Staying organized after moving is not always straightforward, but there are a few techniques you can try to manage the chaos more effectively.
Start decluttering and downsizing months ahead of your move – this will save time and stress in the long run, plus help get rid of items that don’t match with your lifestyle or are simply cluttering up your current home.
1. Packing
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No matter if you are moving across state lines or across the country, staying organized after your move is vitally important to ensuring you have everything when needed, while saving both time and frustration later on.
Planning is essential to staying organized after moving, which means taking the time to devise a strategy for packing, unpacking and cleaning before you arrive at your new residence.
An effective way to stay organized is through decluttering. Although it can be hard to recognize what items don’t serve a purpose anymore, taking inventory in each room and eliminating those which are no longer used is key for staying on top of things.
Once you have accumulated an ample selection of items, sort them based on what your plans for them are — be that selling, donating or discarding. While this process may take a bit of time and energy, the end results can make the effort worthwhile.
2. Unpacking
Unpacking after a move can be daunting, but with some smart tips and strategies in place, unpacking can become a smoother and more organized process!
Start by taking inventory of all of the essentials you will need immediately for living in your new home, such as toothbrushes, medications, cell phones and other necessities.
Place these items in a separate box that is easy for you to access when needed, labeled so you know exactly where it can be found later.
Once you have all of the essentials in place, start to set up each room of your home step-by-step.
Setting yourself up with some organization and momentum in your new home can be immensely helpful, preventing you from returning to half-done projects when unpacking another room again.
3. Cleaning
No matter whether or not you’re moving out, it’s always a smart idea to give your new home a thorough cleaning before setting foot inside it. Even if it is newly constructed, previous tenants could have left dirt and clutter hidden throughout the property that you may need to address when moving in.
Before unpacking, ensure each room is thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom and that all windows are clear. Line drawers and shelves with protective lining to avoid any potential dings or scratches during unloading.
Position furniture accordingly in each room based on how it will be used – beds in bedrooms, tables in kitchens and other large pieces wherever they will provide maximum functionality.
Once your room is completed, keep up with regular cleaning efforts to prevent small messes from turning into larger issues down the line. This may involve tidying as you use each space, placing items away when not required, and wiping down surfaces regularly.
4. Organizing
Organization is key when moving, as staying organized will reduce stress levels and help you stay ahead of things. Professional organizers offer some useful advice to stay on top of things.
One of the key steps before moving is clearing away clutter from your home and making space for new items to enter. Expert organizers advise looking through each room, closet, cabinet and drawer to identify items you can discard.
Create a list of what items you plan to bring and those which should be donated or sold at a garage sale before moving day arrives.
Establishing a plan makes unpacking and organizing the new place much simpler, helping you settle in faster while being more organized overall.
