Published: July 01, 2025

The Best Unpacking Tips After a Move

Unpacking after a move can feel like a huge task. You’ve made it through the hard part—moving day—but now you’re faced with stacks of boxes and a brand-new space that doesn’t quite feel like home yet. With a little planning and the right approach, you can get settled faster and start enjoying your new life in your new home. Here are the best unpacking tips to help streamline your unpacking process and make your new home feel cozy and organized in no time.

Start With the Essentials Box

If you packed a first-night or essentials box (fingers crossed!), this is your starting point. This should include items like toiletries, medications, phone chargers, snacks, pet supplies, and a change of clothes. Having these daily-use items at your fingertips makes your first night in your new home feel more manageable and gives you room to breathe as you tackle the rest of the unpacking.

Tackle One Room at a Time

Unpacking room by room helps keep things efficient and stress-free. Focus on the most-used spaces first:

Kitchen: Get your kitchen in working order so you can prepare meals and avoid extra takeout. Unpack essentials like plates, utensils, pots, and pantry items. Worry about décor later—function comes first.

Bedrooms: Assemble beds and unpack bedding, pillows, and clothes. Being able to sleep comfortably after a long day of moving is a must.

Bathrooms: Stock necessities like toilet paper, soap, towels, and personal hygiene items. Having a clean, fully stocked bathroom early on makes a big difference.

Living Room: Set up basic furniture, plug in the TV, and make the space livable. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just make it usable.

Break Down Boxes as You Go

Flatten and recycle moving boxes as soon as they’re emptied to avoid clutter. It helps free up space and gives you a clear sense of progress. Keep one or two boxes handy for donations or items that don’t yet have a place.

Declutter While You Unpack

Moving to a new place offers a fresh start, so don’t bring clutter with you. As you unpack, set aside anything broken, outdated, or that you no longer need. Donate usable items to local organizations or schedule a pickup from a charity or thrift store.

Labeling Makes Life Easier

If your boxes were labeled by room or category, you’re ahead of the game. Prioritize anything marked “open first” or “daily use.” Even if your labels weren’t detailed, scanning the contents before digging in can save you from wasted time and stress.

Create a Simple Unpacking Schedule

You don’t need to unpack everything in one weekend. Instead, make a plan to unpack a room per day or a few boxes per evening. Sticking to a manageable routine can make a big difference. Make it more enjoyable by putting on a playlist, setting a timer, or treating yourself once you hit each milestone.

Involve the Whole Family

Unpacking and setting up your home doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Get the whole household involved. Kids can unpack their own rooms, and partners or roommates can help with shared spaces. It’s a great way to bond and get everyone comfortable with the new setup.

Organize as You Go

Don’t just unpack—organize. Use bins, baskets, drawer dividers, or closet systems to make your new home feel polished from the start. A little extra effort now can save you from having to reorganize later.

Add Personal Touches

Once the big stuff is unpacked, add some flair to your new space—hang artwork, display family photos, or pick up plants from a local nursery. Set up your Wi-Fi, test smoke detectors, and hang your curtains to make the space feel complete.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

Don’t forget to take care of yourself during the unpacking process. Stay hydrated, grab snacks, and take short breaks to rest and recharge. Unpacking is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep a water bottle nearby so you’re reminded to sip regularly, especially during long stretches of activity.

Unpacking doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With a little planning, a few smart strategies, and the help of your household, you can get comfortable in your new home quickly and without the stress. Each box you unpack brings you one step closer to turning your new house into a home. Celebrate the small wins—whether it’s setting up your first cozy reading nook or finally organizing the pantry. Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come and look forward to all the memories you’ll make in your new space.

For help with the move to your new home, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Cincinnati or call (513) 506-3223 for a free quote!