After a long haul out-of-state or across the country, the last thing you probably feel like doing is tackling that pile of moving boxes. But, the sooner you unpack, the faster you can truly kick up your feet and relax after your move. Here are some of the top tips from Riverside movers for unpacking after your relocation:
1. Label Your Boxes
The first and best thing that you can do for your unpacking process is to make sure that you label your boxes as you pack. Many people forget this critical step. If they do label their boxes, they do not follow the labels too carefully and end up with items that belong in the bathroom in the box labeled “Garage.” Others label their boxes vaguely and then cannot locate the items they need once they have reached their new home.
One thing that you can do to ensure that everything is labeled properly and that all items are in the correct box is to list out everything that you pack into a single box. You can do this with an app—there are several that exist—or you can create a spreadsheet on your computer. Regardless of how you do it, it is a good way to keep track of critical items.
2. Limit Your Items
A move is a perfect excuse to go through your things and decide what you no longer need. Having less stuff to pack is never a bad thing, and it will make it that much easier for you when you arrive at your new home.
Before you begin the process of packing, take the time to throw out and donate all the things you don’t need so you can lessen the burden on yourself later.
3. Get Help
The last thing that anyone wants to do when they have moved to another state is to unpack. If possible, get help from as many people as you can. This speeds up the unpacking process, and it allows you to get the job done without as much strain.
It may be difficult to find someone willing in a new state, but you can always search for moving companies that help in the unpacking process. Or pay for a close friend or family member to fly out and help.
4. Place Boxes in Their Proper Location Immediately
Many people make the mistake of putting all their boxes in one area in their new home to deal with them later. This can be a serious mistake, however. Putting all of your boxes in the same place defeats the purpose of labeling them and only leaves you with more work to do later.
Instead, make sure that either you or your movers place the boxes in their destination as soon as they are loaded off the moving truck.
5. Don’t Procrastinate
It can be easy to put off unpacking when the move itself is so exhausting. In many cases, people can put off unpacking for so long that boxes linger in the home months after the move has taken place. The best thing to do is to start unpacking immediately after the move.
This way, you do not lose your momentum, and you can do as much of it as possible while the move is still fresh.
6. Recycle Boxes When They’re Empty
Boxes can clutter a home after the unpacking is finished. Instead of leaving the boxes sitting around until you can figure out the recycling, get proactive and make sure the boxes are out of your home as soon as they are empty.
This will also motivate you to continue, as you will be able to visibly see the progress of your efforts in making your home look less “just moved in.”