The post-move mountain of moving boxes makes it tough to know where your unpacking should begin and end. The time it takes to unpack means you need to get to the most important items for living first. Use these tips on how to unpack to make sure you have the items you need whenever you need them.
Don’t Rush, Make a Plan
It’s tempting to try to knock out your entire unpacking efforts in less than a day. However, unpacking can be physically exhausting, which increases your risk of injury and the risk of damage to your furniture and household goods.
If you take your time, you’re more likely to make smart and well-considered decisions about the arrangement of your home. The more decisive you are, the less you’ll have to correct poor decision-making later on.
We recommend unpacking in the following order so you can begin enjoying your home as you unpack:
Place your furniture
Place your boxes in an appropriate storage area away from other objects and try to arrange your furniture in its final arrangement once you arrive in your new home. Since many household objects require pieces of furniture on which they can stand or sit, you’ll need the support of pre-arranged furniture to complete the unpacking process.
Unpack for kitchen
The kitchen will be your home base while you begin unpacking your things. You’ll need a place to convene, prepare food, eat, and reenergize. Take out some pots and pans, a kettle or coffee maker, and some of your favorite, easy-to-prepare foods first so you’ll never run low on energy. The kitchen is a great place to unwind as it becomes unpacked.
Unpack the bathroom
Stocking the toilet paper and creating a handwashing station will be vital to your unpacking efforts. Set out some towels so that anyone unpacking will feel comfortable using the restroom, and make sure that you have toiletries such as hand soap and a toothbrush with toothpaste ready so you can rest after the first day of your move.
Unpack the living room
Once your kitchen area is ready for food prep and your restroom is fully prepared, you can start moving on to the areas of your home designed for comfort. The living room will likely be your sleeping area for the first parts of your move, but even if it’s not, you’ll need a place to sit and recuperate as you finish up your move.
Unpack the bedroom
The bedroom should be the last area you unpack. It contains one of the heaviest items you’ll have to move – your bed. Since the bedroom area is almost purely for comfort, you should prioritize your necessities – food and waste – above setting up your bedroom. If you need a sleeping surface, just lay down your mattress before setting up your bed frame.
Unpack fragile items
Take out mirrors, vases, lamps, and breakable decorations after you’ve made room for all of the objects that don’t need protection. They’re safest when padded inside of a moving box. If you need to, unpack any lighting items for use during your first few nights at your new home to minimize electricity use during your move.
Remember to keep in mind the importance of toiletries and food as you unpack. Stay patient and focused and you’ll turn your house into a home quickly and with minimal effort!