Get an Organized Start: Tips for Unpacking Your New Home
When your belongings first arrive on the moving truck, it can feel like you are drowning in a sea of boxes, but as you put things away, your new house begins to feel like a real home. If you are thoughtful and unpack wisely, it can save a lot of stress and disorganization down the road.
Keep essentials handy: paper towels, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, trash bags, tools for furniture assembly – unpack these first and keep them handy, it will make the rest of your move go more smoothly. Set up a basket in a central location to hold all of the important “do not lose” odds and ends like keys, hardware and receipts. It is also a good idea if you have young kids to keep a few of their favourite toys, pj’s and bedding easily accessible to help lighten what can be a very long day. All of these essentials can be moved in your personal vehicle to ensure they don’t get buried in the moving truck or misplaced.
Start with the kitchen: often considered the “heart of the home” the kitchen generally contains the most “stuff”. Start by giving it a good wipe down, and then carefully plan out the best placement for all of your kitchen goods before you start to put them away. Try to keep your counters as clutter free as possible, anything that can go into a drawer or a cupboard should, and if it doesn’t need to be in the kitchen, find somewhere else to put it.
Invest in storage solutions: baskets and bins for cupboards, as well as drawer dividers can make a huge difference in finding the right permanent home for your smaller items. Double duty furniture like storage benches and ottomans are great for seasonal storage, toys or blankets. Hooks, towel racks, and additional shelving can give your bathroom that extra needed space.
Devote some thought and care upfront while unpacking and it will pay off in the long run allowing you to settle in comfortably and enjoy your new home.