How to Unpack Your Home
You’re in your new home looking at chaos: Boxes everywhere, and you have no idea where to start. Here’s how to unpack your home strategically.
How to Unpack Your Home
Check Your Inventory List
First things first, check the moving list that you created when you started the packing process. Whether you used a numbering system to coordinate which items went in which box, used an app to check off the contents of each box or used a color-coding system, you’ll want to check that list and make sure everything you packed made its way to its final destination—your new home! This will not only save you a lot of hassle down the line when you start unpacking things and are looking for something in particular, but it will also help you make sure you’re unpacking the most important rooms first.
Unpack the Essentials
If you packed an “essentials” box, be sure to start unpacking this first. If not, start by unpacking the essentials. This includes any bed sheets, blankets, pillows, toiletries, a change of clothes and any kitchen essentials you need to make a quick meal or have a glass of water.
Start with the Kitchen
The kitchen is the center of your home, so it’s no surprise that you’ll want to start with this room first. Start by hooking up your major appliances like your refrigerator and oven, and your smaller appliances like your toaster, coffee pot, microwave, etc. Once you have this set, take out the silverware, glassware, and tableware that you’ll need to eat for the next few days. You can work on unpacking the rest of the kitchen later down the line.
Move On to the Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Once furniture is placed in the bedrooms, you can start by dressing the beds in each room. Next, unpack toiletries, towels, shower curtains and bathroom accessories.
Put Your Furniture Together
Typically, the first night in your new home you’ll only put together essential furniture, like your bed. The next day you’ll want to get your other furniture squared away so that you can start organizing and decorating your new home. Couches, armoires, bookshelves, kitchen tables, etc. are the next things you’ll want to make sure are all squared away. Before you start putting things together, make sure you have a plan for where everything is going to go. You don’t want to set up your couch only to later realize it would have looked better downstairs.
Unpack Clothes and Decorations
Organizing your closet might seem like a challenging task, but after you’ve set up your furniture, it’s the next best job to take on. Start by unpacking according to season. For example, if its winter you won’t need to unpack your bathing suits just yet. After your clothes are organized, you can start decorating the bedrooms as well as placing items like books, artwork and knickknacks in the other rooms.
Unpack Storage Areas Last
After you’ve slowly made your way through each room and tackled the most important tasks, you can start with your storage areas. This can be done slowly, as you’ll want to take time and enjoy your new home. Set aside a few hours on the weekends to set up your garage, patio and outdoor spaces as needed.
