In Partnership With T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

What to Pack in Your “Open First” Box to Make the First Night in Your New Home More Comfortable

Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney Balestier is the Apartment Therapy Creative Studio Senior Writer. She holds a master's degree in magazine journalism from NYU and lives in Pittsburgh, where you'll find her doing DIY projects in her new house with her dog and cat (who are not being very helpful).
published Aug 15, 2025
A wooden side table with a lamp, a plant in a ribbed pot, a modem, headphones, and a closed tablet.
Credit: Photo: Christopher Broe; Stylist: Stephanie Yeh

Spending your first night in a new home is a little like camping: a really fun adventure, but also a bit disorienting and maybe not as comfortable as you’d hoped. But successful moves come down to good planning, and a well-planned “open me first” box will make the first night (and next morning) feel homier.

Another smart plan for your first night? Reliable internet. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet makes it easy to get set up as soon as you walk in the door. You can even get your new gateway device well before move-in day and pop it right in that “open me first” box. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet also offers free two-day shipping, so you can “plan ahead” at the last minute, too. Here’s what else to prepare for a seamless first night in your new digs.

Credit: Photo: Christopher Broe; Stylist: Stephanie Yeh

Bedding

Breaking news: Moving is exhausting. Whether your bed is ready to go or it’s an air mattress night, have fresh sheets and your favorite pillows handy and make your bed right away. You’ll thank yourself for having a bed that’s ready to crash in after a long day.

Credit: Photo: Christopher Broe; Stylist: Stephanie Yeh

Toiletries

Pack like your move is also a trip. An overnight bag with bathroom essentials — plus PJs and a change of clothes — is the difference between a night you can look forward to and a night spent opening boxes to find the toothbrush you swear you just saw.

Credit: Photo: Christopher Broe; Stylist: Stephanie Yeh

Tablet and Headphones

You’re probably going to want to wind down at the end of moving day, and this is not the time to try to mount the TV. Instead, have your tablet charged and ready to stream your favorite show or movie. And don’t forget wireless headphones for better audio quality. They’ll also come in handy if you’re up later than the rest of your housemates.

Credit: Photo: Christopher Broe; Stylist: Stephanie Yeh

Home Internet That’s Ready to Go

You can order T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and receive your gateway device before moving day — even at the last minute, thanks to free two-day shipping. Whether you’re ordering takeout or shopping for a couch that fits your new space, you’ll have seamless connectivity and speed waiting for you.

Credit: Photo: Christopher Broe; Stylist: Stephanie Yeh

Coffee Maker

If time travel were possible, your future self would come back to thank you for this one. Brewing a fresh pot on your first morning in your new home will feel amazing. Take it a step further with a smart coffee maker or smart plug: You can brew from bed and let the aroma wake you up!

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet has affordable options for every home internet need. Plans start at $50 per month with AutoPay, plus taxes and fees. Plus, your price won’t change for five years — guaranteed. (Guarantee exclusions like taxes and fees apply.) With free two-day shipping and easy 15-minute set-up, getting connected will be the simplest part of moving day.