Unpacking Tips
Provided by Ryder Moving Systems
Your move is now two-thirds of the
way done! The last part is unpacking and getting settled
into your new home.
This can be the phase that takes
the longest, but can also be the most fun. Unpacking
gives you a chance to get the house organized - you
know, the way you'd like to keep it all year, but it
never works out that way.
When you start wading through
the sea of boxes, there should be a method to your madness.
The following are a few simple steps to make the unpacking
process easier. And remember, you don't have to unpack
everything right away!
1. Unpack one room at a time
Begin with the kitchen so that you
can have a snack to fuel your fire. Items that you won't
be needing right away can be set aside to unpack at
a later time when you can better gage the right setup.
This is also a good time to line your cabinets and drawers.
The bathroom should be next. Get
your toiletries out and make sure the toilet, faucets,
etc. are operational. A few things you should definitely
have are a shower curtain, toilet paper and soap.
If the bedrooms aren't set up the
first night, don't sweat it. Have a family camp out
instead! It is helpful to have major pieces of furniture
placed before unpacking (check out our Room Designer
tool). Then putting things away will be a cinch! The
person who's room it will be should make the area feel
comfortable and personal to them. Setting up an organized
closet is another great thing to do when moving in.
Click here for more information on designing a closet.
The living room should be a combined
effort of everyone in the household. There will be a
lot of items to be placed and electronics to hook up.
This is a good time to consider the practicality in
wirings. For example, the entertainment center will
have to be in close proximity with the cable outlet.
Click here for use of our Room Designer tool.
Having an organized garage is a
daunting task for most. But if you start by setting
up shelves and hooks for placement of tools, yard supplies,
etc., you might curb the tendency for making piles.
After all, we are hunter gatherers!
Additional tips: If you're setting
up a computer or stereo equipment, you may want to consider
purchasing a surge protector for the safety of these
items and yourself. Click here for more information
on home electronics.
Collapse boxes for storage or recycling.
2. Take note
Take inventory of everything you
have to make sure nothing has been lost. If you have
any broken or damaged items, make sure to keep them
as evidence. You must file all insurance claims within
a certain amount of days after the move, depending on
your particular company's regulations. Click here for
more information on claims.
Start a log of home repairs and
maintenance that need to be done.
Use our shopping list to make sure
you have everything you need when moving in.
3. Play interior designer
When getting ready to shift furniture
around in the living room and bedrooms, it's a good
idea to make a sketch of the room with squares representing
where you would like certain items placed. Erasing an
armoire, rather than lifting it, could save you a trip
to the chiropractor! Click here for use of our Room
Designer tool.
Placing furniture so the room feels
open and functional is an integral part in getting settled
into your new home. Your house probably won't look like
what you'd envisioned for a few more months, but taking
those few important steps now will help prepare you
in the plans to come.
4. Add style
Consider painting rooms a
different color, or stenciling around an archway. Brighten
up a room with self-adhesive wallpaper borders. Refinish
old cabinets or add new knobs. Hang pictures properly
by measuring right the first time. Add potted plants
for extra color or to fill empty corners.
For more helpful tips, try these
other Homestore links:
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