Unpacking With a Plan

Posted on 04/06/2012

Moving house is a long process, requiring a plan and preparation. It consists of three stages: packing, moving and unpacking. In order to complete these stages in a timely and organized manner, one has to plan what each stage consists of. From hiring the moving truck and movers months before the relocation itself, to purchasing the proper packing material, from organizing the packing and loading the truck, to driving the rented truck and unpacking at the new place. All of these activities, when done the right way, contribute to actually settling down at your new house and enjoying the final version. Before you sit and relax, however, you need to make sure the last stage is carefully planned and everyone knows what they must do to help out. Unpacking looks like an easy task, compared to the packing process, but it is actually much harder, requiring thought for design and aesthetics. The first step to a successful unpacking is to determine a time frame. Taking days off work is best - this will allow you to control the whole process and keep things under control. Getting helpers is advisable, so be ready to distribute each person their tasks. Avoid storing boxes in the garage or basement, even if you have lots of clutter to deal with. Once you start unpacking, make sure you find place for everything, or if you don't - sell it, give it away or put it in self-storage. Before moving into the new place, plan any necessary repairs or cleaning. This isn't supposed to be a thorough cleaning, though, but a good basis for arranging your entire household and feeling comfortable. The moving day is usually very chaotic and tiring, many things may go not up to your plan, so try to organize an easier unpacking process. Start unpacking all the essentials first: food, toiletries, kitchen and bathroom items. Make sure the children are helping and deal with big furniture yourself or with the help of movers. Having a clear idea of what should be done on the first few days is great for a start. Overachieving by rushing things and speeding up the process usually doesn't lead to good results. Quality unpacking has its speed and should go smoothly and damage-free. Before you start arranging each room, stick the plan for the room onto the walls. All the involved people will help more efficiently if they are given detailed instructions. If you have drawn plans of each room in advance, distribute them for everyone to see. Be aware that whoever is helping you might not be able to imagine what exactly you want to achieve in each room. This shouldn't be a problem, if you keep an eye on the bigger picture and don't let people interfere with the look of the house. Keep all decorative pieces, glassware and china items and all breakables away on the first day of moving. You will have plenty of time to deal with them, once you set up furniture and items that cannot wait. Books and clothing are not that urgent either. Set the kitchen furniture, assemble the beds and equip the bathroom. As soon as you are able to have dinner with your family and have a shower or a power nap, you will have more strength to continue unpacking. If you have small children, prepare their rooms so they can play and not stand on your way. Unpack one room and box at a time; realistically a day spend on a room is normal speed. Following these easy tips will help you have a very organized unpacking and a fully-arranged new home before you know it.