Boxing up all your belongings and moving are daunting tasks. Then, once it’s all done, you face the task of unpacking all those boxes and getting your living space back to normal. Let’s look at seven ways you can simplify the unpacking process from our experts at Cheap San Antonio Movers.
1. Label Boxes
Every box that leaves your old house should be clearly labeled as to where it goes in the new house. The last thing you want to face is a big pile of boxes, just inside the entryway to your new place, with no labels. You wouldn’t know where to start unpacking.
You can use letters, numbers, or colors to designate the room. You should also add basic information about its contents. For example, “LR” for the living room and “lampshades” for content. A blue label for everything in the living room makes it even easier.
2. Clean Before You Unpack
Before you open the first box, start cleaning. Ideally, you can do this before moving day, but that’s not always the case. Wipe up cabinets and shelves. Sweep and mop the floors and vacuum the carpet as well. Use the cleaner on the windows, counters, and knobs. The more cleaning you do before unpacking means less frustration later when you go back to clean a full cupboard and have to unpack it again.
3. Unpack in Order of Importance
The order you unpack rooms depends on what is most important for your family. Getting the essentials unpacked in the kitchen and bath will make everyday living easier. Getting the bed and basics unpacked in the kids’ rooms will help them settle in quicker. Don’t forget to put out the pet items so that they can settle down as well.
4. Get Large Items Set First
Many of the smaller items you unpack will need a place to go once they are out of the box. Arranging your furniture, getting appliances in place, and sorting out which table goes where will give you places to put your smaller items. Trying to unpack a box of small items in a room without furniture is a waste of time.
5. Unpack Commonly Used Items
This step is where labeling becomes important. Always start with the items you need in the short-term. For example, unpacking your day-to-day dishes is more important than unpacking your special occasion dishware. Putting away your out-of-season sports gear isn’t a high priority.
6. Clean Up as You Go
Unpacking can be messy. You have empty boxes, used packing tape, and loose packing material going everywhere. After you unpack a box, take a moment to sort out the mess. Have a garbage can nearby for the used tape and debris. Break the box down and put it in a designated spot. Gather packing material for reuse or disposal.
A clean workspace makes it easier to work and avoids safety issues.
7. Unpack Until It’s All Done
Set aside time each day to work on unpacking. You may need to go back to work or deal with getting the kids off to school. But, an hour or two a day will get those items unpacked and let you and your family settle into your new home that much faster.
These seven tips will help your unpacking go smoothly. Remember, the longer you wait to unpack, the more you will dread doing it.