Packing is one of the most tedious and time-consuming parts of moving. Unpacking isn’t exactly a piece of cake either, but there are some things you can do to make the process less stressful and arduous for yourself.
1. Figure Out Why You’re Procrastinating
The first step in combating procrastination is to pinpoint what exactly you’re putting off. This will give you a better sense of what to do about it, whether that’s finding a way around the problem or just coming up with creative ways to deal with it. For example, if you find that your main issue is that unpacking is boring, listen to music or a podcast to keep you entertained. Or, if you feel like the task is too tiring, reward yourself with a coffee break.
2. Set a Deadline for When You Want to Finish Unpacking
It’s easy to procrastinate if you don’t have a specific deadline in mind. If you do, it will motivate you to get the job done. Pick a date that you want to be finished with your unpacking by, and make sure you stick to it. You may even be inspired to invite over some friends or family members for a housewarming party or meet-the-neighbors barbecue, which will give you another incentive to get the work done.
3. Start With the Easiest Tasks
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be hard to know where to start. Rather than trying to tackle the kitchen or bedroom closets right away, start with the easier tasks. This will help you feel productive and accomplished, and it will also give you a good feel for how much you’ll be able to accomplish on your own without feeling too overwhelmed or burnt out.
4. Unpack by Room
Just as you packed by room, unpack your boxes in the same way. This will keep you from going crazy with the idea of tackling multiple rooms at once. It’s a lot easier to tackle a few rooms a day than it is to try to get everything done all at once.
5. Use Labels
Labeling your boxes is a great way to keep track of where items are in the box, what kind of item it is, and what room it needs to go in. This will help you find what you’re looking for when you need it, and it will also make it a lot less likely that you accidentally put something in the wrong place.
6. Involve the Whole Family
When it comes to packing and unpacking, having the entire family on board can make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. You can assign age-appropriate tasks for each member of the family, and you can even turn it into a game by setting a timer and seeing how many boxes you can pack in that time.
It’s important to take breaks while you’re packing and unpacking, but it’s just as important to take a break when the work gets overwhelming. If you need to do so, make sure you ask your family members to watch the kids and pets for a couple hours while you focus on getting the work done. This will prevent any accidents or injuries that can occur when working with knives, sharp scissors, and heavy boxes.