Pack First Night Boxes for Your Kids: Settling In The New Place Just Got Easier

Moving with children can be a big challenge, especially if your kids are anxious about what their lives are going to be like in their new neighborhood. Like most of us, children crave familiar routines. One way you can help your kids ease into their new normal is by packing a First Night box for each child. This is the box of their things that’s meant to be opened first upon arriving in their new home.

What Goes in A Child’s First Night Box?

Comfort Items: Favorite stuffed animals, a special snuggle blanket, and any other bedtime essential. This isn’t just for younger kids – even your great big tough teenagers can need to hug their teddy bear during the first night in a strange home.

Hygiene Items: Your child’s toothbrush, hairbrush, contact cleaning supplies, deodorant, perfume, and other hygiene items they use on a day to day basis. It’s a good idea to bag these items together in a gallon size plastic bag.

Pictures of Friends & Family: Small framed pictures of your kid’s favorite people are an easy way to help them feel connected. For many smaller children, pictures are a hands-on experience, so choose durable frames or slip those pictures into an album they can curl up with and enjoy.

A Flashlight: Give your kids the power of illumination. A flashlight can be extremely handy to have when you’re not entirely sure where all the light switches are and you need to find your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Also handy for checking out strange noises from the closet and double-checking beneath the bed.

Phone & Tablet Chargers: If your children are in charge of charging their own devices, make sure phone and tablet chargers go into the First Night box. It’s also a good idea to include the charger for any handheld gaming devices.

A Surprise: Kids love presents. When they’re not looking, slip a wrapped treat into their First Night Box. Choose something they’ll enjoy and be distracted by during their first night in their new home, such as a coloring book, new video game, or great book. New pajamas can be a big hit with younger children, particularly if they feature a favorite cartoon character or celebrity.