Setting up your new home like a professional organizer

February 13, 2025 - Kristina Pinkerton

A new home is an exciting fresh start — but moving into that home? The pits!

An experience that’s full of potential quickly becomes chaotic and stressful as you dig through boxes — trying to find something you ‘know is around here somewhere!’

Most people take months to unpack their new home. As a professional organizer, I often come across boxes in clients’ homes that are from a previous move — even if it was years ago!

Through our Unpacking Services, I’ve also seen how amazing it feels for clients to have their new homes completely set up within a week of the move.

Follow these tips if you’re ready for a clean slate in your new home.

Start with Essentials

Before you move, pack a box or two with your essentials — everything you need for the first 24-48 hours. Think toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, chargers, and basic kitchen items like a coffee maker and snacks. Having these necessities within easy reach will prevent frustration and allow you to settle in smoothly.

Unpack by Priority

Rather than diving into random boxes, start unpacking the most frequently used items first. Start by setting up beds and stocking the bathroom with essentials (don’t forget the TP!).

Next, move on to the areas you need every day. Here’s a typical order, but do what works best for you.

• Kitchen – Takeout is fun for a night or two, but getting your kitchen organized early makes it much easier to get back into your routine.
  
  

• Bathrooms – Stocking the bathroom with towels, toiletries, and everyday essentials will help you feel settled quickly.
  
  

• Living Spaces – Once the basics are handled, you can arrange furniture and décor to make your space feel cozy and inviting.
  
  

• Closets – Organizing clothing and accessories right away prevents clutter buildup in other rooms.
  
  

• Garage & Storage Areas – These can wait until the rest of the home is in order, but creating designated storage areas early on prevents future clutter.

Declutter as You Unpack

Moving is the perfect opportunity to reassess your belongings. As you unpack, ask yourself:

• Do I use this regularly?

• Does this item serve a purpose in my new home?

• Does it bring me joy or hold sentimental value?

If an item doesn’t fit your current lifestyle or space, set it aside for donation or disposal. The less clutter you unpack, the more streamlined and organized your home will be from the start.

Create Organized Systems from the Start

Unpacking isn’t just about getting items out of boxes—it’s about creating a functional, organized home. 

A system doesn’t have to be complicated. Hanging your keys on the same hook every day is a system. Tossing junk mail into the recycling before it hits the kitchen counter is a system. Keep things simple — this is the perfect time to set up your home how you’ve always wanted!

Here are some quick organizing tips:

• Think about how you use the items and create homes for everything.
  
  

• Label shelves and containers so everyone in the household knows where things belong.
  
  

• Use drawer dividers and storage bins to maintain order in drawers and cabinets.
  
  

• Adopt a ‘one in, one out’ rule to prevent future clutter from accumulating.
  
  

• Place frequently used items in easily accessible spots and store seasonal or rarely used items in higher or lower spaces. 

Take Breaks and Pace Yourself

Unpacking a whole house in a day (or even two or three!) is unrealistic and exhausting. 

Set achievable goals—one room at a time—and take breaks to avoid burnout. Play your favorite music, hydrate, and reward yourself for the progress you make!

Make Your New House Feel Like Home

Once the essentials are unpacked and systems are in place, add personal touches to make your home feel truly yours. Hang up photos, arrange décor, and introduce familiar scents with candles or diffusers so your new house feels like home.

Need Help with Unpacking?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the unpacking process, hiring a professional organizer makes all the difference!

One of our biggest jaw-dropping moments is bringing a client into a freshly unpacked new home. They can’t believe how every single thing is exactly where they want it — down to their toothbrush!

I love getting you settled faster and creating a home that’s organized from the start.

Want to hear more about how it works? Contact us, and you’ll know if we’re a good fit after a quick chat.

Happy Unpacking,
Kristina 

Professional Unpacking Services in the Greater Huntsville Area

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