Moving Month Guide: From Unpacking to Making Your New Home Yours

The boxes are stacked high in your new home, creating what might feel like an unmanageable challenge. But here's the good news: the hardest part of your moving journey is behind you. Now it's time to tackle the unpacking process with a strategic approach that prioritizes both organization and self-care, helping you settle into your new space with minimal stress.

Strategic Unpacking: Where to Start First

Many people believe unpacking is a random process where you simply need to "start somewhere." However, Tonia Tomlin, a professional organization expert with over 14 years of experience and founder of Sorted Out, advises strongly to have a plan to avoid additional stress.

She says on her blog, “First, figure out which rooms MUST be done with priority (these are likely the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms). If you plan to unpack on your own, set a timeframe as to when each space needs to be completed by. Having a timeframe in mind for each space will help keep you focused and motivated, as well as ensure you don’t get overwhelmed by trying to do all spaces at once.”

Your bed should already be assembled upon arrival, so that's one task you won't need to worry about during the unpacking process. However, locating and setting up your bed linens early is crucial – you'll appreciate a properly made bed when fatigue sets in later. Next, consider unpacking and organizing your kitchen, or cooking space, as this is likely your next most frequented and important new space.

If you’ve packed up your previous residence room by room, start by placing the boxes in their new respective spaces. When it comes to unpacking, we recommend the following order:

 

1. Essentials - toiletries, medication, bedding, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies
2. Kitchen
3. Bedroom
4. Bathroom
5. Office space
6. Living room
7. Outdoor space

 

 

Essential Self-Care While Unpacking

The key to successful unpacking lies in balancing productivity with self-care. Whether you're exploring your new neighborhood on foot or taking a moment to relax in your partially unpacked living room with some music and a glass of wine, regular breaks prevent burnout and help you maintain momentum. Consider taking a rejuvenating Epsom salt bath to ease moving-related muscle tension, spend time on your balcony for fresh air, and maintain regular meals and hydration to keep your energy levels stable throughout the unpacking process.

If you can carve out a small space in your new apartment, incorporating mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation can help manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany a move.

 

Making Your New Space Feel Like Home

After the last box is unpacked, the real transformation begins – turning your apartment into a personal sanctuary. It's perfectly normal to feel a bit disconnected from your new space initially, but personalizing your environment can significantly accelerate that sense of belonging and comfort.

Start by incorporating elements that reflect your personality and style. Layer your space with soft textures like plush curtains, area rugs, and inviting throw pillows to create a cozy atmosphere. Introduce living elements by strategically placing plants throughout your apartment – they not only purify the air but also bring energy to each room. Personal touches matter so make sure to showcase your favorite artwork, create gallery walls with cherished photos, and display meaningful items that tell your story.

The key to truly feeling at home lies in completing your unpacking process thoroughly and promptly. Living among boxes for extended periods can make your space feel temporary and unsettled. Commit to finishing the unpacking process entirely – you'll be surprised how quickly your apartment begins to feel like home once everything has its place. 

 

Financial Recovery After the Move

Moving expenses often continue to accumulate even after the last box is carried in. Between paying movers, purchasing packing supplies, buying new furniture, and relying on takeout during the transition, costs can quickly escalate.

In addition to moving costs, your day-to-day finances may be impacted. Changes in rent, utility costs, insurance fees, local cost of living and job changes can all have an impact on your budget. Keep a closer eye on your spending following your move and establish a new budget. You may want to stick to a temporary stricter budget directly following your move to rebuild some savings while you settle into your new home.

 

 

Building Community in Your New Home

Once you've established some order in your new space, take time to introduce yourself to your neighbors. Building a local support system is especially valuable when you're new to an area. Greystar provides several opportunities to connect with your neighbors, including the ActiveBuilding® resident portal.

 

 

Additional First Week Tasks in Your New Space

The initial days after moving can feel overwhelming as you transition into a new space, and some important tasks are often overlooked. Breaking down your post-move checklist into manageable tasks helps create momentum and establish routine in your new space.

Start with these administrative and lifestyle tasks to help ground yourself in your new environment:

 

Address Updates: Prioritize updating your address with essential services, including the postal service, utility companies, your employer, financial institutions, the voter registration office, and subscription services.

Community Communications: Register with your resident portal to receive important updates about community events, maintenance schedules, and critical notifications like fire alarm inspections.

Neighborhood Exploration: Combine physical exploration through neighborhood walks or drives with digital research through local social media groups, regional news outlets, and community forums. This dual approach will help you quickly identify local amenities and community gathering spots.

Commute Planning: Before your first workday, research optimal routes using navigation tools like Google Maps. Test different routes during your actual commute times to account for real-world traffic patterns and identify reliable backup options.

Essential Services: If you're in a new city or region, prioritize establishing relationships with local healthcare providers and, if necessary, research nearby schools. Having these crucial services identified before you need them reduces future stress.

Moving Service Feedback: Share specific observations about their professionalism, efficiency, and any notable experiences to help future movers make informed decisions.

Find Your Next Apartment with Greystar

Whether you're planning your next move or just starting to explore your options, Greystar offers exceptional apartments in luxurious locations across the country. Our professional management teams are ready to help you find the perfect community that matches your lifestyle and needs.

Browse our available apartments to begin your next chapter in a place you'll love to call home.



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