Unpacking Tips

Moving into a new home is full of promise—but unpacking can feel like running a daunting marathon. Here’s a practical, stress-busting guide to help you unpack smartly and settle in smoothly.

Start with the Essentials Box

An essentials box is your moving-day lifeline. This should include toiletries, medications, chargers, basic cleaning supplies, pajamas, snacks, and anything else you’ll need immediately. Unpack it first so you can function comfortably without digging through multiple boxes.

Prioritize Key Spaces: Kitchen, Bed, Bath

Kitchen first: Unpack just the basics—plates, utensils, pans, dish soap, and the coffee maker. Having a functional kitchen brings instant comfort and routine.
Next, set up beds: Fresh sheets and a made bed provide immediate relief after a long day of moving.
Then the bathroom: Make space for toiletries, towels, and a shower curtain—because a refreshing shower can make all the difference.

Unpack Room by Room

Tackle one room at a time to reduce overwhelm and gain momentum. Start with functional spaces like the kitchen or bedrooms, then move toward living areas or storage spaces. Label boxes clearly or use color-coded stickers to make unpacking smoother.

Keep It Manageable: Pace Yourself

Set realistic daily goals, such as unpacking one room or a set number of boxes per day. Take regular breaks to avoid burnout—unpacking is a marathon, not a sprint.

Break Down and Reuse Packing Materials

Immediately collapsing boxes and storing them neatly clears space and keeps clutter at bay. Do this as you unpack so you don’t feel boxed in by empty cartons.

Declutter Again While Unpacking

Unpacking is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate what you own. If something doesn’t fit your new space or lifestyle, donate, recycle, or toss it instead of finding it a place.

Make It Fun and Involve Others

Unpacking doesn’t have to be a chore. Turn on some music, reward yourself after completing a room, or make it a team effort by involving family or roommates.

Plan Your Layout—Then Unpack

Before diving in, place large furniture and appliances first. Then unpack around them to avoid having to move heavy items twice.

Wrapping It All Up

Here’s a quick checklist to guide your unpacking process:

Essentials box first
Kitchen → bed → bathroom
One room at a time
Set small goals
Break down boxes as you go
Declutter during unpacking
Make it fun
Place big items first

A Hand from Your Local Pros

While you can handle a lot of this on your own, professional movers can make unpacking faster and less stressful. Whether it’s help with unloading, furniture placement, or organizing your new space, Checkmate Moving & Storage ensures your move ends on a high note—so you can enjoy your new home sooner.

Checkmate Moving and Storage based out of Denver, Colorado adheres to the highest moving company industry standards. We deliver full-service moving and storage services for all your residential, commercial, and industrial needs with the highest industry standards, and that is reflected in our Better Business Bureau A+ Accredited Business Rating. Because we are family owned and operated moving company, we are personally interested in maintaining our reputation. Contact us for a free quote.