Moving is exhausting. There are so many things to do, and you have to be focused and organized. Usually, in the middle of packing, the last thing on people’s minds is learning how to unpack after moving. If you are wondering if unpacking is easier than packing, the answer is: follow these simple tips, and it will be.
What is the First Thing to Do When Moving?
Make a list. Trust us; everything will be easier when you put it on paper. However, if you don’t know where to start, these are things you should do first:
Start With Taking Photos
Before you start packing, take a few photos of your belongings. That way, when unpacking begins, you’ll be able to put everything together in the same way you had it in your current home. So, take your phone out and start taking photos of these items:
- Your TV, especially the back and the cables
- Bookshelves
- Desk area
- Kitchen drawers
- Toolshed
Create a Number and Color-Coded System for Your Boxes
When you finish taking photos, collect all your packing materials for moving, including paper, tape, scissors, and markers, and start filling and labeling the boxes. Remember, it’s advisable only to pack up stuff from one room inside every box.
If you have a lot of stuff on shelves, don’t worry; create a numbering system to remember where everything goes. Also, you can create a color-coded system and separate boxes by colors. Don’t forget to give the color-coded system to your movers so they know which boxes go where.
You’ll Need to Unpack Your Essentials First, So Pack Them Together
Even when you begin packing, you should think about what not to pack when moving. There are things that you’ll need on the relocation day, and maybe for the first few days in your new home. Those things should be put into one box. We call it – the essentials box.
It’s up to you to decide what stuff you are going to put into the box, but there are some items that everybody needs on relocation day. So, as a reminder, your essentials box should contain:
- Utensils
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes
- Prescriptions
- Phone charger
- Bedsheets
Make sure that every family member has their essentials box and that they keep it near. Also, don’t forget to label them.
Before Your Start Unpacking, Clean Your New Home
Maybe you are thinking that cleaning your new home is not a priority, and you can postpone it when all your belongings are delivered. However, there is no better timing for cleaning a place than when it is empty. Therefore, try to organize a cleaning day a few days before the relocation.
You don’t have to waste much time cleaning, but make sure to go through crucial parts of your new household. To help you out, these are the parts of your place you should consider cleaning first:
- Refrigerator
- Kitchen cabinets
- Bathtub and any tub jets
- Washing machine
- Inside and outside the stove
The Next Step Is to Mark Each Room With a Different Color
Now that everything is clean and your things are on their way, mark each door with a specific color. Remember the color-coded system? Well, now is the time to prove its efficiency. If you have labeled the boxes with a particular color, now you should mark every door in your new place so the movers can drop them in the right spot.
One of The Best Tips for Unpacking After Moving Is to Do One Room At a Time
We know that, once you arrive at your new home, it will be hard not to go from one room to another and try to do as much as possible. However, the most efficient way of unpacking is to do one room at a time.
Make a Priority List and Put Each Room on It
To make things easier, think about creating a priority list. That way, you’ll be focused and won’t lose a lot of energy. Keep in mind that bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen should be high on the list. Also, if you are moving with kids, their space should be on top of the list. On the other hand, the guest room and garage can wait a couple of days.
How to Unpack After Moving Quickly? – Start With Bedrooms and Bathrooms
If you are thinking about unpacking right away, we suggest doing bedrooms and bathrooms first. It will not take you much energy and will give you the satisfaction of knowing that you have finished some unpacking tasks.
On Relocation Day, the Bedroom and Bathroom Will Be Your Best Friends
Once your movers put the mattresses into place, find the boxes with sheets and pillows, unpack them, and make your bed. Relocation day will be long and exhausting, so it will be nice to have a comfy spot to sleep at the end of it.
Consider unpacking bathroom boxes, as well. That way, you will have all your medications and toiletries on hand for the night and morning. On top of that, having a relaxing shower after a long and busy day will surely feel amazing.
Leave the Kitchen for Some Other Day
Due to the number of heavy, tiny, and fragile items, the kitchen is the most complex to unpack. That’s why you should not unpack it right away. It is better to leave it for some other morning when you are rested and focused.
Arrange the Furniture
Make sure to be well-organized when it comes to arranging furniture. Most heavy items need to be assembled, so you should do it as soon as you know where each piece will be placed. It would be a waste of hours if you assemble a piece of furniture and then realize that you have to disassemble it and move it to another room. However, if you choose the right moving services, your movers will likely do the disassembling for you.
Create a Plan for Furniture-Related Tasks
In case you need to rearrange the furniture, create a plan, so you only have to do it once. Large pieces, including entertainment centers or bookcase that might require mechanical assembly, should only be put together after you decide where all the furniture will be placed.
Don’t Postpone Getting Rid of the Boxes
To avoid any unnecessary mess, break down unpacked boxes as you go. You can also take one box and use it to throw away the used packing paper. Consider having a utility knife so you can finish it quickly.
According to a study by Duck Brand, it takes 182 days for Americans to unpack their last box after the move-in day. That’s a lot of time, don’t you think? If you don’t want to lose much time, consider using the tips from above and consult professionals. If you hire a reliable relocation company that provides packing services, you will save a lot of time that you can use for a quick and stress-free unpacking.
