Unloading and Unpacking
By Andrew Spatz, Packing Specialist, Truck rental.com Staff
Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel? If you are looking at the massive stacks of boxes scattered around your new home, then you should. This unorganized mess represents the fact that you have completed most of the moving project. You have successfully transported everything that you own into your new home. Now it is time to get everything out of those boxes and back into some sort of order.
Don’t Get Stressed
The most important thing that you need to remember when you are unloading and unpacking your things into your new home, is to not get stressed out. While seeing boxes and other random pieces of furniture all over your home may overwhelm you, it is vital that you remain in control. Remember that this is the home stretch, and you will soon be settled into this new place.
Staying Organized
- There is a lot going on at this point in any move, and it is important that you remain organized. Here are a few tips that can help you keep things in order.
- Don’t ask the kids for help. They are usually too interested in playing or exploring, so it is best to let them do so. This will keep them occupied while you put things where they need to be.
- Place boxes in the rooms that they belong in as you unload. This will make unpacking so much easier.
- Don’t allow trash to pile up. Create an area that is only for these used supplies and fold up or roll up as much of it as you can.
- Unpack the large items first. In most cases, you cannot unpack the smaller things until the furniture is unloaded and put together.
Planning your Days
There are other things that will be going on while you unpack. Remember that you still need to eat, sleep, and sometimes work while you are settling into a new home. To this end, here are a few tips to help you cope with all that is going on around you.
- Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to friends or family members who have volunteered to help. While you may have to change some of the organization of things after they are finished, this will still save you a lot of work.
- Plan out a few easy meals in advance. Make sure that you have a plan, as well as a budget, to feed yourself as well as all of those who have come to help you.
- Unpack the items that you need the most first. Towels and shower curtains should be at the top of that list, especially if you will be working as well as unpacking.
- To avoid the monotony that staying in a single room all day brings, it is important to rotate between the rooms that you need to unpack. A good rule of thumb is 5 – 7 boxes per room.
Final Steps
As you unpack all of your things you should always be looking for broken items or things that may have been damaged. Once everything has been removed from the boxes, you should compare what you now have with the inventory listing that you gave the movers before things began. Remember, the sooner you file any claims of loss or damage, the sooner these claims will be resolved.
