How to spend the first night in your new home

Pack an essential 'first night' bag for yourself

When moving into a new home, it can be beneficial to pack essential items that you know you will need on that first night. Keep essentials apart from the rest of your things so you have easy access to them. Consider packing home comforts into your essential 'first night' bag such as slippers, and don't forget tea bags and a couple of mugs.

Other items in this essential night bag should include:

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Toiletries
• Clothing
• Chargers
• Pyjamas
• First aid kit
• Medication

Pack a 'first night' bag for children and pets

Moving home with children and pets can add new challenges so it's best to stay on top of their needs just as much as your own. For pets especially, it can be a struggle for them to feel comfortable in their new surroundings so by preparing an essential 'puppy pack', you can stay on top of any problems.

Pack essential items for kids such as:

• Clothing
• A few toys to keep them entertained
• Books or an iPad
• Baby bottles
• Snacks, fruit, juice, baby food/formula
• Wipes
• Medication and a first aid kit

And for pets, you should consider adding these into their 'puppy pack':

• Enough food for a few days whilst everything is organised
• Food and water dishes
• A few toys
• A carry crate
• Sleeping bed or blanket
• A lead

Unpack a room at a time

No-one is expecting you to have unpacked everything within the first week of moving into your new home. So take each day as it comes. Unpacking a room at a time can help you to keep on top of everything that comes with moving home.

Start with the bedrooms as these are the most important rooms and ones that will be used frequently. Then, move onto the kitchen to unpack the essentials that will be used within the first few nights. These could be cutlery, plates, cups and mugs.

Make the most of the first night

Moving into a new home is an incredible achievement so take the time to celebrate this accomplishment. Why not pop open a bottle to toast to your new home.

If the kitchen is yet to be unpacked, order a takeaway or go out for dinner in your local area. If the WiFi hasn't been set up yet, play a few board games to keep the kids occupied. The first night is also the best opportunity to get to know your new neighbours. If they too have children, this is the best time to introduce yourself.

You may have already taken the time to explore your new area before moving in, but this could be a good chance to take the dog for a walk and get your bearings. The first night is all about settling in, so however you do this, make sure you take the time to relax and enjoy your new home.

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