Settling In After Your Move: Unpacking Tips to Stay Organised
Congratulations, you’ve successfully moved into your new home! Now comes the next important task: unpacking. While it may seem daunting to deal with the mountain of boxes and scattered furniture, a little organisation can go a long way in making the process smooth and stress-free. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on how to unpack efficiently, stay organised, and settle into your new home without the chaos.
1. Start with the Essentials
The first step to unpacking is prioritising what you’ll need right away. Hopefully, you’ve packed an “essentials” box with items you’ll need on your first day and night, such as:
• Toiletries
• A change of clothes
• Chargers for electronics
• Basic kitchen items (coffee maker, mugs, utensils)
• Important documents
• Bed linens
Start by unpacking these essentials so you can begin your first day at home with ease, without rummaging through multiple boxes. Having your must-haves on hand makes the rest of the unpacking process far more manageable.
2. Unpack Room by Room
Unpacking can feel overwhelming if you tackle everything at once. Instead, focus on one room at a time. This will help you stay organised and ensure each space is functional as you go. Here’s a smart order to follow:
• Bedrooms: Set up your bed first. After a long day of unpacking, you’ll want a comfortable place to rest.
• Kitchen: Unpack only the essentials for now, like cookware and plates. You can gradually unpack less urgent items in the coming days.
• Bathroom: Get your toiletries and towels unpacked early. Having a fresh shower set up will make your first day feel more relaxing.
• Living Room: Once the essentials are in place, focus on unpacking your entertainment and seating areas to make your space feel more like home.
Remember, it’s okay to take breaks and pace yourself; unpacking is a process.
3. Keep Your Boxes Organised
Even after you’ve unpacked your essentials, keeping track of what’s in each box will help avoid confusion later. Here are a few tips:
• Label each box clearly with the room it belongs to and a general description of its contents (e.g., “Kitchen – pots, pans, plates”).
• If you’re not planning to unpack certain boxes right away (such as seasonal items or extra décor), store them in their designated rooms or a storage area.
• Don’t rush to empty boxes. If you’re uncertain about where something should go, set it aside to revisit later. This will help you avoid unnecessary clutter.
4. Declutter as You Unpack
Moving to a new home is a perfect opportunity to reassess what you really need. If you come across items you didn’t use in your previous home or no longer have space for, consider donating, selling, or recycling them. This will prevent your new home from feeling crowded and ensure you only unpack what’s necessary.
Pro Tip: As you declutter, separate items into piles for donation, recycling, or disposal. This will help you keep your new space clean and organised right from the start.
5. Organise Your Storage Spaces
Before you start unpacking smaller items, take a few moments to consider how you want to organise your closets, cabinets, and drawers. Creating a logical system from the beginning will save you from having to reorganise later. Use organisers, baskets, and dividers to keep everything in its place.
Consider these storage tips:
• Use closet organisers or bins to separate seasonal clothes from everyday wear.
• Place lesser-used kitchen items on higher shelves to maximise accessible storage space.
• Install hooks or shelves in your entryway for coats, bags, and keys to keep your home tidy.
6. Give Yourself Time
You don’t have to unpack everything in one day—or even one week! Moving into a new home takes time, and it’s important not to overwhelm yourself. Instead, create a schedule where you unpack a few boxes or a room each day. This way, you can slowly transform your new house into a home without the added stress.
7. Recycle or Reuse Moving Boxes
Once you’ve finished unpacking, you’ll likely be left with a pile of empty boxes. Instead of throwing them away, consider eco-friendly ways to reuse or recycle them:
• Reuse: Keep a few sturdy boxes for storage or future moves.
• Recycle: Break down cardboard boxes and take them to your local recycling centre.
• Donate: If your boxes are in good condition, you can offer them to friends, family, or even list them online for others in need of moving supplies.
At Holloway Removals, we are committed to sustainable practices. If you’ve booked with us, ask about our recycling programs for packing materials, so you can contribute to reducing waste during your move.
8. Make Your House Feel Like Home
Finally, as you settle in, start adding personal touches to your new space. Hang up artwork, arrange your furniture in a way that feels comfortable, and bring out family photos or mementos to make your house feel like a home. Small details, such as adding plants or cozy throws, can make a big difference in creating a welcoming environment.
Final Thoughts
Unpacking after a move can feel overwhelming, but with a plan in place, you can tackle it step by step. By prioritising essential items, keeping boxes organised, and taking the time to declutter and organise as you go, you’ll create a more relaxed and efficient unpacking process. And remember, settling into your new home is a journey, so don’t rush. Enjoy the process of making your new space truly yours.
Happy unpacking!
