You’ve just arrived at your new home. The furniture and boxes are unloaded, the rental truck has been returned, you’ve officially moved in. You’re home. What now? Your belongings are all around you, but everything is in disarray — boxes and furniture everywhere. Where is your toothbrush? Your pajamas? Your bed? The biggest question is — what do you do first? It can be overwhelming, to say the least.

Here’s a hint: multitasking is a myth. The key to making it through the first 24 hours without becoming a nervous wreck is just to do one thing at a time. Following the checklist below in order will help you navigate your first full day in your new home.

Set Up the Beds

You’re not going to sort through all your boxes in one day, and probably not even the first week. You will, however, need somewhere to sleep when you get tired — so make bedrooms the first priority. Even if you just manage to set up your beds and put sheets and blankets on them, you and your family will have a place to crash when you run out of energy. (And you will.)

Put Furniture and Boxes in Their Correct Rooms

Once you’ve gotten some nourishment and you’re ready to start tackling the mess, your next step is to go through and make sure furniture and moving boxes are placed in the rooms where they are supposed to be. (Hopefully, you’ve taken time before to label the boxes.) Taking this extra small step will help you conserve energy while unpacking because there will be less hunting through the house for that one thing you’re missing. You’ll also save yourself a lot of stress.

Start Unpacking in Order of Necessity

Try to prioritize your unpacking according to the stuff you need first. For example, you’ll probably need bathroom towels, toiletries, and clothes before you need to set up your chess set or start hanging photos. It’s okay to put things away as you find them, as long as there’s a place for them. Just try to avoid getting distracted and going down rabbit trails. An additional hint: Save noisemaking activities like hammering and vacuuming for daytime hours, especially if you move into an apartment. Your new neighbors will appreciate it!

Order a Meal (or Eat Out)

It’s going to take some time to set up your kitchen, let alone a place to eat. Before going to the grocery store (which is further down on the list), give yourself and your family a break with the first meal. Order a pizza — or better yet, find a nearby restaurant, sit down and breathe over a meal. You can buy groceries and start on the kitchen tomorrow.

If you’re moving into one of our properties across the southeastern U.S., Olympia Management wants to make your move-in experience as stress-free as possible. For questions about available properties, give us a call at 256-894-2382.