Unpacking Guide for a Long-Distance Move
Congratulations—you’ve just ventured on a long-distance move, and now it’s finally time to settle into your new home! All the months of hard work and preparation have led up to this moment, the final stop on your journey. Although it may seem like the next step is to get comfortable in your new space, the unfortunate reality is that there’s still a lot of work left: unpacking.
Hopefully, you have set yourself up for a pleasant unpacking experience through organized packing strategies, but even the best packing techniques can still feel like a beast to tackle when it’s time to settle in.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the unpacking process that lies ahead, never fear. Although the task may seem complicated, it can be simplified with the right knowledge. Interested in finding out how to streamline unpacking after a long distance move? Keep reading, and discover how easy it can be!
Unpacking and Organizing After a Long Distance Move: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve made the long trip to your destination, the next part of the process is unpacking and organizing in your new space. Although you may feel daunted by the many boxes to unpack, taking it one step at a time is the key. Discover our simple steps below!
1. Start with a Clean Home
First and foremost, begin this process with a clean home. Before you begin unpacking, make sure your new space is a clean canvas for you to work with. Even a simple once-over with some cleaning supplies and your vacuum can make all the difference. Plus, it’ll be even quicker to get your home clean without all of your furniture and other items in place, so doing this before unpacking will save you some time as well.
2. Take Your Time
If you rush through unpacking and organizing, you’re almost guaranteed to feel stressed. Instead of racing to the finish line, take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to go through this task at a reasonable pace. Of course, you want to unpack and settle in sooner rather than later, but there’s no need to speed through the process. Allow yourself to enjoy the process of setting up your new home.
3. Essentials First
The first items you unpack in your new home should be your absolute essentials. What are the items you’ll reach for first and need to have available to you during the process? The things you’ll need most should be taken care of right away. If you pack these essential items separate from the rest of your belongings, this part of the process will be even easier.
4. Take Care of the Kitchen…
In terms of essentials, your kitchen items are a must have. Even if you anticipate living on take-out for the first few days in your new home, having silverware and plates at the ready will be important and just generally more convenient. Tackling your kitchen first will also be a big weight off of your shoulders, as the kitchen can feel complicated and overwhelming. Getting this out of the way and making your kitchen functional will allow you to settle in and feel more at home.
5. …Then Bedroom and Bathroom
Once your kitchen is completed, the bedroom and bathroom are next on the list. Understandably, the bedroom serves as a symbol of comfort in your home, a place you go to for rest and relaxation. Setting up your bedroom will empower you to feel at home in your new space and have a comfortable place to rest your head at the end of the day. Similarly, the bathroom is a necessity. Unpacking towels and toiletries can make a huge difference as you settle in.
6. Set Up Large Furniture
Taking care of your large furniture items, figuring out how they’ll best fit into your new home, and assembling these items will transform your space. This will also help you to determine the layout of your space and adjust it accordingly before you have everything unpacked. The rest of the room will come together accordingly once you have the large items set up.
7. Avoid Procrastination
As you unpack, there will be plenty of moments where you might think, “I’ll handle that item later.” When you do this, you end up placing things off to the side or creating clutter as you procrastinate these belongings. Instead, avoid putting off items until later and tackle them in the moment. In the long run, you’ll thank yourself for facing it head-on without any delays!
8. Keep Storage Containers Handy
While you’re unpacking your belongings, keep storage containers at the ready for any items that won’t need to go out on display in your home. For seasonal items and anything that simply needs to be stored, you can handle this while you unpack as long as you have these sturdy containers available. In this way, you can accomplish both tasks at once.
Making Your New Place Feel Like Home: Post-Move Tips for Chicago Natives
Settling into a new space isn’t just about unpacking and arranging furniture—it’s about making the house feel like home. Learn how to transform your space into your home in a few simple steps!
1. Add Personal Touches
Most importantly, personalization can make a world of difference in a new place. Adding your favorite photos, keepsakes, souvenirs, and mementos can bring your own personality and memories into your home. Customize your space with some of your favorite things, and you’ll quickly notice what a huge difference it makes.
2. Plan the Space Around Your Life
As you’re setting up your new home, don’t simply plan your space around what looks good; plan your space around the functionality of your life. Arrange your furniture and other items in a way that functions for your daily routines and habits, as this will create a convenient space that works for you.
3. Focus on Lighting
Lighting can make a huge difference in a home. Whether you like bright lighting, mood lighting, or anything in between, set up lamps and light fixtures that suit your tastes. If you enjoy natural light, set up your space in a way that works with the lighting from your windows.
4. Comfort is Key
To settle into your new home effectively, comfort is everything. Set up spaces that are comfy and cozy, allowing you to relax in your space at the end of a long day. Incorporate your favorite blankets, soft throw pillows, and other items that bring you comfort in order to create a space that feels relaxing to you.
5. Settle into Your Routines
At first, even with your belongings set up just how you want them, you still might not have that homey feeling. This can be challenging to deal with, but settling into your routines can impact the process and provide a more comfortable feeling. Allow yourself to get into your groove with your day-to-day routines.
6. Be Patient
Finally, be patient. It may take some time to feel fully settled and comfortable in your new home, but the feeling of newness will soon pass and be replaced with familiarity. Over time, you will find that this space has become home without you even realizing the transition.
Unpack Like an Expert
With these tips and tricks in your repertoire, unpacking your home and organizing your belongings can feel like a breeze following your long-distance relocation. Get ready to transition into your new home with ease!
Looking for a moving company to help you tackle your long-distance relocation? Count on Reebie Storage & Moving Co., your trusted Chicago movers! With an impressive 140-year history, Reebie has provided countless customers with moving, packing, and storage solutions they can trust, simplifying their moving experience. With Reebie on your side, you can guarantee that your move will be smooth sailing. Interested in working with us? Request a quote online or call us today at (844) 473-3243.
