Tips for Unpacking After Your Move

Now that the moving van has left the driveway, you’re probably breathing a sigh of relief and feeling excited about settling into your new home and neighborhood. Then as you gaze around rooms filled with stacked up, unopened boxes, it suddenly dawns on you that there’s still the daunting task of unpacking ahead.  

But don’t worry. As always, we’re here to help. In fact, United Van Lines offers both packing and unpacking services that will free you from this task altogether. 

That said, for the unpacking DIYers reading this article, here are some practical tips and tricks to streamline the unpacking process so you can settle into your new abode quickly and seamlessly. Ready? Let’s get unpacking!  

Map Out an Unpacking Plan 

To unpack efficiently and minimize post-move stress, make an unpacking checklist, prioritizing crucial areas like the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. Also map out where and how you want to place large furniture pieces. These steps will streamline the unpacking process and help keep you from repeatedly shifting heavy items. 

Find and Organize Unpacking Supplies 

Before the unpacking process starts, make sure you have these items handy: 

• Scissors  
• Markers  
• Trash bags 
• A box cutter 
• Boxes for debris  

Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to group the first four items together in a separate “first night box” so they’ll be easy to find right away. Make sure it’s among the last boxes loaded onto the moving van. 

Start With the Must-haves 

If you’ve labeled your moving boxes well, it should be simple to find the essentials you’ll need for the first few days, such as toiletries, bedding, and cooking utensils. Having these necessities readily available will make your first few nights more comfortable and make your new space feel like home quickly. 

Assign Tasks 

Even a DIY unpacking effort will benefit from some additional helping hands. If you have helpers, divide tasks based on their strengths and preferences. Stick to your unpacking plan; it will help you and the people helping you stay organized and on-point. 

Go Room by Room 

Nothing will make your unpacking chores feel more endless than a series of messy, half-unpacked rooms. Instead, it’s best to focus on one room at a time.  

Because they’re the most used areas of your home, we suggest starting with the bedrooms, then continuing to your kitchen, bathrooms and living/family rooms. In phase two, you can tackle areas like hall closets, the garage, guestrooms and a home office.   

To prevent potential mishaps, consider unpacking items such as computers, TVs, framed pictures, knick-knacks and other delicate items after their intended rooms are relatively settled. 

Declutter as You Go 

Unpacking will leave a trail of boxes, packing materials, and general disarray with which you’ll be dealing. Don’t let packing debris get the best of you (and keep in mind that United also has a debris pickup service). Tackle the clutter as you go to create sufficient unpacking space. Break down and bundle cardboard boxes, and gather bubble wrap, newspaper padding and other packing materials together for recycling or disposal. As you unbox the last carton and admire your new surroundings, take a moment to appreciate all you’ve accomplished. 

Deep Clean 

Once the bulk of the moving debris is cleared, it’s time for a deep clean. Vacuum carpets, mop floors, and wipe down surfaces. Having a fresh start will help you feel truly at home in your new place. 

Is a Cross-Country Move in the Works?     

Why not let a professional moving company, United Van Lines, take care of the heavy lifting? United’s full-service moving packages provide flexibility to mix and match the services you want and need, from packing and unpacking to standard furniture placement.        

Get a cross-country moving quote from United Van Lines today.        

Want to get ahead of planning your move? Check out our week-by-week moving checklists and packing tips. If you prefer access to these pro-tips on-the-go, our exclusive House Key magazine is for you.   

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