Once the move is over, you’re in your new home surrounded by a pile of boxes that, sorted or not, look like a vast sea where you’ll have to dig for everything you need.
In every part of daily life you’ll need a few items and tools to get through those first days.
Here we run through the most common and necessary ones, so you can organize them and keep them handy to get past this stretch.
Eating and drinking
Only on television do people have everything ready on their first day in a new home. In real life it’s not that simple.
When you finish the hard work of moving, you’ll be left hungry and with little to eat.
Of course, if you’ve planned ahead, you can count on a few pre-packaged, non-perishable products to ease the hunger and thirst of those first meals.
Drinking water, juices or soft drinks, along with a small portable cooler. Bread, spreads and, naturally, a few cups and plates, preferably disposable.
If you prepare well, you can even pour yourself a glass of wine and feel like the lead in your favorite film. You can also have groceries delivered to your new address.
Clothing
Newly arrived at the house, you still have to go shopping or head to work. Finding the right clothes for each occasion among thousands of boxes and bags won’t be easy.
The best tip is to set aside an outfit and shoes for each occasion, at least for the first three days.
You can keep these pieces protected inside a special garment bag.
It’s also a good idea to have a travel iron and a lint brush within reach.
Hygiene and grooming
Here you can’t go without a toothbrush, toothpaste and hand soap. Toilet paper and basic cleaning supplies to disinfect bathrooms or wash any area or piece of clothing that gets dirty.
A hairdryer and a makeup bag are also worth keeping among your essentials.
Comfort
To arrive at your new home and rest properly, you’ll want the beds assembled in each bedroom, plus a few stools to sit on while you put the rest of the furniture together.
Children
When there are kids in the family, you have to keep their needs in mind. Beyond the usual basics, they need toys, things to keep them entertained and even what they need to keep up with school.
For babies, don’t forget the special blanket they sleep with or a favorite comfort item. Keeping them calm is always the best plan.
Health precautions
Keep any regular medication within reach, ideally in your personal bag, in case you or a family member needs it. Being ready with a painkiller, a plaster or an antiseptic brings real peace of mind, because accidents can happen and it pays to be prepared.
Tools
When it’s time to assemble furniture, adjust an armchair or free a stuck door, you’ll need a few basic tools. It’s worth keeping them in a dedicated box.
Screwdrivers, a few wrenches, hammers and nails are the kind of things you may need in those first days to put your new home together.
Cleaning
Cleaning products are a classic, and you probably have a few favorite brands and formats you’d rather bring along than rush out to buy at the last minute.
Disinfectants, liquid soap, bin bags and mops are items you’ll miss and should keep among your essentials to begin your life at home.
Oh, and don’t forget to pack a couple of pairs of rubber gloves to protect your hands.
This list of essentials is only a starting point, and you can add whatever you like according to your own needs.
Ask your partner and children which things they want within reach, and try to keep them together, in accessible, clearly labeled packaging. Now all that’s left is to start enjoying your new home as a family.
