Moving and Unpacking Tips - What to Unpack the First Day
What to Do the First Day in Your New Home
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide


I really, really dislike unpacking after moving. It's probably because I'm usually excited by moving so unpacking just gets in the way of enjoying a new place, a new neighborhood and a new city. I tend to resent all those boxes and all that stuff. So, to make sure I don't feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the project ahead of me, especially after the stress of moving, I break down the steps into several unpacking days.


Moving and Unpacking - Day 1
Place large pieces of furniture. Whether you're unloading the truck yourself or you've hired movers to do it for you, you still need to know where the large pieces of furniture will be placed. I always recommend that these decisions are made before you move. But in a lot of cases, you don't have the opportunity to get a really good layout of your new space in order to make those decisions before you unpack the truck. If you're in this position, then try to get to the new location before the movers or take a half hour to decide where certain pieces will be placed, such as the couch, the big screen tv, the piano - any items that are difficult to move on your own.

Install and check all large appliances. If you've moved the household appliances from your old residence to the new or if you've purchased new appliances, you should always consult the manuals that came with each unit when attempting to hook up items such as the refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer and dishwasher. If you don't have manuals, or if you're uncertain about how to install the appliances, seek professional advice.


Put together essential furniture. Beds are usually the first pieces of furniture that need to be put together. This task might even come before installing appliances since a good night sleep is essential for feeling at home in your new space. The dining room table or a desk might also be essential to your ability to create some kind of routine. Remember that routine is important to maintain, especially if you have children or if you have difficulty with change; establishing a somewhat normal routine will help you and your family feel more at home.

Unpack the essentials' box.An essentials' box should contain everything you need for your first night in the new space. It should be clearly labeled and easy to find among all the other boxes. Families might actually have packed one box per person. Whatever the number, locating and unpacking the essential box will be your key to having everything you need in one place.


Make up the beds and order take out. This is probably the best part of unpacking Day 1: ensuring that the beds are ready to fall into after indulging in take-out or delivery food. If you have children, try to make this part of the move an essential part to the first day, a kind of reward for the main part of the move being over and a celebration of good things to come. This will help ease tensions and to help everyone relax before catching their first night sleep in the new home.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/unpackingtips/a/unpacking_dayone.htm

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Moving and Unpacking Tips - What to Unpack the Second Day
What to Do the Second Day in Your New Home

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide





I find the second day of unpacking harder than the first. On the first day, you still have, what I call, "new place fever", when your excitement for making your new house feel like a home gives you enough energy to get things sorted. By the second, third and fourth days, much of this excitement starts to wane and you're left feeling like you just want the chore to be over.

So, to help, here are some tips and a list of tasks you might want to do on your second day in your new home.
Day Two Unpacking Tips
Decide how you can be most productive. Some people recommend that you unpack a few boxes in one room then move onto the next room, working your way through the house. Others prefer to unpack an entire room in one day, then tackling the next room the following day. Still others think that you should try to do it all in one day while some think you should take lots of breaks, get out of the house to explore your new neighborhood. Personally, I think everyone has their own unique way of working and that it's important that you unpack the way that best suits you and the time you have to dedicate to the task.

To decide how best to tackle the unpacking, think about how you work on a daily basis, whether that's at your place of employment or how you manage household chores. I'm the kind of person who likes to finish one project before moving on to the next. My husband, on the other hand, works better when he has several things to do in one day and he can switch between them constantly. So, when it comes to unpacking, I like to tackle one room at a time. Of course, this is after I've completed day unpacking task list.
Create a to-do list and divide up tasks. If you're fortunate enough to have help, make a list of things you'd like to get done that day, then divide up tasks among your helpers. Remember not to be over-ambitious. It's better to take your time unpacking, making sure everything has a place and it's the right place, than to have to take additional time later on to rearrange items.


Take breaks. This sounds simply enough, but you'll find when you're unpacking that you'll be pushing yourself to get it all done quickly. It's important to take routine breaks, stopping to eat, sip tea or whatever else you need to gain a little energy, to take a minute to reflect on your move and to just ensure that you don't overdo it.
What to Unpack on Day Two
Start with the kitchen. Unpacking the kitchen is always the most difficult and time-consuming room. Yet, it's the place where families meet, start and end their days and it's important to beginning and maintaining some kind of routine in your new home.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/unpackingtips/a/unpacking_daytwo.htm

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Moving In - How to Get Involved In Your New CommunityMeet New People, Make New Friends

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide


Whether you're moving from a large city to a small town or from a small town to a large city, feeling like you're part of a community takes time and effort on your part. Use these tips for getting acquainted more quickly.


VolunteerFor me, this is always the easiest way to get involved, make new friends and feel like you're making a difference. Find a local organization which supports your interests, then visit their office to find out how to help. With volunteering, a minimum amount of hours are usually required, however, this can range from just a couple to a full-time committment. In addition, unlike people you might meet at a place of employment, volunteers are usually made up of different kinds of people, with varying backgrounds, interests and employment histories. This can lead to further networking and job possibilities.


Join a ClubI'm not too much into clubs, but my husband swears by them! Again, think about what interests you whether it's a sport, such as hiking or skiing or walking, or a hobby, such as reading, investments or photography - most towns and certainly large cities will have a wide variety of clubs from which to choose. To start, read the article, Find Local Clubs, Activities and Groups to Join for websites to get you started.


Take a ClassFind a local class to join. The best place to start looking is at your local recreation or community centre and small colleges. Painting, languages, even belly dancing can not only teach you new skills, but will help you get acquainted with people in your neighborhood.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/settlingintips/qt/make_friends.htm

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What to Do With All Those Moving BoxesRecycle Boxes After Your Unpack

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide




Once you've moved and unpacked, most of us have accumulated so many boxes that it's a struggle just to make it to the curb for garbage pick up. While you're anxious to get rid of those cardboard boxes, there are other means of disposal other than taking them to the curb. Here's a list of just some of the ways you can put those well-used boxes to good use:


Recycling, Reusing and Ridding Yourself of all those Boxes
Go through a box broker. Depending on where you live, many cities have companies that specialize in buying and selling used moving boxes. Do a Google search or check with local moving companies.


List boxes on BoxCycle. If you live in the US,BoxCycle is a great place to list boxes for sale and purchase used boxes. The company does a lot of the selling for you and from the reviews I've read, this is a great start-up that will go far. Check it out!


Post on U-haul's community boards. U-haul has a great board for people on the move. You can search for people requesting used boxes or post your own message. It's a site where people can buy, sell or exchange packing supplies, including boxes.


Post on Craigslist. Craigslist is a great place to post boxes that you want to get rid of; sell, exchange or give them away. And the best thing is, it's free.


Compost it. Some people use cardboard boxes as compost bins. I've personally never tried this, but could imagine that the cardboard will break down well. Just make sure it's kept in a place that is protected from wildlife. While this might be an option for some, it's not the best way to get rid of multiple boxes.


Call up a charity. Once, after moving, I called our local library to see if they could use some of our boxes, in particular, the heavy-duty kind that we used to move our books. They ended up taking at least twelve and the rest we gave to a neighborhood community center where they were used to package food baskets. This option might take some time and a few phone calls, but there are always organizations that need boxes.


Local recycling programs. Most cities and towns allow people to recycle large amounts of cardboard. Some, like our current community, won't pick up from the curb, so we have to drive it to the recycling center ourselves. When you call or search online, make sure you ask about stipulations such as amount, size and if the boxes need to be flattened.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/unpackingtips/a/get_rid_of_boxes.htm

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Moving In - How to Get Involved In Your New Community
Meet New People, Make New Friends

By Diane Schmidt, About.com GuideSee More About:


Whether you're moving from a large city to a small town or from a small town to a large city, feeling like you're part of a community takes time and effort on your part. Use these tips for getting acquainted more quickly.


VolunteerFor me, this is always the easiest way to get involved, make new friends and feel like you're making a difference. Find a local organization which supports your interests, then visit their office to find out how to help. With volunteering, a minimum amount of hours are usually required, however, this can range from just a couple to a full-time committment. In addition, unlike people you might meet at a place of employment, volunteers are usually made up of different kinds of people, with varying backgrounds, interests and employment histories. This can lead to further networking and job possibilities.


Join a ClubI'm not too much into clubs, but my husband swears by them! Again, think about what interests you whether it's a sport, such as hiking or skiing or walking, or a hobby, such as reading, investments or photography - most towns and certainly large cities will have a wide variety of clubs from which to choose. To start, read the article, Find Local Clubs, Activities and Groups to Join for websites to get you started.


Take a ClassFind a local class to join. The best place to start looking is at your local recreation or community centre and small colleges. Painting, languages, even belly dancing can not only teach you new skills, but will help you get acquainted with people in your neighborhood.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/settlingintips/qt/make_friends.htm


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Unpacking After The Move In
Moving In

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide


Moving in and Unpacking may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is a necessaryaevil. We have ways of organizing it so that the pain is minimized, and you can even find quite a bit of fun in the chore. But as you may well be aware, there are all kinds of little niggly details in unpacking that have to be dealt with that are hard to make fun. Things like dealing with all those empty moving boxes after, and the packing peanuts that get everywhere. Well, here's more unpacking help for you. Here you'll find all the help you will need. Step by step, you'll find yourself breezing from room to room in your new home, and getting the job done with these tips.

1. How To Unpack in 10 Steps
D.Schmidt
The step by step approach is what works best for me, especially when it comes to unpacking. I like chopping things up into more palatable pieces and dealing with each chore one at a time. This ten-step unpacking plan is a surefire way to get the job done. Let the fun begin!




2. How to Organize Your Room's Closet
D.Schmidt
OK - time to free those skeletons from your closet. Don't worry, nobody's asking you to confess to anything, but if you're like me, your closet is one of the spaces you hope no one ever sees. Well, moving in is the best time to get it all organized so that your closet will be a joy to open and show off (if you so desire). Learn how right here.

3. How to Conduct a Home Inventory After You Move
D.Schmidt
There's nothing worse than getting ready to unpack your favorite items to find they are either lost or broken. Conducting a home inventory after a move makes sense. We'll show you how and also give you tips on checking off items while the movers are still there, and when they're not. Then, we'll show you how to file a claim, if it is necessary.

4. Unpacking Services: Are They Worth the Cost?
D.Schmidt
OK. So what if you're just not up to unpacking after all you've already done in the move? well, there are unpacking services that take care of this last step for you. But are they worth the hassle and cost? When does it make sure to hire such a service? We'll tell you.

5. What to Do With All Those Moving Boxes
D.Schmidt
After a big move, you are sure to find yourself surrounded by all those moving boxes. What to do with all these boxes littered around your shiny new home? Well, the obvious thing is to recycle and reuse them. But sometimes this is not as easy as it sounds. You are in a new neighborhood and are not yet well-versed in the existing recycling programs. Not to worry - we have some tips that will point you to how you can do your bit for the environment, and get those boxes out of your new house.

6. What To do With All Those Packing Peanuts After Moving?
D.Schmidt
When packing fragile items, many moving companies insist that packing peanuts are a necessary evil. Once you have unpacked, though, they become less necessary and more evil! They tend to find a way to get just about everywhere, and are all but impossible to tame. We'll show you practical alternatives to using this often environmentally-unfriendly option, and also how to deal with these pesky peanuts if they cannot be avoided.
Source:
http://moving.about.com/od/unpackingtips/tp/Unpacking-After-The-Move-In.htm

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How to Unpack and Organize the KitchenMoving In Tips

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide




The kitchen should be the first rooms to be unpacked primarily because it's the one area of the home where most things happen, including meal preparation and family get-togethers. With that in mind, the space needs to be functional, organized and comfortable. This can be difficult for small kitchen spaces or for larger areas that have little counter space or few storage areas.

To help organize your kitchen space follow these quick tips:


First, note where the major areas of the kitchen are located. These include the stove, the sink, the fridge and the main counter where you'll do most of your food preparation. Now recheck your item stock list to assess which things you'll be working with the most. Usually these items include pots, cutting boards, knives, silverware, dishes, dish towels, spices, etc... These are also the items you should unpack first.


Next, collect all the boxes marked "kitchen" into one area.. If you've carefully labeled the box to reflect its contents, then you should have a pretty good idea of what is contained in each box. If you're unsure, sort through each one, unwrap larger items and take stock of what you have to sort and organize. It's important to do this first to ensure that when you place an item in a cupboard or in a drawer that you won't have to move it again.


Unpack keeping in mind that the sink is the main work zone.. Since the sink is the area that is used the most, and the stove being second, assess the cupboard and drawer space surrounding the sink. Note the amount of storage areas that are closest and most accessible to these areas, that is, at a height where you need to do little reaching. Start unpacking the most essential items, those you use everyday, and place them in the accessible spaces in descending order. For instance, cutlery will be accessed daily, so place the cutlery in the drawer immediately to the right of the sink (if you're right handed), then place the dishtowels and cloths in the next drawer down, then perhaps your recipe books in the drawer below the one containing the towels.


Arrange items in cupboards and on shelves. The sorting method described previously also applies to cupboard space. Plates, cups, glasses, and cereal bowls that will be used everyday should be placed on shelves that are at eye level or lower. Since glasses are used more than plates, they can be placed in a cupboard closer to the sink at eye level for ease of use. Items that you use less often, but still often can be placed behind more often used items or on a shelf higher up.


Pots and pans should be stored close to the stove, along with their lids. You can also use the drawer below the stove for larger items that you may not use everyday, such as baking sheets, roasting pans, or casserole dishes.


Store items that aren't used daily in cupboards above the fridge or stove. Heavier items should be stored on shelves near the floor. They'll be easier to access and you won't need to worry about them falling.


Keep toxic substances in hard-to-reach areas. If you have young children, keep all cleaning supplies in cupboards that are high up, out of their reach. Otherwise, soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents can be kept below the sink.


Put away special items.Good dishes, china and other special occasion items can be stored in a china cabinet, buffet table or in cupboards that you won't be accessing daily. Keeping them in an out of the way area will ensure that they're kept safe.


Store canned goods and dry food stock separate from dishes. Spices can be kept close to the stove. I prefer a drawer space for spices; labeling tops of jars allows me to quickly scan for the spice I need. Other options are spice carts that sit on the counter or racks that hang over the stove. Just remember that spices need to be kept in a dry, cool place to maintain freshness.


Keep a list. For cupboards that contain multiple items, you may want to keep a list of contents on the inside of cupboard doors. After our last move, I did this just so I didn't spend a lot of time hunting for items. Once I felt more familiar in my new space, I took the lists down.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/settlingintips/a/organizekitchen.htm

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