10 Organizing Tips that Will Speed Up Unpacking

Moving can be exhausting—there’s packing, finding and hiring a moving company, selling your old home, searching for a new one and everything else that comes with it. But once you arrive at your new place, the work isn’t over yet—you still need to unpack. Use these 10 organizing tips to make the unpacking process go quicker:

• Only take what you really need. The way you pack makes a big difference when it’s time to unpack. As you pack, go through your stuff and sort it into three groups: things you want or need to keep, things to sell or donate, and things to throw away. Only take the first group with you. This will make unpacking much easier. Think of moving as a chance to do a little spring cleaning.
• Pack a bag with must-haves. Get ready for your first few days or week in the new home by making a bag for each family member. Include things like toiletries, snacks, medicine, a few outfits and anything else you’ll need right away without digging through boxes. Keep these bags with you in the car or on the plane while traveling to your new place.
• Make a plan for unpacking. Just like you make a schedule for packing before the move, you should also make a timeline for unpacking. Break the unpacking into smaller tasks over several days. This will make the whole process feel easier and less overwhelming.
• Put each box in the right room. While packing, label every box with what’s inside and which room it belongs to in your new home. When you’re unloading, make sure each box goes to the correct room. This will make unpacking much easier.
• Start with the things you need most. No matter which room you’re unpacking, look for the essentials first and put them in their proper spots.
• Unpack one room at a time. If unpacking the whole house feels like too much, just focus on finishing one room before moving to the next.
• Decide where things should go before you unpack. For each room, make a simple plan so you know where to put the furniture and other items as you take them out of the boxes.
• Tips for organizing the kitchen. Before you start unpacking, set up the main appliances first. Then take out your food and put it away in the pantry so it’s ready to use.
• Tips for organizing the bedroom. On the first day, make sure to set up the beds and put on the sheets. That way, you’ll have a comfy place to rest after a long, tiring day.
• Tips for organizing the bathroom. As soon as you arrive, hang up the shower curtains and take out your toiletries and towels. After a long day of moving and unpacking, you’ll definitely want a shower to freshen up.

If these unpacking tips still feel overwhelming after your long-distance move, reach out to STI Moving & Storage. Our professional and experienced team would be happy to help you unpack at your new home.