The key to a successful unpacking process is to plan and stay organized. Here are some tips for how to unpack after moving so that you can get settled into your new home quickly and safely:
- Unpack essentials first. This could include bedding and towels for immediate use, as well as other everyday items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, food storage containers and non-perishables such as canned goods or snacks. Unpacking these will allow you to start settling into your new home right away and provide basic necessities while you continue unpacking other items.
- Stay on schedule. Set realistic goals for yourself and your family members. Make a list of tasks that need to be done, prioritize them, and then work through them one by one. A well-planned timeline should also include breaks for rest and relaxation because tackling unpacking can take a lot of energy.
- Put away kitchen utensils. It’s important to take a systematic approach when putting away kitchen items after moving. Start by removing all utensils from the boxes, including glassware and plates that need to go into cabinets or cupboards. Place mixers and blenders on the countertop for easy access once everything else has been put away. Then organize all utensils like forks, knives, spoons, etc., into their corresponding drawers according to size or type for easy retrieval later on.
- Arrange a bedroom. Place all of your furniture in their designated spots in the room. Make sure each piece is set up correctly and securely before bringing out any other items. Next, arrange any clothing items in closets or drawers where they will be easy to access once unpacked fully.
- Get rid of the packing materials. Gather up all of your packing supplies such as cardboard boxes, plastic wrap and bubble wrap into one area. Determine what can still be used for storage or other purposes and set those aside. Then decide which products need to be recycled or disposed of properly. For example, cardboard boxes should be broken down and placed into designated recycling bins, while bubble wrap must go in trash bags.