[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/helpful-unpacking-tips-to-help-you-get-settled-quickly\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/helpful-unpacking-tips-to-help-you-get-settled-quickly\/","headline":"Helpful Unpacking Tips to Help You Settle Quickly","name":"Helpful Unpacking Tips to Help You Settle Quickly","description":"Picture this scene: you\u2019ve finally moved into your new apartment in NYC. It\u2019s everything you ever hoped for […]","datePublished":"2022-04-15","dateModified":"2025-10-14","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/author\/kevin\/#Person","name":"Great Moving (Kevin)","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/author\/kevin\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b4997c379c86a878ffe0e2cbc54f56f2298ff0763e895fa10c13c22bfb54a237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b4997c379c86a878ffe0e2cbc54f56f2298ff0763e895fa10c13c22bfb54a237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NYC Great Movers","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nycgreatmovers-logo-20250918.png","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nycgreatmovers-logo-20250918.png","width":600,"height":363}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Helpful-Unpacking-Tips-to-Help-You-Get-Settled-Quickly.jpg","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Helpful-Unpacking-Tips-to-Help-You-Get-Settled-Quickly.jpg","height":765,"width":1150},"url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/helpful-unpacking-tips-to-help-you-get-settled-quickly\/","about":["Moving Tips"],"wordCount":1828,"keywords":["DIY move","Easy Unpacking Guide","Helpful Unpacking Tips","Moving Day","Moving Day Tips","professional movers","professional packers","unpacking experience","Unpacking Guide","unpacking process","Unpacking Tips"],"articleBody":"Picture this scene: you\u2019ve finally moved into your new apartment in NYC. It\u2019s everything you ever hoped for and more (hopefully). However, in order to reap the benefits, you need to deal with all the boxes, bags, suitcases, and more. That\u2019s right. It\u2019s time to unpack.For many people, unpacking is the least enjoyable task when it comes to moving, with packing taking second place. Even if you hire professionals to unpack for you, you will still have to spend time rearranging items so that they are in the proper place. Luckily, we\u2019ve compiled a few unpacking tips below to make the process easier so you can get settled into your new NYC apartment faster.Steps to Take Before Moving DaySure, you might not physically unpack until after you move, but you should make unpacking plans before you put the first object in a box. When you have a solid plan in place, your unpacking experience will be a lot easier.Create a planAll the best moves start with a comprehensive and organized plan. How you come up with an organizational plan is up to you, but common methods include using specific numbers or colors that correspond to each room. The important part is to stick to your method. That means labeling all boxes and bags with the corresponding numbers or colors. Packing and Planning GuideStepActionPurpose1Create a packing plan using a system like color-coding or numbering for each room.Keeps your packing process structured and easy to follow.2Label every box or bag with the corresponding color or number.Helps movers know exactly where each box belongs.3Group similar items together and avoid mixing things from different rooms.Makes unpacking faster and prevents confusion later.4Create an inventory list or spreadsheet detailing what\u2019s inside each box.Helps track belongings and ensures nothing gets lost in the move.5Write a brief description of the box contents on the outside.Lets you identify key items quickly without opening multiple boxes.6Plan the unpacking order and decide where each box should go in the new home.Ensures movers can place boxes efficiently and saves time on moving day. From there, figure out what items should go in each box. You\u2019ll want to group similar items together as much as possible. Create an inventory of each box and keep it in a spreadsheet. You should also write general information on the contents of the box on the outside. That way, you can tell the movers where to put each box. When packing, make sure you don\u2019t mix items from different rooms together, and try to organize your boxes so they only contain one item from one room.Take photos of your previous layoutBefore you pack, take a photo of each room and label the photos with the number or color that corresponds to your plan and inventory. This way, when you unpack, you can see exactly how your previous room was set up and follow suit. You can always redecorate later if the setup doesn\u2019t work for the space.Declutter\u00a0The less stuff you have, the easier it will be for you to pack and organize. Plus, if you have items that are still in good condition, you can make back some money you might otherwise spend during the move. When deciding what to part with, ask yourself if you have used the item in the past 6 months. If the answer is no, it\u2019s safe to say you probably have no use for it. When it comes to seasonal items, extend the timeline to a year.Separate box for essentialsWhen you arrive in your new place, you\u2019ll want to have access to certain items. Make sure you separate these into a specific box or suitcase so you don\u2019t have to dig around to find them. Typical essentials include:ClothesToiletriesPrescriptionsChargersPlates, cups, and utensils,Toilet paperBedding and pillows Essentials Box Checklist (with Quantity Guide)Item CategoryExamplesRecommended QuantityPurposeToiletriesSoap, toothbrush, shampoo1 set\/personHygieneClothingCasual outfit, sleepwear2\u20133 setsComfortKitchen BasicsPlate, cup, fork, knife1\/personMealsBeddingPillow, sheet, blanket1 set\/personSleepElectronicsPhone, charger, power bank1 eachConnectivityCleaning SuppliesPaper towels, wipes1 pack eachQuick cleanup Tips for Moving DayOnce moving day has arrived, you should have everything packed. Whether you\u2019re doing a DIY move or hiring professionals, there are a few things you can do during the move to make unpacking as easy as possible.Keep boxes from the same room togetherThis seems obvious, but you\u2019d be surprised how many people don\u2019t keep boxes together. Maybe it\u2019s because they didn\u2019t organize and label properly or maybe they\u2019re just in a rush to get everything loaded. Either way, it comes down to a lack of planning. When loading the truck, you\u2019ll want to have items that will go in the back of the apartment in the front of the truck. That way, when you have less energy towards the end of the move, you\u2019ll have a shorter distance to travel.If you\u2019re hiring movers, they\u2019ll load the truck how they see fit. However, you should let them know about your organizational method so that when they unload, they can drop off the boxes in the correct room. You don\u2019t want to waste your time rearranging boxes!Keep an eye on your essentialsYour essentials box will be the only one that does not have a specific room it belongs in. Since it will contain things like toiletries, clothes, bedding, etc., the best place to put it is probably in your bedroom. Make sure it doesn\u2019t get lost among the other boxes after it has been unloaded into your new plac,e and let the movers know exactly where to put the box.Easy Unpacking GuideOnce all the boxes have been unloaded into your new home, it\u2019s time to start unpacking. Even if you\u2019ve followed the above steps, it can still be a daunting process. However, you can make it easier on yourself by following these unpacking steps.Clean and note any areas that might need some repairsBefore you unpack your boxes, do a deep clean of your apartment. There\u2019s no better time than now, as there are no obstacles in the way (besides the boxes). Wipe down every surface, including inside cabinets and shelves.While you\u2019re at it, take a good look at the walls and floors of your new place. If you notice any damage, take pictures and send them over to your landlord or management company so that they are aware of it and that you have a digital trail. You don\u2019t have to fix it the same day as you move in, but you should handle small cracks and holes before you unpack that room. Average Time Needed to Unpack Each RoomRoomStudio Apartment(Hours)1-Bedroom Apartment(Hours)2-Bedroom Apartment(Hours)Bathroom2\u20133 hrs3\u20134 hrs4\u20136 hrsBedroom4\u20136 hrs6\u20138 hrs10\u201312 hrsKitchen6\u20138 hrs8\u201310 hrs12\u201315 hrsLiving Room3\u20135 hrs5\u20137 hrs8\u201310 hrsCloset\/Storage2\u20133 hrs3\u20135 hrs6\u20138 hrsEstimated Total18\u201325 hrs(~2\u20133 days)25\u201334 hrs(~3\u20134 days)40\u201351 hrs(~5\u20136 days) Arrange your furnitureOnce you\u2019ve cleaned and recorded any existing damage to the apartment, start arranging your furniture. It\u2019s much easier to move around large pieces of furniture when you don\u2019t have things blocking your path. Play around with a few different layouts to find the one that you like.Unpack the Bathroom and Bedroom FirstMuch like your essentials box, you want to unpack rooms that you know you will use on a daily basis. For most people, those rooms tend to be the bathroom and bedroom. Start with the bathroom first, as this way you can take a nice shower after a long day of moving. After that, unpack the essentials for the bedroom. You don\u2019t have to put artwork or decorations yet, but do set up your lights, bed, dresser, etc.Take Your TimeOnce you\u2019ve unpacked the two essential rooms, take your time unpacking the rest of the house. Focus on unpacking one or two rooms a day going from most important to least important. While you don\u2019t want to unpack everything in one day, you should give yourself a deadline to avoid procrastination. If you need some motivation, schedule a housewarming party to keep you on track.When deciding what to unpack, think about how often you plan on using that particular room. After the bathroom and bedroom, what is the third most important place for you and your family? If you cook a lot, then you\u2019ll want to unpack the kitchen. But if you\u2019re a single person who eats out most days, then you might want to unpack your living area.To save yourself even more time, break down the boxes as you unpack. That way, you\u2019re not dealing with dozens of boxes taking up room in your apartment after you\u2019re all moved in.Leave Decorating for LastYou might be tempted to put up all your decorations in a room as a reward, but try to avoid this common pitfall. It will only distract you and keep you from the big job of unpacking and organizing the rest of your apartment. If you save it for last, you\u2019ll feel an even greater sense of accomplishment once you put up that last painting or tchotchke.Make Unpacking EasierHopefully, the above unpacking tips can help make your move that much easier. If you need some help, don\u2019t be afraid to ask others! Most professional movers offer packing and unpacking services so you can reduce your workload significantly. Even if you end up doing everything yourself, once you\u2019ve settled into your new place, the unpacking process will be a distant memory, and you\u2019ll be enjoying your new life!FAQThere\u2019s not enough space in my new apartment for everything. What should I do?For items in boxes, you can always rent a storage unit and put your belongings in there until you are able to open up space. If the issue is with a piece of furniture not fitting, you should still store it, but you\u2019ll have to get sell it or donate it.I rented plastic bins, should I unpack those first?Yes! If you rented reusable bins, unpack those first as most movers require you to return the bins within 2-4 weeks of your moving date.How long would it take professional movers to pack and unpack my stuff?It depends on the size of your home. If you live in a small studio, they can probably pack and unpack your things the same day. For larger homes, they might arrive the day before to pack."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Helpful Unpacking Tips to Help You Settle Quickly","item":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/helpful-unpacking-tips-to-help-you-get-settled-quickly\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]