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Packing playbook
The First One
Pack it. Open it first.
Every Alabama Moving Bins package includes one easy-to-spot green First One bin for the essentials you’ll want on your first night — things like toiletries, chargers, clean sheets, snacks and a few basic tools.
Pack it and keep it accessible. Open it first so the things you need do not disappear into the rest of the move.
The idea
One bin that stands
out from the stack
Uniform bins make a move easier to organize, but your first-night essentials should not disappear into a stack of identical containers. That is why every package includes one easy-to-spot green First One bin.
Pack it with the things you’ll want before the rest of the move is unpacked. Keep it with you in your personal vehicle, then carry it inside first when you arrive.
- Included with every package
- Pack it and keep it with you
- Opened first at your new home
The contents
What goes in the First One?
Use this checklist as a starting point. If you’ll need it before the next morning and it fits safely, pack it in the First One. Everything else can go in its labeled room bin.
Bathroom
The basics everyone will want before bed and again the next morning.
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Essential toiletries
- Towels and washcloths
- Shower curtain and rings, if needed
Kitchen
Enough for drinks, a quick meal and the first morning.
- Coffee maker or kettle
- Coffee, filters and mugs
- Bottled water and snacks
- A few plates and utensils
- Dish soap and a sponge
- Paper towels and trash bags
Bedroom
What you need to make the first night comfortable.
- Fresh sheets for the beds you’ll use
- Pajamas
- One change of clothes per person
- Phone chargers
- A night-light or small lamp
Tools and cleanup
A few practical items for opening bins, assembling furniture and handling small messes.
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Screwdrivers and needed Allen keys
- Flashlight and batteries
- Tape measure
- Cleaning wipes
- Extension cord or power strip
Keep with you
Personal items that should remain in your possession throughout the move.
- Wallets and identification
- House and car keys
- Lease or closing documents
- Prescription medications
- Laptops and chargers
- Jewelry and other valuables
Kids & pets
Familiar things that make the first night easier for everyone.
- A favorite toy or comfort item
- Pajamas and a change of clothes
- Pet food and water bowls
- Leash and waste bags
- Litter tray and litter, if needed
- Any necessary pet medications
How to use the First One
Pack it. Keep it with you. Open it first.
The First One works because it stays easy to recognize and close at hand throughout the move. Pack only what your household will need that first evening and the following morning.
1
Pack it
Use the checklist to choose your first-night essentials. Keep the bin organized and light enough to carry safely.
2
Keep it with you
Place the First One in your personal vehicle — not the moving truck. Keep medications, documents, keys and valuables in your possession at all times.
3
Carry it in first
Bring the First One inside before the rest of the unloading begins so it does not get buried behind furniture or other bins.
4
Put it somewhere obvious
Choose a central location where everyone can find it, such as the kitchen or entryway. Let the household know where it is, then open it first.
Take it with you
Download the First One Checklist
One page. Six categories. Simple checkboxes for the essentials you may want during your first evening and the following morning.
Save it to your phone or print a copy and check off each item as you pack your First One.
Ready when you are
Get the bins first. Then
pack the one that matters.
Reserve your pack in under a minute, pick a delivery window, and your First One has somewhere to live before the truck ever shows up.