Unpacking 101: How To Settle Into Your New Home Faster
Moving into an apartment with your college dormmate or choosing to rent instead of buy a home is an exciting, new adventure. While the unpacking can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming, we’re right here with you every step of the way. From unloading those must-have essentials to sharing helpful tips and tricks, we’re dedicated to making your move-in process smooth and helping you settle into your home in no time.
Why Unpacking Feels Overwhelming—and How To Make It Easier
Moving—whether it’s alone into your first apartment or with a roommate—marks a major life transition that can stir various emotions and cause stress. You might experience anxiety and a sense of loss, mixed with excitement for what lies ahead, which can slowly build up or hit you suddenly.
If the sight of your packed belongings feels overwhelming and you’re unsure where to begin, take a moment to pause and breathe. Unpacking is a process that can seem tedious, but planning ahead and breaking it down into manageable tasks can make a significant difference.
How To Unpack After a Move
The first step in unpacking after a move is to prioritize the essentials. With the big furniture pieces in place, like the couch, bed frame, and mattress, it’s time to start unpacking your kitchen, bathroom, and bedding items. By preparing your bed for sleeping, making toiletries easily accessible, and organizing kitchen items, you can complete your unpacking day without the stress of searching through specific boxes for your toothpaste.
Three Simple Tips for Unpacking After a Move That Actually Work
When you’re moving into a new apartment or home, it’s easy to just want to rush through the unpacking process and get it over with. You want to be able to find your belongings, instead of digging around in the closet for something that may not be there.
Here are three tips for unpacking that make the process more manageable:
- Go room by room. A great strategy for unpacking is to tackle it room by room. If you’ve labeled your boxes with their contents or designated rooms, place them in the correct room and unpack each box accordingly.
- Set daily goals. Instead of unpacking chaotically and all at once, set daily goals to make the process smoother. Establish reasonable objectives to avoid overwhelming yourself, and if you reach the daily goal, congratulate yourself!
- Avoid multitasking. Multitasking can be a valuable skill, but it’s ineffective during unpacking. Starting a project, such as hanging the TV on the wall, can be left half done if you decide to quickly unpack the pantry. This approach can lead to excessive exertion, while focusing on one box and task at a time can streamline the process.
How To Organize Your Home as You Unpack
To avoid turning every drawer and storage space into a junk drawer at your new place, try not to unpack your belongings carelessly and stuff them away. Organize your items in drawers or closets thoughtfully to save time and hassle later. If you’ve always kept your top left dresser drawer for socks, while your underwear is in the right one, maintain that tradition. Your muscle memory will guide you to grab the socks before leaving the house!
Small Closet Organization Tips for Tight Spaces
A small closet is common in apartments—and sometimes even smaller homes—and figuring out how to adjust to smaller spaces is part of apartment life. But, don’t worry—we have some straightforward, easy-to-implement solutions to help you unpack and organize your small closet:
- Simple, functional storage containers. Clear plastic bins, woven boxes, and cloth-lined crates are readily available in a variety of sizes and can help keep your clothes well-organized. Keep off-season items, such as sweaters, scarves, and long-sleeved tops, tucked away until the next chill in the air.
- Hanging shoe rack with pockets. Budget-friendly and easy to use, hanging shoe racks use the vertical storage on your closet door when you don’t have enough space for a rack on the floor. Plus, you can keep other items stowed away in the pockets, from small bags to hats.
- Shelving dividers. If there is a shelf above your clothes rack, shelving dividers can help keep clothing, extra bedding, and blankets neatly folded and in place until you need them.
- Wall hooks. Do you have a vast collection of hats, scarves, or bags that you have no idea where to fit? Simple wall hooks can do the trick! Install them next to the closet, out of the way of the doors, adding depth to your walls while creating a functional surface.
How To Create a Comfortable, Welcoming Vibe in Your New Home
Now that the essentials are done and unpacked, it’s time to focus on comfort and making your new place feel like home. Your home isn’t just about stuff—it’s about how it feels. Prepare your decorations for adorning and set to work, following the vibe of where something feels like it belongs. A cozy candle and lamp on the side table, a soft blanket draped over the back of the couch, a house plant on the top of the bookshelf, or perhaps framed photos hanging on the wall— all these small touches can bring your new home together and create a home.
Streamline Your Move With Daffodil Self Storage
Moving in with a roommate, settling into your first apartment, or relocating over the summer is a major life change, so remember—settling in is a process, not a race. It’s all right if you don’t unpack everything during your first week, and it’s also OK that not everything is perfect right away. Focus on progress rather than perfection, as you can always reorganize later. Remember, one box, one room, one day at a time.
If you don’t have enough space for your vintage clothing collection, extra furniture, or winter gear, turn to Daffodil Self Storage! We provide a diverse range of budget-friendly personal self storage units in various sizes, with numerous features, so you can make the most of your home while holding on to the items you cherish.
Find a Daffodil Self Storage facility near you to create more space in your home today, or visit our blog to learn more storage tips and tricks.