Think Outside The Box: How To Handle Unpacking:

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

You’ve envisioned just how every room is going to look once you get everything in place, but getting everything in place means getting everything out of the boxes first. Sure you’ve got most of them labeled and opened, but now you have to figure out just where to start and where everything is going to go in your new abode. One thing you’ll learn is that you may not have use for everything you packed and that what took time to pack will take even more time to unpack, especially with work and other living and social obligations. Experts however offer some time saving strategies and tips that will have you movin’ –n- groovin’.

1. Get Rid Of The Guess Work: Neatly place and organize boxes in categories and within the rooms they need to be in or you plan to unpack them in. Boxes containing kitchen items should be neatly stacked in the kitchen or a nearby area for easy access and so that you don’t have to go in search of them each time you’re ready to put a few items away.

If stacking the boxes is unavoidable, make it so that you can easily read the labels. Professionals suggest stacking the less frequently need boxes toward the bottom. These should include older household items as well as out of season or holiday and decorative contents.

Once you’ve prioritized your packages, it will be easier to open them and permanently place the parcels in place.

2. Focus on one room, one box or one goal at a time: Setting your sites on the entire house may be a bit overwhelming. Prioritize and set your sites instead on one room or box at a time. Learn to be satisfied with each accomplishment. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done box-by-box or room-by-room.

3. Prioritize Projects: Some boxes simply won’t be that important to immediately unpack, while others will require making some home improvements (like putting up book shelves for books) before you are able to unpack them. Focus on fixing your space to accommodate your lifestyle then on accommodating your stuff.

4. Use It Or Lose It: Re-evaluate the need for certain items, especially if you’ve got two or more of each. Also realize and recognize when you’re holding onto something simply for the sentimental value. Experts suggest holding on to the memory but getting rid of the item(s). If you keep walking past a particular item, items or box, perhaps the contents aren’t as essential as you thought, or maybe they just don’t go with your new living style or life style. Forget about holding onto them for a rainy day, Use and put away what you can, and get rid of the rest.

5. Keep A Lid On It: Some items such as holiday décor, seasonal items, etc are meant to be boxed and stored. Don’t worry about finding a new home for these items, just a safe and easily accessible storage place for their containers. Stack the boxes neatly and so that you can read the label in a place you can easily get to when you finally need to. By the way seasonal clothes can also remain boxed until the upcoming season approaches in order to afford you more closet space if that’s an issue.

6. Finishing Touches: Once you’ve unpacked your last box, give yourself permission to enjoy your accomplishment and your new home. Go out and have a celebratory dinner or host a celebratory dinner at your home for friends and family. Then you can begin to focus on all the little extras (painting, doilies, plants, etc) that will contribute to making your house a home.