What to Unpack First After Moving
The day has finally arrived when you have officially moved into your new home. Now, you find yourself surrounded by piles and piles of boxes. After making sure the rooms in your new home are cleaned and ready for you to put your belongings away, what do you unpack first? Here’s a guide to knowing where to start.
Preparation Is Key
Planning for what to unpack first in your new home begins back in your old home when you are packing to move. As you pack your boxes, make sure to keep an inventory of what is packed in each box. This allows you to quickly find items that you might suddenly realize you need. It’s a good idea to pack a box of essentials you will need to get through the first day of your move, which will usually be the first box you will open. This box should include but not be limited to:
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Cleaning supplies
- Basic kitchenware
- Bedding
- Change of clothing
You will also want to make sure that you have a basic tool kit available that includes:
- Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers
- Allen wrenches
- Hammer/rubber mallet
- Pliers/wrench
- Scissors
- Box cutters
Making a Smooth Transition
If you have young kids, you should unpack their favorite items, such as blankets, toys, books, or games to keep them occupied. But it isn’t just about keeping them busy; it helps make them more comfortable and reassure them that their belongings have followed them to your new home.
Don’t forget about your pets either. They are likely to be a little confused with the move, too. You will want to tend their needs right after arriving at your new home. Unpack their food, water and food dishes, favorite toys, and bedding to help them feel more secure while adjusting to your new home.
Creating a Sanctuary Room
It’s a good idea to set up a room where you can take a break from packing and relax. Choose a room that preferably has already been painted or doesn’t require any renovations. Set this room up with your favorite chair or couch, television, and some personal items. This gives you and your family a sanctuary area to retreat to when you need a timeout from unpacking.
Tackling the Most Important Rooms
After you have taken care of the immediate needs of your children and/or pets, this is when the real job of unpacking begins. Your main objective on the day of your move is to focus on three areas in your home. Other areas can usually wait.
- Kitchen: The kitchen is the room in your home that is used the most. You will want to be able to get your kitchen up and running as quickly as possible. Unpack and put away food and the items you will need to cook and eat your food.
- Bathroom: You’ll want to at least unpack the necessities needed for your bathroom, so it’s ready for use. Being able to easily refresh with a shower and get cleaned will help reduce some of your stress after a day of unpacking.
- Bedrooms: You and your family are going to need somewhere to sleep after a long day of unpacking. Set up your kids’ bedrooms with their beds first. Unpack their bedding and put up their blinds or curtains for privacy. After that’s done, repeat in your own room.
Schedule Packing & Moving Services in DC, MD & Northern VA
Whether you’re moving long-distance or into a house in the same city, unpacking can be exhausting and frustrating. Thankfully, that’s why we’re here! Depend on Georgetown Moving and Storage Company for all of the packing and moving services you need to or from the DC metro area.
If you’re planning a move, Georgetown Moving and Storage Company is ready to help with packing tips to make your move less stressful. Contact us for a quote or call (703) 889-8899 today!
