When the last box goes from the truck, the job isn’t done yet. Taking on all those boxes once they’re in the home is a different thing entirely. Unpacking isn’t a quick job, so it’s important to tier your priorities when unpacking. Here is a quick overview of the items that need to be unpacked quickly in order of importance.
1.PERISHABLES
Anything with its own internal ticking time clock that needs to be moved, like refrigerated/frozen food or beverages, should be handled first, otherwise they could go bad.
2. HYGIENE PRODUCTS
An important part of staying sane is looking and feeling good (or at least acceptable). Bathroom needs like shampoos, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, and deodorant are hardly optional, especially after a long and arduous moving process.
3. KIDS’ AND PETS’ STUFF.
Change is hard for pets and young children, who often will struggle wrapping their head around the moving process. The longer they spend without a grounding sense of familiarity, the longer uneasiness can linger. To get them acquainted quickly, set up their usual surroundings early on in the unpacking process.
4. KITCHEN ITEMS
Eating out every night isn’t a lifestyle everyone can afford, either from a health or financial standpoint. Prioritize unpacking the dining items to ensure that the family will have a nice home-cooked meal sooner rather than later.
5. PROFESSIONAL ITEMS
Most people move because of a change in their occupation. Whether it’s a new job, a different workplace, or a job interview in a new city, it’s important to make a good first impression on new professional colleagues. A wrinkled shirt or a business-casual at best wardrobe is unlikely to impress. That’s all the more reason preparing for work a priority when unpacking.
6. BEDDING
It’s oft-cited that humans spend ⅓ of their life sleeping, and with good reason. Humans need sleep like smartphones need a charged battery, so it’s best not to settle for an uncomfortable sleeping situation. After all, the energy will be needed with another long day of unpacking still likely ahead.
7. ELECTRONIC UTILITIES
No one wants to go very long without wi-fi, cable or phone service in their home. Setting these up right away can help relieve stress and lift spirits after a stressful moving day. Plus, utility providers do not always have flexible schedules, and may only be available shortly after the boxes arrive at the new home.
8. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Moving homes often means filing some paperwork, and making necessary changes to a driver's’ license or a voter registration record. It can be a serious detriment if these documents are not easily found or they’re simply left to be unpacked later.
9. STRESS RELIEVERS
Moving is really hard. Everyone needs a little bit of release after a tough day. Prioritize mental health by unpacking something relaxing - whether it’s a video game, a sudoku puzzle or a DVD of a favorite movie.
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