Unpacking properly leads to a new clutter-free life
By Sue Story
For Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
We’ve lived through moving day and are in the new home. I have some final comments on packing, and then ... let the unpacking begin.
Regarding cartons, if budget is a consideration, get them from liquor stores. Buying them is better as similarity in size assures easier stacking—during staging, moving and while unpacking.
When transporting things yourself don’t use large boxes or pack too many heavy items in one carton. We don’t want to strain our backs; we already have enough on our plates.
Also, when we have access to the new home before moving day we can do a lot of moving runs. Because we don’t have to worry about packing properly for movers to transport our stuff, we can use coverless bins, paper bags, whatever is handy. This usually works when we’re moving just a short distance and can do a lot of runs. Another advantage is that a good part of the unpacking can be done in advance.
When it has to wait until after moving day, begin by unpacking the most recently packed items. These are usually the things that will be needed almost immediately. The kitchen and bathroom are usually the most crucial places for beginning this stage of the move.
As previously mentioned, when things from different rooms are in one box, it helps to empty it and sort things by room. Then the items can be carried to their individual rooms. When there are more than a few things to go to another place, sort them into small cartons or baskets so you only make one trip to each location.
It pays to have several box cutters on hand for opening taped cartons. With only one, it’s a certainty that it will have mysteriously vanished by the next time we need it.
When we have time to move gradually, we can eliminate lots of stuff and sort of avoid the clutter before it begins accumulating. If packing has to be rushed and there isn’t time to get rid of things, then stuff should be cleared out when unpacking. But the ideal is to do it before packing so that there’s less to be moved.
When we move “at a moment’s notice,” we tend to pack quickly and don’t get rid of anything. We figure we’ll do it after the move, but somehow things happen and we wind up hanging on to things. So, if at all possible, it’s we need to take this time to do some clearing.
Furthermore, no matter what happens it’s imperative that we get everything unpacked right away, even if this means losing some sleep. Too many of us get caught up in other things and are still living with packed cartons 10 years after the move. This not only causes major clutter, but blocked energy as well.
When unpacking, we often tend to put things in locations that are similar, if not identical, to their places in the old houses, for example, keeping dishes and glasses near the sink or dishwasher. However, when an item does have a new home, it’s a sure thing it will be almost impossible to find when needed, simply because we won’t remember where we put it. Keep a list of all these new locations and save lot’s of time looking for things.
If downsizing, do not put things in storage unless it’s definitely a temporary situation or for just a short period of time.
Instead, use this opportunity for some major clearing.
In this electronic age, we often don’t have as much use for Uncle Sam’s postal service as in the past, but they’re a great resource when moving. The change of address form now comes in a packet with discount coupons for everything from truck rentals and movers to decorating stores and banks. The confirmation of the change in address comes in a packet containing even more coupons, plus a resource, service and store locator. These coupons can mean hundreds of dollars in savings—very important considering all the expenses involved in moving.
Finally, if we take our time putting everything away and give lots of thought to where things should go, we’ll be off to a well-organized, clutter-free life in our new home. And maybe, just maybe, we can start life in these new homes with newer and more productive habits so that we avoid any future clutter problems. What a concept.
Sue Story owns ClutterBusters, a home and business organizing service. She can be contacted at 845-657-6644 or by e-mail at info@clutterbustersny.com. Her column will be appearing every other week.
Regarding cartons, if budget is a consideration, get them from liquor stores. Buying them is better as similarity in size assures easier stacking—during staging, moving and while unpacking.
When transporting things yourself don’t use large boxes or pack too many heavy items in one carton. We don’t want to strain our backs; we already have enough on our plates.
Also, when we have access to the new home before moving day we can do a lot of moving runs. Because we don’t have to worry about packing properly for movers to transport our stuff, we can use coverless bins, paper bags, whatever is handy. This usually works when we’re moving just a short distance and can do a lot of runs. Another advantage is that a good part of the unpacking can be done in advance.
When it has to wait until after moving day, begin by unpacking the most recently packed items. These are usually the things that will be needed almost immediately. The kitchen and bathroom are usually the most crucial places for beginning this stage of the move.
As previously mentioned, when things from different rooms are in one box, it helps to empty it and sort things by room. Then the items can be carried to their individual rooms. When there are more than a few things to go to another place, sort them into small cartons or baskets so you only make one trip to each location.
It pays to have several box cutters on hand for opening taped cartons. With only one, it’s a certainty that it will have mysteriously vanished by the next time we need it.
When we have time to move gradually, we can eliminate lots of stuff and sort of avoid the clutter before it begins accumulating. If packing has to be rushed and there isn’t time to get rid of things, then stuff should be cleared out when unpacking. But the ideal is to do it before packing so that there’s less to be moved.
When we move “at a moment’s notice,” we tend to pack quickly and don’t get rid of anything. We figure we’ll do it after the move, but somehow things happen and we wind up hanging on to things. So, if at all possible, it’s we need to take this time to do some clearing.
Furthermore, no matter what happens it’s imperative that we get everything unpacked right away, even if this means losing some sleep. Too many of us get caught up in other things and are still living with packed cartons 10 years after the move. This not only causes major clutter, but blocked energy as well.
When unpacking, we often tend to put things in locations that are similar, if not identical, to their places in the old houses, for example, keeping dishes and glasses near the sink or dishwasher. However, when an item does have a new home, it’s a sure thing it will be almost impossible to find when needed, simply because we won’t remember where we put it. Keep a list of all these new locations and save lot’s of time looking for things.
If downsizing, do not put things in storage unless it’s definitely a temporary situation or for just a short period of time.
Instead, use this opportunity for some major clearing.
In this electronic age, we often don’t have as much use for Uncle Sam’s postal service as in the past, but they’re a great resource when moving. The change of address form now comes in a packet with discount coupons for everything from truck rentals and movers to decorating stores and banks. The confirmation of the change in address comes in a packet containing even more coupons, plus a resource, service and store locator. These coupons can mean hundreds of dollars in savings—very important considering all the expenses involved in moving.
Finally, if we take our time putting everything away and give lots of thought to where things should go, we’ll be off to a well-organized, clutter-free life in our new home. And maybe, just maybe, we can start life in these new homes with newer and more productive habits so that we avoid any future clutter problems. What a concept.
Sue Story owns ClutterBusters, a home and business organizing service. She can be contacted at 845-657-6644 or by e-mail at info@clutterbustersny.com. Her column will be appearing every other week.
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