Quick Answer

The first island week is about unlocking tools, earning Nook Miles, donating to the museum, gathering daily resources, and placing buildings without boxing yourself in. You do not need a perfect island; you need a routine.

First Week Route

Day rangeFocusCheck
Day 1Tent, basic tools, branches, weeds, shellsLearn the daily pickup loop
Days 2-3Museum donations and Nook MilesSave first catches for donation
Days 3-4Resource rocks, wood, and DIY recipesHit rocks before eating fruit
Days 4-5Villager plots and island layoutLeave walking space around buildings
Days 6-7Bells, storage, upgrades, and routineDo daily fossils, rocks, trees, and beach

Daily Checklist

  • Check rocks, fossils, beach bottle, shops, and visitors.
  • Donate new fish, bugs, sea creatures, and fossils before selling.
  • Keep wood, iron nuggets, clay, stone, and branches.
  • Spend Nook Miles on useful upgrades before decoration.
  • Place buildings with future paths in mind.

FAQ

Can I move buildings later?

Yes, but it costs bells. Leave space early so you do not need to move everything.

What should I sell first?

Sell duplicates and common items after checking donations and DIY needs.

What should I do every day?

Check fossils, rocks, trees, beach bottle, shops, visitors, and new museum donations.