6 Steps To Unpack After Moving and Get Organized

Moving into a new home is an exciting time—but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. With so much to do, how do you get started?

The trick is to set the right priorities and approach them in an organized and timely way. By unpacking efficiently, you can reduce the overwhelm and make the whole process go more smoothly.

Ready to get started? Here are six tips to help you on and after moving day.

There are things you can live without for a while, and there are things you need daily: Think toiletries, clothes and if you're like most people, your coffee maker and favorite mug. Your move will feel much less stressful if you have these essentials at your fingertips—no hunting through boxes required.

One helpful tip is to pack an "essentials kit" that contains everything you need for the first few days in your new home. When you start with these basics, your space will be livable immediately. Include items such as:

• Toothpaste, toilet paper, soap and other toiletries
• Medications
• Important documents
• Cleaning supplies, such as dish and laundry soap
• A few changes of clothing
• Bedding, pillows and towels
• Essential kitchenware: cutlery, basic cooking supplies, dishes, sponges and tea towels
• Must-have kids' items, such as favorite toys and snacks
• Other items you might need for daily life in your new home, such as a shower curtain, seating or an air mattress

As you stare down a giant pile of boxes, it can be tempting to just start at the top and work your way down. But to avoid feeling scattered and create a sense of accomplishment, a smarter strategy is to focus on one room at a time. (Tip: Label boxes by room and ask the movers to bring them to the right place immediately.)

Set goals based on your personal priorities. Maybe you want a nicely set up living room to relax in even if the rest of the house is in chaos. Or if cooking is your primary goal, the kitchen is number one.

Then, clear out boxes and sort items for that room first, until it's done. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back, then move on to the next room.

Moving is a fantastic opportunity to clear out things you no longer need and organize what remains. Even if you decluttered before the move, you're sure to find more items to let go of as you set up your new home.

Find a couple of empty boxes; label one "donate" and one "throw away." Then, as you unpack, consider adding items to these boxes. The less you keep, the easier it is to get organized and minimize clutter.

Another tip: Save and organize used packing materials. Some you might want to keep for future needs; the rest can be donated to someone else who's ready to make a move. If any items are no longer usable, they can be recycled instead.

It's easier to organize at the outset than to reorganize later. Before you unpack each room, think about where items will go. Consider adding storage furniture or bins to maximize your space and reduce clutter. For example:

• Make use of vertical space by keeping infrequently used items on high shelves.
• Store out-of-season clothing and footwear in bins under the bed.
• Install closet systems with organizers for things like jewelry, or with stacked closet rods so you can hang more clothes.
• Keep drawer mess to a minimum by using dividers and storage containers. (Tip: Old cardboard boxes are a budget-friendly storage option for hidden spaces.)

For the best results, label everything with your preferred system. You can write on boxes with a basic marker, or use an old-school label maker for extra style.

"A place for everything and everything in its place" isn't just an old saying. It's a mantra for a home that feels calming and stress-free, and ultimately, saves you time hunting for things.

One pro tip for organizing is to group together similar items. For instance, you might keep all your cleaning supplies on a particular closet shelf (maybe even in a handy roll-out bin), or all your kitchen gadgets in a specific cupboard.

As you unpack, think about the frequency of use as well. In the kitchen, for example, put rarely used items on the hard-to-reach shelves and those that are picked up daily in the handiest drawers.

Think about where you use things, too. Store books right next to your favorite reading chair rather than in another room, and extra office supplies near your desk. The goal is to create a sense of logic and flow so that your organizational system feels natural.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and your house won't be unpacked in 24 hours either. Give yourself permission to go slow and steady and do things right the first time rather than rushing through the process.

Set aside time each day to unpack a few boxes, and reward yourself for small victories like finishing a room or finally hanging that favorite art piece. Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your new space come together gradually, and don't let yourself get overwhelmed. Remember: It was the tortoise that won the race, not the hare.

Moving can be stressful—but it doesn't have to be. If you set appropriate expectations and follow these steps to unpacking success, the process can be a joy. Build smart organization into your workflow and you'll be able to enjoy your home from day one—and for the rest of your time there, too.

From closet systems to kitchen gadgets, the Synchrony HOME Credit Card can help you purchase things you need for your home.* Use the Synchrony HOME locator to find Synchrony HOME retail partners in your area that may have special offers for cardholders.

READ MORE: 5 Steps to a Successful Move for Couples

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