What To Unpack First After Moving

by Movivan | Created Jan 2024 | Updated March 2026

So the move is done, and now you are wondering what to unpack first. Depending on the size of your move, this could be a long and exhausting process. Planning and labelling everything before the move will speed up the unpacking after your house removals. But once our movers are gone, what do you start to unpack first?

Do you start from the kitchen or from your children`s toy boxes?

In this article, you can find some helpful tips and ideas which can help you settle quicker and your household move is less stressful.

Table of Contents

Is It Better To Unpack Room By Room Or To Sort By Item Type?

Unpacking room by room is often more efficient because it helps create functional spaces in your home one at a time, allowing you to prioritise based on your immediate needs. This method also prevents the feeling of being overwhelmed since you can focus on one area before moving to the next.

Sorting by item type, however, can be useful when organising storage areas like closets or a garage, where similar items are typically stored together. It’s also beneficial for items that might be spread across several boxes, such as books or collectables.

How Do I Manage Unpacking If I Move In Late In The Evening?

Moving in late in the evening could be because of moving long-distance or getting the keys too late. Whatever the reason is, focus on unpacking the essentials to ensure a comfortable first night. Start with bedding, toiletries, pyjamas, and anything you need for the next morning, like coffee supplies or breakfast items. Set up a temporary living space where you can relax and keep essential electronics like phones and alarms handy.

To unpack quickly when you are too tired or late, it is important to have a few boxes packed with the most important items and labelled properly, so you can easily unpack and set up everything.

Should I Focus On The Kitchen Or Bedroom First?

Prioritise the bedroom first to ensure you have a comfortable place to rest after a long day of moving. Setting up your bed, unpacking your bedding, and arranging your clothes for the next day can significantly reduce stress.

Once you have a restful retreat ready, you can move on to the kitchen, starting with the essentials you’ll need for meals and daily routines. This way, you ensure your basic comfort and sustenance needs are met, allowing for a more pleasant unpacking experience overall.

How Can I Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed After The Move?

To avoid feeling overwhelmed after removals and while unpacking, start by creating a strategic plan that breaks down the unpacking process into manageable tasks, focusing on one room or area at a time. Set realistic goals for what you want to accomplish each day, and don’t hesitate to ask friends or family for help to make the process more social and less daunting. Take regular breaks to rest and reflect on the progress you’ve made, which can provide a sense of accomplishment. Keep the end goal in mind: each box you unpack is a step closer to making your new house feel like home. Lastly, be patient with yourself; remember that unpacking is a process that doesn’t need to be completed in one day.

Can I Involve My Children In The Unpacking Process?

Involving children in the unpacking process can be both helpful and enjoyable with the right approach:

Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks: Give them simple, age-appropriate tasks such as unpacking their toys or setting up their own room with guidance. This gives them a sense of ownership and control over their new space.

Turn It into a Game: Make a game out of unpacking, such as seeing who can put away their items the fastest, with a small reward for the winner.

Creative Decorating: Allow them to decide on the arrangement of their room or help choose where certain shared items should go, encouraging their input on the new household.

Box Decorating: Have them decorate the boxes for different rooms or label them with markers and stickers, which can also aid in organizing where things should go.

Break Time Leader: Let them be in charge of break times, choosing when to take snacks or short breaks, which can also help manage the stress of moving for the whole family.

Involving children not only helps with the workload but also assists them in adjusting to the new environment by making them feel involved and valued in the setup of their new home.

Should I Clean The New House Before Or During The Unpacking Process?

It’s ideal to clean the new house before starting the unpacking process, as it’s easier to clean empty rooms without boxes and furniture in the way. Doing a deep clean ahead of time ensures that you’re putting your belongings away in a fresh, clean environment. However, if time or circumstances don’t allow for this, focus on cleaning one area at a time just before you unpack items into that space. This can help manage the workload and prevent feeling overwhelmed by trying to clean and unpack simultaneously.

Will You Collect The Boxes After I Am Done With Unpacking?

Movivan Removals offers a box collection service and rubbish disposal too. Depending on the agreement, we have any of these services might be included or cost extra. Bear in mind, we can collect moving boxes after household removals only within London or Surrey. If we are delivering your belongings anywhere else in the UK, we will be able to collect any empty boxes during the unloading and before our movers leave.

To arrange your box collection, call us on 020 800 33260 or email us at office@movivanremovals.co.uk.

Do You Offer Unpacking Service After Household Removals?

We offer full or partial unpacking of the boxes. This is additional part of our home removal services. If you believe there is a possibility of an unpacking service, do let us know before your move starts. This way, we would be able to save you even more money.

Need Help Unpacking?

Unpacking after a move can be exhausting. Movivan Removals offers professional packing and unpacking services across London to help you settle in quickly and stress-free.

Get in touch today. Call us on 020800 33260.