Moving can be a daunting task for anyone. Here are six steps Minneapolis moving services recommend taking to help you unpack at your new home with a minimal amount of stress.
1. Prioritize Your Packing
Stress-free unpacking begins before you arrive at your new home. If you’re organized when you pack, it will be easier to unpack. When you disassemble furniture, put hardware in a small plastic bag and tape it to the furniture it belongs to. Make a list of things that you’ll need immediately at your new home, and make sure to pack those things last and in clearly labeled containers. That way, you can get them out first.
Some things you might need immediately are:
- Tools for assembling furniture
- Toiletries, towels, and a shower curtain (don’t forget the toilet paper!)
- Clothing for a few days
- Prescription medication
- Pet supplies
- Bed Linens
- Light bulbs
- Cleaning supplies and trash bags
2. Time Is On Your Side
If possible, take time off or schedule your move for a weekend. This way, you won’t have to stress about unpacking while worrying about work the next morning. Remember, though, that your whole house doesn’t have to be unpacked immediately. Prioritize and take your time to minimize stress.
3. Clean Before You Unpack
Clean each room before you unpack the boxes. This is especially important for any areas where you’ll put large (and difficult to move) furniture. If you can, clean the whole house before movers arrive.
4. Set Up the Big Stuff First
Large appliances and furniture can be difficult to move and to work around. Before you do anything else, connect large appliances. The last thing you want is to have to move boxes to plug in your fridge. Then, assemble and position large furniture. If you need to plug in any electronics behind your large furniture, do that before you slide it into place.
5. Designate One or More Box-Free Zones
Choose one or more rooms to unpack first and don’t allow them to become cluttered with boxes or other packing supplies. Make these rooms your oasis of sanity in an otherwise chaotic time. Which rooms you choose are up to you, but most people choose the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. This will also help you to decide what needs to be unpacked immediately versus what can wait.
6. Have A Plan for Empty Boxes
Designate an area for breaking down and storing boxes while you unpack that’s out of the way. When you are finished unpacking, have a plan for the boxes. You might want to recycle them or offer them for free online. U-Haul offers a box exchange that allows customers to buy, sell, or exchange boxes with other customers.