Posted on November 15, 2021
It’s rather usual to devote a significant amount of time and effort to pack for a move. Unpacking, on the other hand, might be just as important. Without a strategy or plan, many people end up having boxes lying around for months.
To avoid this, you must first decide how you will unpack. We have three alternative unpacking plans available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
How long does it take to unpack a house?
The amount of time it takes to unpack varies on a number of factors, including the size of the house, how much help you have, how much time you can commit to unpacking in one sitting, and your clutter tolerance. If you have enough support, you should be able to unpack everything in 1-2 days.
Most people, on the other hand, take many weeks to finish putting things away. According to research, unpacking takes an average of 182 days, or slightly over six months. So don’t feel obligated to finish the process over the weekend (unless you have to).
Unpacking depends on your goals
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to unpacking following a move. Instead, how you approach it will be determined by your goals, such as how quickly you want to settle in or how organized you want to be. There are three basic unpacking strategies we’ve discovered: room by room, unpacking quickly, and sorting as you go.
Unpacking room by room
If you want to take your time setting up after moving, going room by room is the ideal strategy. Of course, you’ll need to get the essentials in place first, which we’ll go over below. If you don’t have the energy for a continuous unpacking weekend or if you want to take your time getting situated, going around your house in a scheduled order is the best way to go.
Begin with the essentials
In an ideal world, you would have packed an essential box that you could unpack first. If not, begin by cleaning, making your beds (or at least a place to sleep, such as an air mattress or sleeping bag), and stocking the bathroom and kitchen with basic toiletries and paper supplies. You could also wish to set up one TV or your PC for some evening entertainment.
Fast unpacking
You’ll need a plan and a lot of helpers if you want to get rid of the mess as fast as possible. Hopefully, you packed efficiently, grouping related products in boxes (like all the bedding in the same box). If you haven’t packed yet, follow our packing advice to ensure a successful trip. When it comes to assistance, have as many family and friends as possible, ideally one in each room. To unpack quickly:
- Begin with the furniture. Because furniture is large and takes assistance to set up, get those pieces in position first so you don’t have to constantly interrupt people’s unpacking duties to move heavy items.
- Place the boxes in their proper locations. Ideally, you’ll get everything where it needs to be so you can concentrate on a particular room instead of circling back and forth.
- Try to make sure that if you touch something, you must put it away. Don’t waste time rearranging things several times (like taking it out of the box onto a table, then putting it away).
- As you go, take care of the trash and recyclables. When a box is filled, toss away any waste, recycle the packing paper, and rip the boxes down so you may stack them. This not only gives you more space, but it also allows you to see how much work you’ve completed.
- When you’ve completed your area, move on to the next largest room. Start with little sections to feel accomplished that something is finished. Then make your way around the house. You may have all hands on deck to assist you to unpack the kitchen appliances or equipment if you save them for last.
Start organizing as you go
If you want to organize your new home once you move in, it’s a good idea to unpack with that objective in mind. The only drawback is that if your family isn’t as organized as you are, you may find up performing the majority of the job yourself. But having everything in its place might be worth it. To get organized once you move in, follow these steps:
- Begin with a plan. Closets, shelving, and storage areas are all potential organizing areas. Have a plan in place before you open a box. You might look for ideas on the internet or in magazines. If you need any organizational products, purchase them before you begin.
- Make your plan clear to others. Be specific about your plan if you want others to assist you. Tell your helpers, and even show them your idea, if you want a bookcase sorted by color (as shown on Netflix’s The Home Edit). Draw out whether you want your spice cabinet to be alphabetized from front to back or left to right, for example.
- Instead of rooms, unpack in zones. If you’re attempting to get organized, consider starting small. Instead of concentrating on the entire bedroom, manage the bedside table first, then the dresser. When it comes to the closet, don’t try to do everything at once. Consider shoes, jewelry, hanging clothing, and so forth.
- If you’re not sure where things should go, make piles. When you get to an object and aren’t sure what to do with it, put it in a designated area. It’s preferable to leave it aside and place it in the ideal location later rather than having to locate and transfer it.
Let us know if you are looking for assistance to help you pack/unpack and anything that involves moving. Clutch Moving Company is the ideal moving company that can help you pack and move. Contact us!