Moving to a new home can be an exciting new chapter, but unpacking and getting settled in your new space can also feel daunting. Here are some tips to make unpacking after a big move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Make Unpacking a Priority
It’s tempting after a big move to want to explore your new neighborhood or city right away. However, make unpacking a priority, so you can feel settled in your new home sooner. Tackle unpacking room-by-room and try to unpack boxes daily. The more you can unpack each day, the less overwhelmed you’ll feel.
Start with the Essentials
Unpack essential items first so you can function comfortably in your new home. This includes things like:
- Kitchen items like plates, cups, utensils, pots and pans, etc.
- Bathroom necessities like towels, soap, toilet paper, etc.
- Sheets and bedding to make your bed
- Clothes and toiletries to get ready for the next day
- Chargers for phones and laptops
- Medications
- Snacks and non-perishable food items
- Cleaning supplies
Having these essentials readily available will make the rest of the unpacking process smoother.
Tackle One Room at a Time
It can be tempting to jump from room to room as you unpack, but this often leaves multiple half-unpacked rooms that feel disorganized. Focus your efforts by unpacking and setting up one room at a time.
Start with frequently used rooms like the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Once daily essential rooms are set up, move room by room through the rest of the house.
Sort as You Go
Don’t just unpack boxes and call it done. Be sure to sort through items as you unpack. This will save you time later.
- Toss or donate items you don’t need or want.
- Put items away in their designated storage spots.
- Set up systems like labeling cabinets or using organizers right away.
Take Breaks
Unpacking and setting up a new home is physically and mentally draining. Take regular breaks to avoid burnout.
- Take short 5-10 minute breaks hourly to recharge.
- After a few productive hours of unpacking, take a longer 30-60 minute break.
- Stop unpacking at a reasonable hour and pick back up the next day.
Breaks help you tackle unpacking refreshed and motivated.
Recruit Help
Don’t be afraid to recruit help from family and friends, especially for moving heavy furniture or large boxes. Many hands make for light work.
You can return the favor by cooking dinner or ordering pizza for your helpers. If hiring professional help, consider tasking them with garages, attics, or basements.
Set Up Your Bed First
Even if you have a lot to unpack, setting up your bed should be a top priority after moving in.
Having your bed set up with freshly laundered sheets will give you a welcoming place to rest after a long day of unpacking. A made bed also helps a new space feel calmer and more homey.
Organize as You Go
Use the unpacking process to get organized. Don’t just dump items randomly into drawers and cabinets. Think about how you want things organized.
- Set up closet systems like shelves, racks, and bins.
- Use drawer organizers and trays to neatly corral like items.
- Label shelves and cabinets so everyone knows where things go.
- Designate spaces for specific items, like a charging station.
Unpack by Zones
To stay organized, it can help to group items and unpack by zones. For example:
Kitchen Zones
- Food pantry: Dry goods, canned items, snacks
- Refrigerator/Freezer: Cold and frozen foods
- Dishes and glassware: Plates, cups, mugs, serving ware
- Cooking utensils: Pots, pans, prep tools
- Cleaning: Soaps, sponges, towels
Bedroom Zones
- Clothing: Hanging clothes, folded clothes, socks and underwear
- Shoes: Designate spots for all shoes
- Bedding: Sheets, blankets, pillows
- Nightstands: Books, lamp, alarm clock
Zoning helps you designate organized homes for everything as you unpack.
Purchase Organizing Tools
Don’t be afraid to invest in drawer organizers, shelving units, label makers, and other handy tools. Getting organized will make your life easier in a new home.
Check places like The Container Store, Ikea, or Target for affordable storage options.
Hang Artwork and Mirrors
Personal touches like art and mirrors make a new house feel like home. As you unpack, start hanging these decorative elements.
Even just a few key pieces like a large mirror or gallery wall can make a space feel welcoming.
Clean as You Go
Moving into a new home means moving in all your belongings and boxes from the old home. As you unpack, be sure to clean.
- Wipe down cabinets and surfaces before putting items away
- Sweep and vacuum floors once rooms are cleared of boxes
- Clean window and appliances
- Disinfect bathrooms and kitchen
This will get rid of dust and grime accumulated during the move so your new home feels fresh.
Unpack Slowly If Overwhelmed
If unpacking feels overly daunting, give yourself permission to tackle it slowly. Unpack just what you need day-by-day.
For example, unpack just what you need to make coffee and breakfast in the mornings. Then unpack clothes and toiletries as needed. Slowly but surely, you’ll begin feeling settled.
Schedule Professional Cleaning Help
Consider hiring professional cleaners to do a deep clean of your new home after unpacking. This is especially helpful for cleaning carpets, windows, appliances, etc.
Having a sparkling clean home to settle into can be rejuvenating after a stressful move and unpack.
Set Up WiFi and TV Services
Contact service providers like cable and internet companies to set up WiFi and TV connections. This may require professional installation or equipment set up.
Having WiFi and entertainment readily available can make those first nights in a new home less stressful.
Change Locks if Necessary
For safety, consider changing exterior locks when moving into a new home, especially if keys may still be out there from previous owners. Re-keying locks ensures security.
Update Your Address
Make unpacking easier by having mail and packages delivered to your new address. Be sure to submit USPS change of address forms and update accounts.
Also, update important contacts like your job, doctor, family members, etc. with your new address and contact information.
Explore the Neighborhood
Once the busiest unpacking and cleaning is complete, explore your new neighborhood. Look for grocery stores, parks, restaurants and other amenities nearby.
Introduce yourself to neighbors and start getting a lay of the land. Knowing what’s nearby will make the new home feel more comfortable.
Schedule a Housewarming Party
What better way to celebrate a new home than by hosting friends and family? Once unpacked, plan a housewarming party.
Give guests a home tour and show off all your unpacking efforts! It’s also a fun way to thank helpers.
In summary, unpacking after a big move takes time and effort, but staying organized room-by-room will make the process more manageable. Recruit help when needed, take breaks to avoid burnout, and get your home clean and cozy. Before you know it, you’ll be happily settled in your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unpacking After Moving
How long does it take to unpack after moving?
It usually takes 1-2 weeks to fully unpack after a big move. Focus on unpacking for a few hours daily to make steady progress. If you have a lot of belongings or disorganization, it may take longer. Give yourself grace and go room by room.
What are the best unpacking tips for kitchen items?
Start with dishes, utensils, and daily use items. Wipe down cabinets before putting away. Be sure to organize cabinets and drawers and designate spaces for everything. Label cabinets or use shelf dividers. Hang commonly used tools like pots and pans.
What’s the easiest room to unpack first?
Unpack your bedroom first since having your bed made and clothing put away allows you to function comfortably, even if the rest of the house is chaotic. Prioritize making the master bedroom calming.
How do you prioritize what to unpack first?
Focus on unpacking essential items first: kitchen, bathroom, and cleaning supplies. Also prioritize your bedroom, work/office area, and frequently used living areas. Next unpack items needed for pet or child care. Leave garage, attics, and storage areas for last.
What supplies do I need for unpacking?
Useful unpacking supplies include: garbage bags for purging unwanted items, storage bins and boxes, labels and markers for organizing, multi-plug extension cords for electronics, scissors/box cutter, bubble wrap and packing paper, towels and cleaning products.
What is the best way to organize while unpacking?
Decide on systems like where dishes, clothes, and other categories of items will go. Use organizers, shelves, bins, and closet systems. Label everything clearly. Designate zones like pantry food, cleaning supplies, office supplies, etc. Sort through items as you unpack rather than just dumping.
Should I hire an unpacking service?
Professional unpacking services can be helpful if time is limited or the amount of stuff is overwhelming. They provide efficiency, organization, cleaning and disposal help. However, the cost might be high. See if friends or family can lend a hand before paying for services.
In the end, unpacking just takes patience and tackling it in chunks. Stay organized, ask for help when needed, and you’ll be settled in your new home before you know it!