Before you pack your first box, it’s important to know what you should pack last in your priority box. With so many things to remember while packing up your life, it’s easy to forget about the things you’ll need immediately — either directly before your move, or right after.

You may not think of it at the time, but you’ll need items like paper towels immediately. Even a shower curtain can slip your mind — until you want to freshen up the night after your move. Make a list of items that should go in your priority box and you will be sure of an easy transition to your new place.

Pack last, move last
It’s a good idea to have a plan on what will go into your priority box. Take the time to sit down and make a list of what you’ll need first in your new place. This will let you pack essentials that need to be kept separate from the rest of your possessions, noting any special items that are unique to your situation, such as glasses or medication. Keep this list handy, and when your packing starts to wind down, walk around the house with a special carton for your priority box and load it up. When the moving day comes, make sure to put that box out of the way so it’s not accidentally loaded in the van with everything else.

The priority box
What goes into your priority box will vary wildly, but generally fall into five categories: cleaning, important documents, electronics, medical and food supplies. Pack essentials such as these last as they are generally the last items moved. They are also items you’d like to move in your car with you or at the back of the moving truck so they are the first box taken into your new apartment.

Cleaning supplies
The cleaning supplies you’ll need can range from paper towels to mops and cleansers. Final cleaning won’t happen until you’ve moved out of your old apartment, and your new apartment may need cursory cleaning before you start moving in. Also, you should include some bathroom items such as toilet paper, hand soap and a shower curtain, especially if you’ve driven a long way to your new home. Don’t forget the garbage bags for the trash you’re likely to accumulate.

Food supplies
You’ll also be hungry after you’ve finished loading your possessions into your new place. Even if you don’t want to pack any food items, it’s a good idea to have some snacks and beverages at your fingertips. But even if you decide to have pizza delivered, you’ll need items like paper plates, disposable cups, plastic tableware and napkins.

Electronics
Your cell phone may die when you need it the most. Its charger is one of the electronic items you should pack last and keep close by, along with your laptop, GPS device and any other pricey item you’d rather not be stashed in the back of the van. Consider packing your alarm clock in this box, as well.

Important documents
Your important documents — like birth certificates, etc. — won’t really be needed during or immediately after the move, but it’s best not to pack those with the rest of your possessions. They are not easily replaced if lost during the move, so keeping them in the car with you makes it easier to keep track of them.

Medical supplies
Never pack your medicine or first-aid kit in the moving van. You never know when you might need them, so it’s best to have your medicines with you. Place those items in their own separate priority box and keep it in the car with you while you move. The pain of moving also makes over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin invaluable. Eyeglasses and contact lenses might also be packed in your medical priority box.

The first few days after the move can be chaos. If you pack essentials in a priority box you will be able to unpack with much less stress and make an easier transition to your new apartment.