Getting unpacked and settled into a new place after moving day is like running a long race—it requires planning and setting a realistic pace in order to be successful. Below are some moving tips, including 6 steps that can help you get across the finish to start relaxing and enjoying your space. Plus, follow some helpful hints about how to keep things tidy and feeling like new.
Put a system in place
Before you even open the first moving box, it’s best to have a plan of action to stay organized and make the unpacking process as efficient as possible. Make a checklist—or follow your prewritten inventory notes—so that you know what everything is and where it should go. Think about how you want to use each space and determine where everything (furniture, accessories, decor) will be placed before you start moving items.
Quick tip: Organize moving boxes by placing them in the room where they belong. Keep scissors or a box cutter in multiple rooms so that you aren’t constantly searching or running back and forth.
Prioritize the essentials
There are a few spaces you should take quick inventory of to ensure you have what you need for the first few days. Start with the bathroom and kitchen as there may be items you forgot or misplaced during the move. You—and your family—don’t want to be without any toiletries or food.
Other essentials may include:
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Personal hygiene items (i.e. toothbrush, toilet paper, etc.)
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Children’s toys/comfort items
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Drinks and snacks
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All-purpose cleaners
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Trash bags and paper towels
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Pet food
Tidy up
Before you start filling your new, empty space, make sure to clean areas for yourself and your belongings. Gather all of your cleaning supplies in a cart or caddy so you can easily transport them between rooms. Then, get started and wipe down each room top to bottom, including ceiling fans, cabinets, storage areas, the refrigerator, bathtub and sinks, plus floors or carpet. After the dust is cleared, this is a good time to line drawers and shelves with protective lining. This will help give a beautiful look and prevent any dings or scratches.
Arrange furniture
Once the house or apartment is clean, place your large pieces of furniture in each room. This will help paint the picture of how you want each room to look and feel. Plus, arranging the large items first will give you an idea of how much space you have for other pieces and decor. Be sure to keep pathways in mind and don’t place chairs too close together that people cannot get through.
Quick tip: Use sticky notes to label drawers and cabinets before you start unpacking smaller items. This will help give you a plan of where to start and how to stay organized.
Unpack moving boxes.
The large pieces are placed and now it’s time to unpack everything else. This is another stage where you’ll want to start in the kitchen and bathroom first, as these are rooms you will need to use right away. Stow away food items and organize dishes and utensils in convenient areas, such as near the dishwasher where unloading will be a breeze. Then, place toiletries in the bathroom and store any medications in safe areas.
Quick tip: Throughout the unpacking process, take it box by box and focus on one area at a time. This will help you maintain a healthy pace and prevent yourself from feeling too overwhelmed. Also, throw away boxes as you go to prevent clutter buildup.
The bedrooms will follow next. Start by making the bed so you know you have a nice place to rest once the day is over. Next, place your nightstand items and start putting away your clothes.
Don’t get stuck on getting every piece folded and put away nicely in drawers and closets—it’s a process. Organize what you can and prioritize what you’ll need first based on the season.
At this point, you may be getting tired but help keep the momentum going by putting on some music. Use that energy to dance yourself to the next stage—the living room. This is where you want to store your entertainment items and get the room feeling cozy. Make it a socializing area by arranging furniture so people can face one another.
Add decoration and storage.
Fill your linen closets and spare storage space with cleaning items, extra towels and sheets, coats and any other seasonal items. This will be the living space for those items you only need on occasion. Organize each shelf by category and tuck away mismatched bedding and bleached towels in baskets. Adjustable liners are a simple and affordable option to help maximize shelf space.
And finally, make your new house truly feel like home by adding in your own style. This is not a step that needs to be completed right away, but it will help bring everything together. Hang up personal photos, your kids’ artwork, decorative paintings or shelving. If you save this for later, though, make sure to keep everything packed away safely and in areas where they won’t get damaged.