Your first day of work requires a mix of legal documents, banking details, and practical items that will make the day smoother. Most of what you need fits in a single bag, but forgetting a key document can delay your payroll setup or force a second trip home. Here’s everything to pack the night before.
Identification and Work Documents
Every U.S. employer is required to verify your identity and work authorization using Form I-9, typically on your first day or within the first three business days. You’ll need to bring documents from one of two paths. The easiest option is a single document from what’s called List A, which proves both your identity and your right to work. A U.S. passport or passport card covers this entirely. A permanent resident card (green card) also works on its own.
If you don’t have a passport or green card, you’ll need two documents: one proving your identity (List B) and one proving work authorization (List C). The most common combination is a state-issued driver’s license or photo ID paired with your Social Security card. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate also satisfies the work authorization requirement. Note that your Social Security card must be unrestricted. Cards printed with “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT” won’t be accepted.
Bring originals, not photocopies. Employers are required to examine the actual documents. If your HR contact sent you any pre-hire paperwork to complete, like tax withholding forms or an offer letter to sign, print those out and bring them filled in.
Banking Information for Direct Deposit
Most employers will ask you to enroll in direct deposit during onboarding. To set this up, you’ll need your bank’s name, your account number, your routing number (sometimes called the ABA or transit number), and whether the account is checking or savings. All of this information is printed on a personal check if you have one, or you can find it in your bank’s mobile app under account details.
If you want to split your paycheck between accounts, such as sending a portion to savings, bring the details for both. Some companies still offer paper checks, but direct deposit gets you paid faster and avoids mail delays, so it’s worth setting up right away.
A Notebook and Pen
This sounds obvious, but it’s the single most useful thing in your bag on day one. You’ll be absorbing names, login credentials, project details, building codes, Wi-Fi passwords, and process explanations that no one will repeat slowly. Writing things down also signals to your new manager and teammates that you’re engaged and taking the role seriously. Your phone’s notes app works in a pinch, but pulling out a phone during orientation or a one-on-one meeting can read as distracted.
What to Wear and Carry
If your employer didn’t specify a dress code, aim one step above what you’d expect the daily standard to be. Business casual is a safe default for most office environments. You can always dress down once you see what your coworkers wear. For roles requiring uniforms, safety gear, or specific footwear, confirm with your manager beforehand whether the company provides those items or you need to supply your own.
Pack a water bottle, a phone charger, and any snacks you might need. First days often involve long stretches of sitting through orientation sessions, system setup, and introductions, and you may not know where the nearest kitchen or break room is for the first few hours. If you take any medication during the day, bring that too.
Preparing for a Remote First Day
If you’re starting a remote position, your checklist shifts toward your home workspace and digital access. Before day one, make sure you have a reliable internet connection and a designated work area that’s quiet enough for video calls. If the company shipped you a laptop or other equipment, unbox it the night before, power it on, and confirm it works.
You’ll likely need to log into several systems on your first morning: email, a messaging platform like Slack or Teams, and possibly a VPN (a virtual private network that securely connects you to your company’s internal systems). Ask your manager or IT contact ahead of time whether you’ll receive login credentials before your start date or during a live onboarding session. Having your personal phone nearby helps too, since many companies use two-factor authentication that sends a verification code to your mobile device.
Keep your I-9 documents accessible even in a remote role. Some employers use a video verification process, while others ask you to visit a local office or notary to complete the form in person.
Questions Worth Preparing
Bring a short list of questions for your manager. First days involve a lot of information flowing in one direction, and asking thoughtful questions helps you understand the job faster while making a strong impression. A few worth having ready:
- What does success look like in the first 30 days? This clarifies immediate priorities so you’re not guessing what to focus on.
- Who will I work with most closely? Understanding the team structure early helps you build the right relationships from the start.
- What tools and software will I use daily? Knowing this lets you ask for training or access before you’re expected to deliver work.
- Are there any unwritten norms I should know about? Every workplace has informal expectations around things like response times, meeting etiquette, or communication preferences that aren’t in the employee handbook.
Quick Checklist
The night before your first day, confirm you have everything in one place:
- Identification: Passport, or a driver’s license plus Social Security card (or birth certificate)
- Banking details: Account number, routing number, and bank name for direct deposit
- Pre-hire paperwork: Any forms your employer sent you, filled out and printed
- Notebook and pen
- Phone charger
- Water bottle and snacks
- Your list of questions
Packing everything the night before eliminates the morning scramble and lets you start the day focused on the part that actually matters: learning the job and meeting your new team.