While moving into a new place is exciting, for most people, the actual process is exhausting. Even with the help of movers, boxing up all your belongings and getting them into your new home can take a lot out of a person. At the end of move-in day, most folks just want to relax, unwind, and refresh after a long day before unpacking everything in the morning. But then the question hits: “Wait, which box has the toothbrushes?”

This common occurrence is why moving companies and folks on Reddit recommend packing a separate “first night box” among all your other belongings. A first night box is a box of items you and your family will need to ensure a comfortable first night in your new home. This way, you won’t have to open various boxes to find essentials when everyone is tired and needs to recharge after the move.

@movetastic First Night Box 📦 Like and save this video for your next move! #movingtips #movinghacks #movingday #packingtips #packinghacks #movingcompany #homeorganization #homeorganizationtips #movingtips #storage #movers #decluttertips #packing #unpacking #relocationservices #newhome #organization #chicago #storagesolutions #movinghouse ♬ original sound – Move-tastic!

First Night Box 📦 Like and save this video for your next move! #movingtips #movinghacks #movingday #packingtips #packinghacks #movingcompany #homeorganization #homeorganizationtips #movingtips #storage #movers #decluttertips #packing #unpacking #relocationservices #newhome #organization #chicago #storagesolutions #movinghouse ♬ original sound – Move-tastic!

The concept isn’t too dissimilar to a go bag for emergencies. Each person packs essentials such as toiletries, phone chargers and snacks, into a box. Depending on the size of your family, each of you may have to pack your own first night box.

Moving companies have a suggested list of items to put in everyone’s first night box:

Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.)

Bedding (sleeping bag, linens, pillows, etc.)

Comfortable clothes (clean underwear, pajamas, sweatpants, etc.)

Drinks (such as bottled water)

Chargers for phones, laptops, etc.

Depending on your family, you might want to have an additional first night box for your baby. Include things they’ll need like bottles, diapers, and their favorite toy.

If you own a pet, you may want to pack a separate box with pet food, bedding, and toys, among other items. This can help with your pet’s transition to the new place. You don’t want to hunt for the dog’s leash if your pup needs to go outside.

Make another box for tools

Folks also recommend having a separate toolbox with items you’ll want to have at the ready to hang up pictures, assemble bookcases, and the like. They also recommend packing cleaning supplies in the box to quickly clean up any move-in messes.

Some items recommended for this box include:

Power drill with charger, battery, and drill bits

Fasteners (nails, screws, etc.)

For all of these boxes, make sure they are the last items added to the moving truck so you can easily access them. This can also allow you to unpack just those boxes and leave the rest in the vehicle until the morning.

Moving can be a pain, but preparation like this can make it less stressful. It also allows everyone to get what they need to recharge as you make your new place truly home.

In March 2023, after months of preparation and paperwork, Anita Omary arrived in the United States from her native Afghanistan to build a better life. Once she arrived in Connecticut, however, the experience was anything but easy.

“When I first arrived, everything felt so strange—the weather, the environment, the people,” Omary recalled. Omary had not only left behind her extended family and friends in Afghanistan, she left her career managing child protective cases and supporting refugee communities behind as well. Even more challenging, Anita was five months pregnant at the time, and because her husband was unable to obtain a travel visa, she found herself having to navigate a new language, a different culture, and an unfamiliar country entirely on her own.

“I went through a period of deep disappointment and depression, where I wasn’t able to do much for myself,” Omary said.

Then something incredible happened: Omary met a woman who would become her close friend, offering support that would change her experience as a refugee—and ultimately the trajectory of her entire life.

Understanding the journey

Like Anita Omary, tens of thousands of people come to the United States each year seeking safety from war, political violence, religious persecution, and other threats. Yet escaping danger, unfortunately, is only the first challenge. Once here, immigrant and refugee families must deal with the loss of displacement, while at the same time facing language barriers, adapting to a new culture, and sometimes even facing social stigma and anti-immigrant biases.

Welcoming immigrant and refugee neighbors strengthens the nation and benefits everyone—and according to Anita Omary, small, simple acts of human kindness can make the greatest difference in helping them feel safe, valued, and truly at home.

Anita Omary was receiving prenatal checkups at a woman’s health center in West Haven when she met Dee, a nurse.

“She immediately recognized that I was new, and that I was struggling,” Omary said. “From that moment on, she became my support system.”

Dee started checking in on Omary throughout her pregnancy, both inside the clinic and out.

“She would call me and ask am I okay, am I eating, am I healthy,” Omary said. “She helped me with things I didn’t even realize I needed, like getting an air conditioner for my small, hot room.”

Soon, Dee was helping Omary apply for jobs and taking her on driving lessons every weekend. With her help, Omary landed a job, passed her road test on the first attempt, and even enrolled at the University of New Haven to pursue her master’s degree. Dee and Omary became like family. After Omary’s son, Osman, was born, Dee spent five days in the hospital at her side, bringing........

© Upworthy