and valuables, should not be sent with the movers, but moved yourself in your car. You might want to do the same with the "Open First" box, but that’s up to you. 

 

Some people pack items such as important paperwork in their "Open First" box, but I recommend that they should be packed in a separate box and moved with you in your own car so they are with you at all times.

Copyright 2011 by Donkey Hotey

Copyright 1961 by Aaron Anderer

If you think of any basic supplies that people in general would need that I forgot to add, please let me know so I can update my list. Having this box will really help when selling. For some other things you should be doing while selling, including things you shouldn't be doing, check out Mistakes Sellers Make After Staging.