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When you’re moving to a new house, packing and loading is only half the work. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering how to unpack after moving, take some advice that can make it stress-free. As a trusted professional moving service in Sacramento, Auburn Moving & Storage can help you make the process of unpacking efficient, easy, and even fun!
Deep Clean
Whether you’re moving to an apartment or house, the previous owner may have slacked on the deep cleaning. Even if everything looks pristine, moving in might provide the only opportunity you have for a deep clean for a long time.
To set the stage for the unpacking process, perform a thorough cleaning of your new space. Consider scrubbing underneath major appliances that you won’t move often, such as the stove or fridge. Also, give the bathroom a detailed cleaning so you can use it as soon as you need to.
Essentials First
When you’re packing, designate an essentials box where you pack any belongings you’ll need immediately. Clearly label it and put it in an easily accessible place like your car. The box should contain your most important items like:
- Toiletries and toilet paper
- A few toys or devices to keep your kids busy. Moving with kids can be stressful, that’s why preparations are necessary.
- Accessible food items like granola bars and bottled water
- Essential items like a fresh pair of clothes, towels, and clean linens for your first night
You don’t have to limit your priority items to one box but don’t overdo it. You can also prioritize other essentials like some everyday dishes (such as silverware), your phone charger, and your coffee maker.
Organize by Room
Establishing a system is one of the most important tips for efficient unpacking. You should organize and label every box according to the room it belongs in. Don’t pack items from different rooms in the same box.
You should also prioritize which boxes to unpack first in your new home. Label your high-priority boxes so you know you should unpack them first. You can wait to unpack the lower-priority boxes for a couple of weeks.
Before you start unpacking, ensure each box is delivered to the right place. When it comes time to unpack, focus on one room at a time. For example, you’ll probably start with the kitchen and then move to the dining room.
Remember Packing Order
Have you considered that unpacking is really just packing in reverse? The items you load on the truck first are the ones you’ll unload last. Considering how the load of the truck seems like hard work, but it might not necessarily require much thought on a moving day.
For example, you can put necessary supplies and stuff in your vehicle. As long as you can easily access everything you require to get settled on your first day, you can tackle the job of unloading the moving truck however you want.
Start Big
Apart from the items you need for your first few hours, start by unpacking the large items first. This includes furniture, which will help you decide how you want to use the space and help you avoid lifting the heaviest items when you’re tired from a long day of unpacking.
It also ensures you have space to put the smaller items as you unpack. For example, why would you unload a box of books if you haven’t placed your bookshelf where you want it? Likewise, without placing your beds, you don’t have a use for clean linens.
You might make a few exceptions to this rule. Your kitchen and bathroom likely have built-in storage, so you can immediately start unpacking your smaller belongings, like toiletries, in these rooms without worrying about furniture.
Make Your Bedding
If you’re wondering how to unpack after moving, you might feel surprised that experts suggest you make your bed. Don’t underestimate how a freshly made bed makes your house feel like a new home.
It also allows you to obtain a good night’s rest in your new bedroom and helps your kids better adjust to their first night. You shouldn’t worry about unpacking the rest of your bedroom furniture immediately, as the beds are the only thing you’ll need that first night.
Progressively Eliminate Boxes
To reduce how long it takes to move and keep you feeling motivated and less overwhelmed, break down and recycle your moving boxes as you go. When you store boxes in the long run, they take up space, which can make it more difficult to organize things while unpacking. Empty boxes are clutter, and many people feel as though they exhaust their minds and make it difficult to continue unpacking.
If you decide to save some boxes for later use, store them in a more remote place like the garage.
Delay Electronics Setup
While many families prioritize setting up their TVs and computers the first day they settle in their new home, this can prolong the moving process.
To help you commit to this decision, your living room should remain the last room unpacked. You can family can rest in their bedrooms and won’t feel tempted by the distractions in your living or family room.
Use Your Community
Enlisting your friends and family can help move the process along and make it fun. One family member can get the bathroom unpacked while another focuses on the bedrooms. This can still uphold your system but complete the process faster.
They can also help with other tasks, like making a shopping list of things you need or cleaning your old place while you unpack. For this reason, always try to schedule your move for a time when you have help.
Hire Professional Movers
Now that you know a few tips for unpacking, consider hiring a moving company for additional help. At Auburn Moving & Storage, we understand the anxiety of moving to a new place. From helping you understand how to unpack after moving to providing efficient packing and loading, we make the entire process stress-free.
For an estimate, contact us online or call (916) 786-8683.