How to Unpack After a Move? Use this Helpful Checklist

So the boxes and furniture are in the new place. All the work of organizing, packing, planning, actually moving and hauling are finally done. Now time to to get the furniture arranged and boxes unpacked. Perhaps you find unpacking after a move enjoyable, or perhaps it’s a tedious  burden to unload. One one hand, you want to unpack as quickly as possible to settle in, on the other hand, you want to take enough time to thoughtfully place and organize items in a way that will make it easy to find and enjoy. Checklists are helpful as a guide you through efficient unpacking.

1. Start with essentials

Essentials are anything you and your family need to to survive while unpacking. These include things like toiletries, medications, basic cookware and kitchen utensils.

2. Bedrooms

Unpack the beds and put them together. Next, unpack the linens and make the bed. This will make for a homey first night’s sleep. Make sure to rearrange the furniture and assess the closets before unpacking anything else. Then bring in the lamps. Make notes on anything you might need to tie it all in, like size rugs and curtains, or shelving for the closets. Wait until you know where the dressers will be and how you want to organize the closets before unpacking any clothes.

3. Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a good place for early unpacking since they are relatively small. Also, everyone will use the bathrooms. Having your shower curtains and clean towels in place will make the new place feel more like home after a move. Unpack the curtains, towels, soaps, rugs, trash cans, toilet paper, medications, and body products. Make a note of any size containers you might need to find to better organize the new bathrooms in the future.

4. Kitchen

Clean and line the cupboards, if that is something you plan to do. If anything, unpack the small appliances you use regularly, like the microwave, toaster and coffee machine. Next is to look at your cupboards and decide how you will organize the new kitchen. Taking the time to organize well on paper or in you mind will save you time and headaches down the road.

5. Rearrange Furniture

For the rest of the house, it is also important to plan before unpacking, and even before assembling. Does that bookcase really fit anywhere in the new house? If not, do not bother putting it together only to take it apart later. Grant it, sometimes we do not know if a piece of furniture will really work unless you see it in the space. Assemble and rearrange furniture before unpacking more things. Do not hang pictures or wall hangings up until all the furniture is in place.

6. Outdoor and Garage

The last things to unpack should be items like tools, patio furniture, etc. Again, try to take the time to carefully plan where things will go before unpacking any boxes.

It may feel challenging to unpack and organize all your boxes after a move. Using this checklist can help you do so efficiently and make your home feel like home without getting overwhelmed.

Top 5 Questions About Moving Pods

Moving pods are a popular and convenient way to store and move items. Chances are you probably have driven by a moving pod or storage container in front of a neighbor’s house. In fact you might have noticed that was there for a few days before disappearing. Pods may not be the right fit for every type of move. Moving a piano, for example, would not be a good idea for a moving pod; Pianos need specialized professional movers. However some furniture and boxes do very well in these containers.

Maybe now you are thinking of or planning a move yourself. You might have some questions about moving pods. Are they even worth your money? Here are the top 5 questions on moving pods to help make your decision.

  1. 1. How do moving pods work?

Moving pods are delivered to your home or office. You can take your time to pack and load the moving pod, or hire a local moving company. When you are done, the container company picks up the pod and brings it to your new home. Moving pods can be used for moving across town to across the country. The nice part of it is that you don’t have to rent and drive a U-haul. The downsides may include having a large container on your property, having your things handled by a bigger company, and costs. And again, if you’re moving that piano…

  1. 2. How much does it cost to move with pods?

Cost is probably the number one reason to not use pods. Pods offers a helpful calculator to get you started. You can get a good estimate for moving costs and what size container you might need on their site here.

We did a quick search to see the starting cost for moving a three bedroom apartment. The site suggests a 16ft. pod. The cost for moving this size pod within Durham, NC starts at $420 for a move within Durham. Smartbox estimates up to $600. U-Haul online estimate was surprisingly just $260, which includes one month rental and even some furniture pads. Longer distance moves would start at about $800. Either way, these can mean big costs when compared with renting a moving truck or borrowing vehicles for a move.

  1. 3. Can pods be delivered to apartments or dorms?

This really depends on your dorm or apartment building’s rules and regulations. You should check with your new building to find out if a pod can be dropped off.

  1. 4. Are pods waterproof?

Storage containers are usually waterproof. They also have aluminum sides to withstand high winds and rain. Check with your storage container company to be sure.

  1. 5. Are moving pods worth it?

Whether or not a moving pod is worth it really depends on your situation and needs. For many, the convenience is worth the cost and hassle. If you do decide to go with a moving pod, we recommend hiring a local mover. Experienced movers can make the best use of your storage container space, saving you stress and money.

Pod or no pod, Ladd moving is happy to help you make the right moving decision that works best for you and your family. Feel free to contact us any time.

Keep Reading: 3 Practical Tips to Declutter Before a Move

A Little History of Ladd Moving