boxes stacked in the corner with plant

14 Tips for Unpacking and Settling After Your Move

Moving into a new home marks an exciting chapter, but once the boxes are in, the real work begins. Unpacking and settling in can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right approach, it can be smooth and even enjoyable. While the movers have delivered everything intact, the space around you may still be a maze of boxes. But don’t worry! Unpacking and settling in can be smooth and even enjoyable with the right approach.

Here are 14 practical unpacking tips to help you stay organized, focused, and motivated:

1. Tackle One Room at a Time

Avoid feeling overwhelmed by breaking the process into smaller tasks. Instead of viewing the whole house as one giant project, focus on one room at a time. Start with essential spaces like the kitchen or bedrooms, and gradually move to less urgent areas. Smaller, more manageable goals help keep stress in check.

2. Take Baby Steps

Unpacking can feel like a marathon, so pace yourself. Celebrate small victories, like finishing one room or clearing a stack of boxes. Each step forward builds momentum, giving you a sense of accomplishment.

3. Reward Your Progress

Treat yourself as you go. After a full day of unpacking, take the evening off to relax. Order pizza, watch a movie, or spend time with family. Rewarding yourself and your kids keeps morale high and motivates everyone to keep going.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Create a checklist of priorities to guide your efforts. For example, aim to have the main living areas organized within the first week while saving less critical items for later. Breaking tasks into goals keeps you on track and avoids burnout.

5. Use a Housewarming Party as Motivation

Planning a housewarming party is a great way to motivate yourself. Knowing guests are coming can help you prioritize key areas like the living room and kitchen while staying committed to your timeline.

6. Plan for Challenges

Some items might need extra preparation, like installing shelves before unpacking books or wall mounts for picture frames. Walk through your home, identify obstacles, and create a priority list to tackle these challenges.

7. Focus on Function First, Décor Later

Make functionality, comfort, and safety your first priority. Save décor decisions for when the essentials are in place. It’s easier to adjust the look of a room later than to deal with misplaced items now.

Packing tips by Best Fit Movers

8. Create an Unpacking Essentials Box

Before you dive into unpacking everything, make sure you have a designated box with essential items. This could include cleaning supplies, basic tools, toiletries, snacks, and chargers. Having easy access to these necessities can help you avoid frustration during your first few days in your new home.

9. Declutter as You Unpack

Take the opportunity to declutter as you unpack. If something doesn’t have a place in your new home or no longer fits your needs, set it aside for donation or disposal. This can help keep your space organized and reduce unnecessary clutter.

10. Organize Storage Spaces First

Focus on organizing closets, cabinets, and storage areas early in the unpacking process. Having these spaces functional right away can make the rest of the unpacking process smoother and keep your home tidy as you settle in.

11. Personalize Your Space

Once the basics are in place, start adding personal touches like family photos, cozy throws, or decorative accents. This step will help make your new house feel more like home and create a comforting atmosphere.

12. Prioritize Safety for Kids and Pets

If you have children or pets, make their safety a top priority. Ensure that sharp tools, heavy boxes, and breakables are kept out of their reach. Also, take time to babyproof or pet-proof your new home as needed.

13. Enjoy a Night In

Once you’ve made significant progress, reward yourself with some quality downtime:

  • Order Takeout: Relax and enjoy a meal without worrying about cooking or unpacking.
  • Game Night: Unpack a few board games and spend some fun time with your family or friends.
  • Movie Night: Use your laptop or tablet to stream a movie. Perfect for when the TV isn’t set up yet!

14. Explore Your New Neighborhood

Take a break and step out:

  • Dine Out: Discover a local restaurant or treat yourself to dessert at a nearby spot.
  • Catch a Movie: Visit a local theater and unwind.
  • Attend Community Events: Check out nearby activities like sports games or performances.
  • Take a Walk: Get to know your new neighborhood, meet neighbors, and scout out parks or trails.

Even after you’ve unpacked the essentials, keep organizing bit by bit. There’s no need to rush every detail; your home will evolve as you settle in.

Contact Best Fit Movers Today!

Need help beyond just moving? Best Fit Movers got you covered! With our reliable and experienced team, we take the stress out of moving, so you can focus on what matters most: creating a new beginning in your new space.


Call us or visit our website to get a free quote today. Let Best Fit Movers help make your next move efficient, effortless, and worry-free!

Author: Patrick Caramalac

Patrick Caramalac founded Best Fit Movers in 2017 when he saw a need in his community for professional local movers. The company operates from locations in San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County, and specialize in residential and commercial moves, both local and long distance. With thousands of positive customer reviews, Best Fit Movers is one of the highest rated moving companies in California.

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