Moving into a new home is exciting – but there is also a lot to keep track of. With a little planning, it becomes easier to settle in and create a home that works from day one.
Here are our best tips for an easier move-in:
- Clean before you unpack
- Pack a box for the first day
- Tackle one room at a time
- Wait before finding a place for everything
- Sort as you unpack
- Use storage for what you do not have room for
- Remember the practicalities
1. Clean before you unpack
If possible, clean the home thoroughly before moving boxes and furniture are put in place. It is much easier to reach everything while the rooms are still empty.
Start with the kitchen and bathroom, then move on to floors, cupboards and surfaces.
2. Pack a box for the first day
Pack a separate box or bag with the things you will need right away.
For example:
- Toilet paper and towels
- Soap and toiletries
Chargers - Coffee and a few kitchen essentials
- Bed linen
- A change of clothes
- Medication
That way, you will not have to search through all the moving boxes on the first evening.
3. Tackle one room at a time
It can be tempting to unpack a little everywhere, but it quickly creates clutter. Instead, start with the most important rooms – typically the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.
Once one room is finished, you can move on to the next.
4. Wait before finding a place for everything
You do not need to decide where everything should go on the first day. Live in the home for a while and see how you actually use the rooms.
This makes it easier to find good, practical solutions for furniture and storage.
5. Sort as you unpack
Moving is an ideal opportunity to go through your belongings.
For example, create three categories:
- Keep – items you use and want in your home.
- Give away or sell – items you no longer need.
- Store – items you want to keep but do not need to have out.
That way, you avoid filling your new home with things you do not actually use.
6. Use storage for what you do not have room for
Not everything necessarily needs to be moved into the home right away.
A storage unit can give you extra space for, for example, furniture, moving boxes, sports equipment or seasonal items while you are settling in.
It can also be a good solution if you are moving to a smaller home and have not yet decided what you want to keep.
7. Remember the practicalities
When the moving boxes are more or less in place, there are still some practical things worth taking care of.
Remember, among other things, to:
- Register your change of address
- Update relevant subscriptions and insurance policies
- Check electricity, heating and internet
- Learn the waste-sorting system
- Put your name on the mailbox and door
- Keep important paperwork from the move
- Enjoy your new home
It does not have to be perfect from day one. Give yourself time to settle in and figure out how your new home works best for you.
If you have things you would like to keep but do not have room for right now, a storage unit can give you a little extra breathing space during the move-in.
Do you need more space in your new home?
At Pelican, you will find storage units in different sizes, so you can choose the space that suits your belongings.
Find your nearest Pelican centre and see available storage units.