Moving into a new home is an exciting chapter, but the process of unpacking once you’re there can often feel overwhelming. Many people devote a lot of attention to the move itself, from organising removals and packing up their old home, without giving much thought to the process at the other end.
But with the right approach – and preparation – you can transform your new space into a cosy, functional home swiftly and efficiently. Here are our tips to help you settle in quickly, without the stress.
1, Unpack room by room
Before you begin unpacking, take a moment to plan the process. Identify the essential areas that need to be up and running first, like the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Prioritise making these spaces functional first, followed by the parts of the home that you use less, like the dining room or spare bedrooms. Unpacking in a logical sequence will help keep you organised and productive.
2, Start with the big ticket items
It sounds obvious but making sure your larger pieces of furniture are in place before you start unpacking smaller items will ensure that everything has a place to live. Try to work out where the big things will go prior to moving day, but make sure you’re happy with their positions once you have arrived in your new home, so you don’t have to start moving furniture around once you’ve started unpacking.
3, Organise as you go
Avoid the temptation to simply get things out of boxes and into cupboards or drawers as quickly as possible. Instead, take the time to organise items as you unpack, and plan where they will live and how you might use them within your new home. This will save you time in the long run, as you won’t have to reorganise later.
4, Banish boxes as you go
As you empty each box, break it down and recycle it or store it somewhere out of the way. Keeping moving boxes out of your living space will make your home feel more organised and less cluttered straight away. Plus, it will give you a clear view of your unpacking progress.
5, Pack a ‘first-week’ bag
It’s common advice to pack an overnight bag to keep separate to your packed belongings for moving day, to see you through the first night. But it helps to think of it as a first-week bag, with a few changes of clothes and essentials to last you several days. This will ease the pressure to unpack in a hurry, letting you take your time with the process.
6, Only move what you need
The more belongings you have to unpack, the longer the process will take and the more overwhelming it can feel. Before packing, think about what you actually need during your first few weeks in the new home, and consider putting anything else into secure self-storage to keep it out of the way while you settle in. This is especially beneficial if you plan to redecorate early on – it’s much easier to do this with fewer items around.
To make your move easier from the start, contact Spire Removals for a bespoke quote.