Moving can be stressful, but the right preparation can make unpacking easier.
Not surprisingly, moving is in the top 5 of the most stressful life events. But it doesn’t have to be! The moving is only as successful as the prep.
But moving should be exciting! You’re starting a new chapter. Unfortunately it holds a lot of stress.
Making the prep a priority.
Moving is stressful because of your stuff. Unpacking is also frustrating because of your stuff.
The biggest way to make your unpacking go smoothly is to spend the most time on the packing prep.
Consider this step the foundation of your packing. If you have everything prepped efficiently, then the next steps are easier.
3 questions to ask while you prep to move
- Do I really want to move this?
- Does it FIT into the vision I have for my dream house?
- Would I buy it again?
Don’t forget – drop the shame! Often when I’m working with clients for their moving projects, they make comments about the amount of their stuff. Don’t come down on yourself for how things accumulate, it’s human nature, but channel that energy into making good decisions about what makes the move.
Take your time.
Start earlier than you need to. This ensures you have the time necessary to pack in an organized manner so that the unpacking isn’t stressful.
Start with rooms and spaces that you won’t use those belongings on a day to day basis.
A storage room is a great place to start. You likely have things in boxes or totes there already. Have a hard conversation about purging things that have been in that same box and not moved since your last move. Storage space is valuable real estate too, so don’t waste you moving time or your space with unnecessary things.
Keep in mind, the kitchen will take the most time. There are lot of gadgets and cookware that need delicate care, so there is a need for extra packing time and supplies.
Tip! Use dish towels and extra bath towels to help wrap your delicate dishware and gadgets as you pack your kitchen.
Don’t mix rooms and boxes and of course label each box. These labels make it easy to mark and go!
Overall, the guideline for how much time to plan for packing is 1-2 days per room.
Unpacking game plan
Finally, make a plan on which rooms are priority.
Don’t forget lunch! Even if you unpack your kitchen first, you likely won’t be looking to cook while you unpack. Make a plan for food to be delivered so you can keep moving and energized.
Take the unpacking off of your to-do list. Give us a call and let our team get you unpacked and organized. Let’s get you enjoying your house ASAP. Check out my unpacking services at danielemineck.com.
