A move can be very exhausting and having to unpack after a move is an experience most dread. Unpacking has to be done regardless of how long it takes, to avoid the disarray that comes with having boxes around and living out of boxes. These simple tips will help make unpacking a less strenuous activity;
Preparation
1. Set a target date This step is advisable to prevent procrastination and also to ensure that the unpacking gets done.
2. Create a checklist of essentials needed This step should consist of things required from time to time throughout unpacking to prevent constant rummaging through boxes, which in the long run causes stress and frustration.
3. Allocate Allocate each room for their desired function early enough.
4. Prioritize Unpack from the most important to the least important. The least essential items such as clothes not needed for the season could that could wait for later.
5. Clean out Clean every part of the new place before unpacking so that you know the conditions of the home and to assess and fix previously unknown issues.
6. Move the large pieces first Move large pieces of furniture to their desired locations first, to allow room for moving, arranging, and rearranging the smaller pieces of furniture.
7. Move boxes into their designated rooms It's best to move all the boxes into their assigned rooms so that all the boxes with varying items do not form a clutter. Use a color-coded organizing system so that boxes are placed in rooms by color codes making it easier to know what is what, and where.
8. Prepare for the kids If there are young children, their rooms should be set up first to create a space that will give the children a sense of comfort.
Unpacking
1. Unpack perishables It is wise to unpack perishables first, and necessary kitchen appliances so food can be available whenever needed regardless of the clusters.
2. Unpack bedding Since large pieces of furniture such as bed frames, and mattresses have been put in place, unpack bedding to ensure comfort when there's the need to rest after a long day's work.
3. Unpack the bathroom items Hang shower curtains, arrange toiletries- bathing soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, and others. This step will create ease of cleaning up after a long day of unpacking. Before any of this, don’t forget to ensure that the plumbing is satisfactory.
4. Unpacking necessities After a more specific unpacking can be done like setting up the kitchen in the desired manner, filling up the pantry, arranging the cupboards and placing occasionally used kitchen appliances where they ought to be. Towels and other linens not in use can be rewashed to remove the stale smell that comes with being stored for a while.
5. Prioritize some more Unpack boxes in other rooms according to their levels of importance; living room, dining room, guest rooms, supplemental storage (basement, garages).
It is important to note that unpacking takes time and patience, but bring organized makes unpacking easier, faster and not as dreadful as it could be.
