Unpacking tips after moving can make a world of difference in how smoothly you settle into your new space. Let’s be honest—moving is exhausting. By the time the last box is off the truck, you’re already dreaming of being fully settled in your new home. But then comes the unpacking… and that’s where things can start to feel overwhelming all over again.
Unpacking isn’t just about putting things away—it’s your chance to set up your home with purpose and ease. The way you unpack can make a huge difference in how quickly your new space starts to feel like home.
So, these are simple unpacking tips after moving to help you set up your home one room at a time.
Room-by-Room Unpacking Tips After Moving
To stay organized and make your move-in experience smoother, it helps to unpack one space at a time. You can go room by room without losing your momentum.
Kids’ Bedrooms – Start Here First
If you’ve got young children, their room should be your top priority. New homes can feel unfamiliar and even a little scary, especially when their space is still full of boxes.
Here’s what to focus on first:
- Set up their bed or crib right away. Use their favorite sheets, pillows, and blankets to give them that sense of “home.”
- Unpack a few familiar toys, books, or stuffed animals. These small touches go a long way in helping them feel safe.
- Don’t worry about organizing their clothes yet. Just make sure they have what they need for a few days and come back to the rest later.
If you’re moving overseas (OCONUS), keep this in mind:
- Outlets are 220V, not the standard 120V. That means many electronics from the U.S. won’t work without a converter.
- Use simple plug converters for things like a sound machine and a nightlight, which really helped with sleep routines.
Once their room is set up, it becomes a safe place for them to play while you tackle the rest of the house.
Living Room – Create a Central Relaxation Hub
Your living room doesn’t have to be perfect, but having it functional early on can do wonders for your mood. It becomes the space where you and your family can take a breather from the chaos.
Start by unpacking these items first:
- Sofa or couch – It’s your go-to spot for breaks, quick meals, and maybe even sleep for the first few nights.
- TV and entertainment units – These help bring some normalcy, especially if you have kids.
- Blankets and pillows – Instantly make the space feel cozy and lived-in.
- A toy basket or small play corner – If you have little ones, this gives them another safe place to unwind.
Creating this central area early helps you feel a sense of progress, gives everyone a place to regroup, and keeps motivation up as you move through the rest of your unpacking.
Kitchen – Focus on Functionality First
The kitchen is one of the busiest and most important rooms in your home. Even if you’re not cooking gourmet meals right away, having a functional kitchen early makes life easier.
Start with the basics:
- Unpack everyday dishes, cups, cutlery, and your coffee maker (non-negotiable for many of us).
- Clear one section of the counter for food prep.
- Designate a space for snacks and quick meals—especially helpful if you have kids.
Before you go all-in with unpacking every box:
- Map out your cabinet space. Use sticky notes if needed to label where things should go. This helps avoid rearranging everything a few weeks later.
- Set aside a “donation” or “overflow” box for items you don’t immediately need or that won’t fit.
Tip for overseas moves: Many kitchen appliances from the U.S. won’t work with 220V outlets. Store or ship these carefully, and consider getting a few essentials that work locally.
Keeping the kitchen functional early on helps reduce stress, cuts down on take-out, and lets you get back into a family meal routine faster.
Master Bedroom – Rest and Recharge Zone
After long days of unpacking, having your own calm retreat matters more than you might think. Your bedroom doesn’t need to be picture-perfect—it just needs to be a place where you can relax and recharge.
Here’s what to unpack first:
- Set up the bed with real sheets, pillows, and a cozy blanket—not just a blanket on the floor or temporary bedding.
- Designate a charging station for phones, watches, or anything else you use daily.
- Pull out a few outfits for the week so you don’t have to dig through boxes each morning.
Don’t worry about organizing the whole wardrobe right away. Focus on comfort first; then you can tackle the dressers and closets when you’re more settled.
Make this space functional, simple, and peaceful. It’ll help you stay energized for the rest of your unpacking journey.
Kids’ Playroom or Activity Area
If your kids are young or still adjusting, setting up their play area early can help them feel at home faster. If you don’t have a playroom, focus on getting a corner of the living room or bedroom organized with their favorites.
Here’s how to get started:
- Unpack their favorite toys, books, and comfort items first.
- Let them help decide where things should go—it gives them a sense of ownership.
- Keep it simple at first: shelves for toys, a small rug or mat, and easy-to-reach storage bins.
This space doesn’t have to be perfect, just familiar and functional. It creates a sense of routine and helps kids feel settled, which makes the rest of the unpacking easier on everyone.
Tip: If you don’t have young kids or a playroom, use this time to work on the home office—especially if you’re working remotely or need a central spot for documents and planning.
Bathrooms – Get the Essentials Functional
It’s not the most glamorous part of unpacking, but getting your bathrooms usable right away makes a huge difference.
Start in this order:
- Kids’ bathroom (if applicable)
- Shared/guest bathroom
- Master bathroom
Before unpacking everything:
- Take a moment to visualize where things should go—use Post-its to map out drawers and shelves.
- Line drawers and shelves before organizing (this protects surfaces and makes cleaning easier later).
- Create a small “essentials basket” for each bathroom that includes:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Hand soap
- Toilet paper
- Basic skincare
- Hairbrush or comb
- Any daily-use items
Don’t forget to stock right away with hand soap, a shower curtain, and towels, so everyone can freshen up and feel at home after a long moving day.
Additional Areas to Prioritize Unpacking After Moving
Once the core rooms are unpacked, it’s time to look at other spaces that can improve day-to-day flow.
Entryway – Set the Tone for Your Home
The entryway is more than just a place to kick off your shoes. It sets the tone for how you start and end each day.
Start by organizing:
- A designated spot for keys, wallets, and purses
- Hooks or a coat rack for bags, coats, and backpacks
- A small basket or tray for mail or important papers
- A shoe rack or bin for quick drop-offs
Creating a clean, functional entryway helps prevent chaos from building up every time you walk through the door.
Tip: If you have kids, give each of them their own hook or cubby to encourage independence and routine.
Clothing and Closets – Avoid the Clothes Pile Trap
Unpacking clothes can feel endless—but putting it off only makes it worse. The sooner you organize, the smoother your mornings will be.
To get started:
- Unpack 1 week’s worth of clothing for each family member
- Focus on essentials first—underwear, sleepwear, everyday outfits
- Organize drawers and hanging areas before fully unpacking
- Donate clothes you no longer wear as you go
If you’ve moved to a smaller home or overseas, be mindful of limited closet space. Use bins, baskets, or under-bed storage to maximize space.
Garage or Storage Areas – Save for Last, But Plan Ahead
While you shouldn’t focus on these spaces first, don’t ignore them entirely. These are your go-to areas for seasonal items, tools, and overflow storage.
How to handle it:
- Set up zones (e.g., holiday décor, sports gear, tools)
- Use shelving units to avoid stacking boxes on the floor
- Label boxes clearly so you can find items later
- Keep a donate/dispose pile for things you don’t need in the new house
Finish setting up your garage or storage area after your main living spaces are functional.
General Unpacking Tips After Moving
You’ve made it this far—now here are a few unpacking tips to make the entire process smoother and less stressful.
1. Label Boxes by Room and Priority
Before the unpacking even starts, make sure every box is clearly labeled with both the room it belongs to and a priority level (High, Medium, Low). This helps you and any helpers know where to put each box—and what to tackle first.
2. Unpack Essentials First
Have a box or bag labeled “Open First” that contains your most essential items:
- Toiletries
- Basic kitchen supplies
- Chargers and electronics
- Medication
- Bedding for the first night
Unpacking these first helps you avoid digging through dozens of boxes just to find your toothbrush or coffee maker.
3. Stick to One Room at a Time
Avoid jumping from one space to another. Focus on finishing one room before starting the next. It gives you a clear sense of progress and prevents clutter from spreading throughout the house.
4. Use a Daily Unpacking Plan
Set small, daily goals based on your schedule. For example:
- Day 1: Kids’ bedrooms and bathrooms
- Day 2: Kitchen and dining area
- Day 3: Master bedroom
- Day 4: Living room and playroom
- Day 5: Clothes, closets, and storage
This helps you pace yourself and avoid burnout.
5. Break Down Boxes Immediately
Once a box is unpacked, break it down and move it out of the way. This keeps your space clean and keeps your momentum going. Have a designated spot for empty boxes and packing materials.
6. Don’t Wait to Declutter
As you unpack, get rid of the items you no longer need. Start a donate, sell, or trash pile right away. There’s no better time to downsize than when you’re starting fresh.
7. Get the Whole Family Involved
Even young kids can help unpack toys, books, or clothes. Assign tasks by age and ability to make the process go faster and to help everyone feel at home.
8. Don’t Stress About Perfection
Your home doesn’t need to look perfect in the first week. Focus on functionality first—you can tweak layouts, hang art, and decorate later. Right now, just aim for clean, safe, and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Unpacking can feel overwhelming, but it gets easier when you take it one step at a time. Just try to follow these unpacking tips after moving. Focus on the most important rooms first—like the kids’ bedrooms, kitchen, and living room—so your home starts to feel comfortable right away. You don’t need to finish everything in one day. Go at your own pace and celebrate small wins as you go.
If you need help with your move, Asr Moving is here for you. We provide professional moving services in Edmonton to make your move easier and stress-free. Visit our website to get a quote or book your move today.
FAQs
How do I avoid feeling overwhelmed when unpacking?
To make unpacking easier, take it room by room. Set small goals (e.g., one box or area per day) and reward yourself after finishing a space. Don’t try to do it all in one day.
Should I clean before I unpack?
Yes. Wipe down shelves, countertops, cabinets, and drawers before placing your belongings. It’s easier to clean when the space is still empty.
What’s the best way to organize items while unpacking?
Unpack by category and function. Group similar items together and use organizers, baskets, or bins right away so you’re not redoing the work later.
How do I decide what to keep or get rid of?
Use unpacking as a second chance to declutter. If something doesn’t have a place or purpose in your new home, consider donating or tossing it.
