{"id":6047,"date":"2020-07-14T04:53:04","date_gmt":"2020-07-14T11:53:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=6047"},"modified":"2024-01-29T17:40:05","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T00:40:05","slug":"unpacking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/unpacking\/","title":{"rendered":"Unpacking: A Comprehensive Guide to Settling in After a Move"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Unpacking: It’s one of the most dreaded parts of a move. You’ve already packed all your belongings and moved them from your old home to your new one<\/a>. You’re exhausted. You’re over it. And now it’s time to unpack — the last chore in a long list of moving-related jobs.<\/p>\n

But unpacking doesn’t have to be the last, dreaded speed bump to get over before you can enjoy your new home. With some organization<\/a> — and a lot of planning ahead — unpacking can be one of the simplest and most seamless parts of your move.<\/p>\n

The trick is to start thinking about unpacking early — and we do mean early<\/i>, as in before you even start packing up in the first place<\/a>. With some organizational tips and tricks, you can make unpacking the easiest part of the whole move, and even, dare we say, enjoyable.<\/p>\n

Ready to take the stress out of the last step of your move and spend more time enjoying your new home? These tips and tricks are the key to a seamlessly organized unpacking experience.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Have Unpacking In Mind Before<\/i> You Move<\/h2>\n

The unpacking process itself may not begin until you arrive and start to get settled in your new home. But you can (and should) start making unpacking plans before you even start packing. One of the best ways to make unpacking easier is to have a solid plan in place, and that starts before the first of your belongings even make their way into a box or bag. Here’s what to do.<\/p>\n

Make a Plan (and Take Inventory)<\/h3>\n

The best moves start with a comprehensive, well-organized plan. You have a few different options here.<\/p>\n

Some common ways people organize their moves are with numbers<\/b> or with colors<\/b>. This important thing is to pick a method and stick with it consistently — all boxes will need to be labeled with the numbers or colors that correspond to the room they belong with, and as you pack, you should create an inventory sheet showing exactly what’s in each box. You should also label each box with exactly where it’s going in your new home. Having a floor plan of the new place that’s numbered or color-coded will help with this.<\/p>\n

It takes more time to organize your move this way, but your future self will thank you for having a plan to stay organized — and sticking to it.<\/p>\n

If you’re hiring packers and movers<\/a>, be cognoscente of their process, too. Will it make your life easier or harder once you get to your new home?<\/p>\n

Take Photos Before You Pack<\/h3>\n

\"Take<\/p>\n

Another great method for staying organized during a move is to take photos all over your home before you pack. Then, you can label the photos with numbers or colors that correspond with your organizational plan and your inventory.<\/p>\n

When you’re unpacking, having photos that show how items were organized and grouped in your old home can help you find where they’ll live in your new home — and give you some inspo for decorating your new space to make it feel familiar.<\/p>\n

If You Can, Clean Now<\/h3>\n

We get that this isn’t an option for everyone, especially if you’re moving on a tight timeline or you’re making a long-distance move<\/a>. But if you’re able to, head to the new space and clean it now, before you arrive with your belongings.<\/p>\n

That way, once you begin unpacking, you’ll just have to put things away where they belong, without having to do any cleaning as you go.<\/p>\n

Declutter As You Pack<\/h3>\n

For the average person, not everything that’s in your old home will need to be packed and moved to your new one. You likely have plenty of items you don’t want or need<\/a>, and now is a great time to sell, donate, or trash them. The more you’re able to declutter your home as you pack, the fewer unnecessary items you’ll move — and the less you’ll have to unpack once you get there.<\/p>\n

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