Moving tips
Tips for Unpacking in Your New Home
By TLC Moving & Storage · Published 14 October 2016
After a busy moving day, don’t try to unpack everything at once. Spread it over three days in short blocks: one to two hours on day one, then one to four hours on each of the next two days.
Why unpacking goes better over three days
If there’s one word that best summarizes a moving day, it’s “busy.” It’s often stressful, always time-consuming, and almost always leaves you feeling exhausted. While it’s tempting to try and get everything done in one day, you’re more likely to wear yourself out than succeed in getting everything unpacked.
Fortunately, some simple planning can help you make a schedule that’ll help you unpack the most-needed items first—and it won’t leave you drained at the end of each day. This helpful schedule from moving services in Ottawa will ease the stress of unpacking after a big move.
Day 1: what counts as a day-one essential
Day-one essentials are the things you use the night you move in and the next morning: bedding and pyjamas, toothbrushes and toiletries, a few dishes and food for breakfast, clothes for the weather, and the chargers for your devices.
Since you will probably be tired from the move, you don’t have to worry about spending more than an hour or two unpacking. Unpack any items that you will need to use that day and the following morning, like bedding, clothing, and a few kitchen supplies and utensils. These items often include:
Bedding, pyjamas, and other items such as curtains, a change of clothes, and linens
Toothbrushes and toiletries, including towels and bathroom supplies
Kitchen supplies, such as glasses, dishes, utensils, mugs, and food for breakfasts and lunches—if you need tea or coffee in the morning, make sure you can make it!
Clothing and outerwear are good to have close at hand, depending on the weather and what you’ll need to get through the rest of your move
If you’re planning on unwinding at the end of each day, make sure you’ve got what you need to relax—if you’re in the middle of a novel, keep a small lamp easy to access, or make sure you have the cords, cables, and chargers necessary for your devices
Day 2: 1—4 hours of unpacking
The amount of time you spend unpacking will depend on what your schedule is like that day and how many items you need to unpack. If you have the day off, then you can spend as much time as you’d like to unpack and get the job done.
But if you have to work, you don’t want to stress yourself out after a long day at the office. If you are strapped for time, consider only unpacking the most-needed items first. Items to consider unpacking on the second day are:
Any remaining dishes, including kitchenware and pots and pans
Your remaining wardrobe, including more outerwear and work attire
Cushions, rugs, throws, and other comfort items
Cleaning supplies
Day 3: 1—4 hours of unpacking
Depending on your availability and how much unpacking you did the previous day, this day can be a short day of unpacking. The last of your belongings can be unpacked and set up to make your new home complete. If you are unsure of where to put items and you become overwhelmed, keep them in a storage room until you decide.
Consider unpacking the following on your last day: living room and home décor (paintings, vases, coasters, etc.); books and other entertainment items; trinkets; anything else.
Three days may not seem like enough time to unpack, but the quicker you unpack, the faster you can relax and settle into your new home. As mentioned above, your unpacking time will vary depending on how much free time you have during the day, and how many items you need to unpack.
For more information on moving, packing, unpacking, and storage, contact local moving services in Ottawa. More guidance is in TLC's moving tips.
Questions about moving with TLC
How long should I spend unpacking on moving day?
Since you will probably be tired from the move, you don’t have to worry about spending more than an hour or two unpacking. Unpack any items that you will need to use that day and the following morning, like bedding, clothing, and a few kitchen supplies and utensils.
What should I unpack on day two?
The amount of time you spend unpacking will depend on what your schedule is like that day and how many items you need to unpack. If you have the day off, then you can spend as much time as you’d like to unpack and get the job done.
What should I unpack last?
Depending on your availability and how much unpacking you did the previous day, this day can be a short day of unpacking. The last of your belongings can be unpacked and set up to make your new home complete.
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