Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone—and can easily become overwhelming as you start to unpack. As tempting as it may be to unpack quickly, taking extra time to get organized is the better option. Here’s how to organize a new home and tackle unpacking after moving!
Give Yourself Time to Unpack
Rushing to unpack after moving into your new house can lead to unnecessary moving stress and disorganization down the line. Instead of trying to do everything at once, plan ahead and give yourself extra time to settle in no matter if you’re moving cross country or a short distance. If possible, take a few days off work to spread the unpacking process across several days. For families moving with children, keep little ones entertained with engaging moving-day activities like coloring books and puzzles, or consider asking a family member, babysitter, or friend to look after them. Be sure to take breaks throughout the unpacking process to avoid burnout—and make it fun with a small photoshoot celebrating your life transition or going on a new home tour!
Unpack & Organize by Room
Before you start unpacking boxes after a move, put them in their corresponding rooms to stay organized and save time by avoiding unnecessary trips. Focus on unpacking moving essentials one area at a time—remember, you don’t have to unpack everything right away! Start with the necessities, like unpacking cooking supplies in the kitchen, toiletries in the bathroom, and sheets in the bedrooms. If you work from home, prioritize setting up your office space early to establish a productive environment. Save areas like the basement and garage for last since they’re often used the least.
Start with the Kitchen
When unpacking and organizing a new kitchen after a move, it can be helpful to plan out where items should go with a notepad or sticky notes. Think about how you’ll actually use the space and store items where it’s most convenient. First, unpack perishable food items and the essentials for making and eating meals, like pots, pans, plates, and silverware—and be sure to hook up and plug in everyday appliances so they’re ready to go. To maximize space in a small kitchen, utilize organization tools like spice racks, silverware organizers, and Lazy Susans for corners or tight spaces. Hidden kitchen storage solutions—such as pull-out shelves, over-the-door organizers, and under-cabinet organizer racks—can help keep countertops clear and clutter out of sight.
Set Up Your Bathrooms
Having access to a functional bathroom is important when organizing a new home. Start with necessities like toilet paper, hand soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and any medications you’ll need immediate access to. Next, unpack towels, shampoos, body care products, and your shower curtain so you can freshen up when needed. Determine the type of bathroom storage solutions you’ll need based off the size of your bathroom. Try bathroom organization ideas like storing items you don’t use often in the cabinet in labeled storage bins or baskets. And for frequently used items, consider hidden bathroom storage ideas like cabinet risers or a Lazy Susan for easy access.
Move Onto Your Bedrooms
One of the major parts of new home organization is bedroom organization. Unpacking your beds, sheets, and pillows as soon as possible will give you a relaxing place to rest after a busy moving day. Set up any kids bedrooms early to help them feel settled and at ease in the new home. Be sure to unpack a few items of clothing to get you by for a few days, as well. When you’re ready to unpack the rest of your clothes, focus on closet organization by setting up shelves, hanging organizers, or labeled bins for better functionality. Consider shoe storage solutions like or stackable boxes to keep footwear neat and accessible. And don’t forget about hidden bedroom storage solutions like under-bed bins or storage ottomans to maximize space!
Unpack the Living Room
As you move to the living room, start by arranging the largest furniture pieces to establish the layout. Prioritize functionality as you place each piece, keeping in mind where doors, windows, and outlets are—in addition to how the furniture’s placement affects the foot traffic. When it comes to living room organization, take advantage of storage solutions that double as decor. Or opt for hidden living room storage by using ottomans for extra blankets, or baskets for keeping track of remotes and gaming controllers. You may also want to create a dedicated space for family activities by setting up an entertainment center or bookshelf to house board games, books, puzzles, and more.
Finish Unpacking Before Decorating
It might be tempting to start decorating your home as you unpack, but hold off until your rooms are unpacked and functionally organized. Getting all your important items situated—even in spaces like the hall closets or mudroom—will give you a clearer picture of how your space functions and where decor would fit best. Plus, unpacking first ensures you won’t have to move decorations around later to make room for necessary items. Once your home is fully unpacked, you’ll have a better sense of how to arrange furniture, hang a gallery wall, and place decorative items to give it that personal touch!
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