Unpacking after a move might seem easier than boxing your belongings and transporting them to your new home. After all, there is less time constraint to get everything and everyone settled. However, the unpacking process comes with its own stressors homeowners must learn to navigate. Here are five unpacking mistakes to avoid when moving into your new space.
1. Attempting to Unpack in One Day
According to a Forbes survey, 47% of women and 35% of men find moving very stressful. Twenty-seven percent and 23% said packing items and transporting them into a new building are the most taxing parts of the move, respectively — until they start unpacking.
It is natural to want to unload all your belongings on day one, but you should not try. First, get yourself organized and create a plan of action. This entails going through individual boxes to determine what is staying, going into storage, or what is getting donated or trashed. Avoid putting extra pressure on yourself and unpack at your own pace.
2. Storing Unpacked Items in the Garage for Too Long
You might store boxes in the garage to make room for walking safely around the house. However, you do not want to leave them there for too long, especially valuables.
Garages tend to be humid and have irregular temperatures, which could cause cherished photos to discolor, delicate fabrics to be damaged, and electronics to overheat. Likewise, rodents may chew through cardboard boxes and ruin your belongings before they ever make it into the house.
3. Unpacking Boxes in the Wrong Room
Unpacking boxes in rooms they do not belong is an extra step to moving in. You are also more likely to confuse yourself about where each item goes.
Always bring boxes into the correct space before opening them. Usually, homeowners find it easier to start with the most important three spaces — the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Then, go box by box — and room by room — to ensure they are exactly where they are meant to be. Doing so will help you avoid traveling with items around the house, looking for their correct location.
4. Forgetting to Label Boxes
Hopefully, you labeled boxes clearly while packing everything for the move, including what is in the box and which room it is from. However, keeping a marker handy for unpacking is just as important.
For starters, labeling boxes will help you inventory items on a checklist so you know if everything made it over. It is a great way to track what may have gone missing during transport.
Also, you may have to re-mark boxes as you move items around. For example, you want to avoid stacking heavy things on top of valuables or donating or throwing away pieces you intend to keep. Many homeowners find unpacking from a move the perfect time to do one last purge.
5. Not Taking Photos of Damage
By law, full-service moving companies are required to offer two liability options — Full Value Protection and Released Value. Therefore, you will want to photograph and maintain detailed records of all broken or lost goods.
The movers will move your belongings under Full Value Protection by default. Although more expensive, movers will be responsible for reimbursing lost or damaged high-value items over $100 per pound, including jewelry and china. Otherwise, you will need to sign a waiver for Released Value liability, which is free but with minimal protection.
Unpack Your Items Wisely After a Move
Missteps during unpacking can cause a headache after moving. It is essential to take time to organize before diving into each box. Create your unpacking plan and avoid making unnecessary mistakes to get the job done and yourself settled in.
