What to pack in an overnight bag for the first day in your new home

Brown leather bag packed with electronics
 

Moving day can be a bit chaotic. Once you’ve arrived at your new home, the last thing you want to do is dig through boxes searching for the essentials. That’s where your overnight bag comes in. Think of it as your personal “first-night survival kit”—packed with all the things you’ll need before everything’s properly unpacked.

Here’s what to include:

🧴 Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel

  • Deodorant

  • Skincare products

  • Towels and flannels

  • Toilet roll and hand soap

Top tip: Pack as if you’re spending a night or two in a hotel.

👕 Clothes & Comfort

  • A change of clothes for the next day

  • Pyjamas or loungewear

  • Underwear and socks

  • Slippers or comfy shoes

  • Weather-appropriate outerwear

🍽️ Snacks & Kitchen Basics

  • Bottled water

  • Easy-to-grab snacks like cereal bars, fruit, or crisps

  • Disposable plates, cutlery, and cups

  • Tea, coffee, and a mug

  • A small knife or scissors (always useful!)

🛏️ Sleep Essentials

  • Bedding or a sleeping bag (in case your bed isn’t set up yet)

  • Pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask if you’re a light sleeper

  • Phone charger

📄 Important Documents & Items

  • Wallet or purse, keys, and ID

  • Moving documents or tenancy agreement

  • Any medication

  • Pet supplies (if you’ve got furry family members)

  • A basic first aid kit

🧸 Essentials for Children

  • A favourite toy or comforter

  • Books, colouring books, or quiet activities

  • A change of clothes and pyjamas

  • Nappies, wipes, and any baby bits if needed

  • Child-friendly snacks and drinks

  • Any bedtime must-haves (dummy, blanket, night light)

Tip: Familiar toys and routines can make a strange new house feel safe and homely.

🎮 Entertainment & Extras

  • A good book or tablet

  • Headphones

  • Notepad and pen for jotting down tasks

  • A speaker or playlist to set the mood while you settle in

Keep your overnight bag handy

Make sure this bag doesn’t get packed into the moving van. Keep it with you in the car or set aside somewhere obvious so it’s ready the moment you arrive.

Let us handle the rest

Moving into a new home should feel exciting—not overwhelming. With our expert unpacking services in London, you can arrive to a calm, organised, and beautifully set-up space. We’ll take care of the hard work, so you can focus on enjoying your new beginning.

📦Book your unpacking service today and make moving day feel like a breeze.

 
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Settling your pets in a new home: A step-by-step guide