Immediate Post-Move Tasks for a Cozy and Orderly Beginning at Your New Home

Immediate Post-Move Tasks for a Cozy and Orderly Beginning at Your New Home

Moving into a new home can be an exhilarating experience, yet it also presents some stressful aspects such as packing up your belongings and unpacking them shortly after. To aid in this process, two essential tools can be utilized – a moving checklist for when leaving and an unpacking checklist for upon arrival.

Upon arrival at your new residence, it's crucial to focus on unpacking the most essential items instead of simply unboxing your favorite items. With numerous boxes and empty space waiting to be filled, one may wonder where to begin. Here, we've gathered expert advice to help guide you.

1. Essentials Box

One crucial piece of advice from the experts centers around an essentials box while packing up for a move. This box, containing items like phone chargers, medications, basic cleaning supplies, toilet paper, scissors, a box opener, snacks, and pajamas for everyone, is essential to unpack as soon as you step foot in your new place.

"This box is filled with your can't-live-without items," says professional organizer Di Ter Avest. "Unpacking it quickly gives you immediate access to the items you need for daily functioning, without digging through numerous boxes."

Di Ter Avest is a skilled home and lifestyle organizer, with her accountability program and book "Organize Yourself Healthy" helping women worldwide organize their lives and homes. The American expert's expertise has been featured in Forbes, Today, ApartmentTherapy, Real Homes, Homes & Gardens, Kitchn, and on our website. She has also conducted workshops at IKEA, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma.

2. Bedding and Linens

"Unpack beds and towels early on to enjoy a relaxing shower on the first evening and sleep in a freshly made bed," proposes Andrea Lewis, founder of The Organised Curator. Di concurs with this recommendation.

"Getting beds set up quickly is non-negotiable," notes Di. "After a long moving day, your family will require a good night's sleep. By having sheets and pillows ready on the mattress, you create a sense of comfort and relaxation for your family."

Andrea Lewis is the founder of The Organised Curator, with ten years of event design experience for companies like Soho House, LVMH, and Esteé Lauder. Her innovative strategies for styling real homes help her clients create beautiful, functional living spaces.

3. Basic Kitchen Set-up

While it's easy to get caught up in setting up your favorite floor lamps and framed art to bring your new home to life, it's crucial to prioritize the kitchen for organization.

"Start by unpacking the basics like plates, cups, utensils, a few pots and pans, dish soap, towels, and the coffee maker," suggests Di. "Having these essentials will allow you to prepare quick meals and drinks, which can provide a significant boost of energy during the unpacking process."

4. Toiletries and Bathroom Supplies

Organizing your bathroom for a better morning routine is highly recommended from the beginning. This is another essential space that needs to function as soon as possible.

"Unpack toothbrushes, toilet paper, soap, and towels as soon as you can," advises Di. "Additionally, don't forget shower curtains if your new bathroom requires them."

Setting up your bathroom early will provide a small yet powerful luxury after a hectic move. As you will likely be tired from unpacking, cleaning, and organizing your new home, a comforting bath or warm shower can significantly improve your mood and energy levels.

For a more organized home, consider referencing books like "The Neat Method Organizing Recipe Book" by Ashley Murphy & Marissa Hagmeyer, "Beautifully Organized: A Guide to Function and Style in Your Home" by Nikki Boyd, or "Organized Living: Solutions and Inspiration for Your Home" by Shira Gill.

[1] Lewis, A. (n.d.). The Organised Curator. https://www.theorganisedcurator.co.uk

[2] Di Ter Avest. (n.d.). Di is Organized. https://diisorganized.com

[3] Murphy, A., & Hagmeyer, M. (2019). The Neat Method Organizing Recipe Book: Simple and Friendly Steps to an Organized Home. Running Press.

[4] Boyd, N. (2018). Beautifully Organized: A Guide to Function and Style in Your Home. Cool Springs Press.

[5] Gill, S. (2019). Organized Living: Solutions and Inspiration for Your Home. Chronicle Books.

1. Upon arrival, unpack the essentials box containing items like phone chargers, medications, basic cleaning supplies, toilet paper, scissors, a box opener, snacks, and pajamas for everyone, as suggested by professional organizer Di Ter Avest.
2. Unpack beds and towels early on to ensure a relaxing shower and sleep in a freshly made bed, a recommendation by Andrea Lewis, founder of The Organised Curator.
3. Prioritize the kitchen for organization during unpacking, suggesting to unpack the basics like plates, cups, utensils, a few pots and pans, dish soap, towels, and the coffee maker as advised by Di Ter Avest.
4. Organize the bathroom for a better morning routine by unpacking toiletries and bathroom supplies such as toothbrushes, soap, towels, and shower curtains (if needed), as suggested by Di Ter Avest for a more comfortable living experience in your new home.

For a more organized home, you may refer to books like "The Neat Method Organizing Recipe Book" by Ashley Murphy & Marissa Hagmeyer, "Beautifully Organized: A Guide to Function and Style in Your Home" by Nikki Boyd, or "Organized Living: Solutions and Inspiration for Your Home" by Shira Gill.

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