You made it! The boxes are stacked, the keys are in your hand, and now you’re standing in your brand new space wondering where to begin. Unpacking can feel like one giant task—but it’s also your golden opportunity to start fresh. With the right plan (and a few of my favorite organizing tricks), you’ll be settled, styled, and sipping coffee in your new kitchen in no time.

Where to Start: Unpacking in the Right Order

When everything’s boxed up, it’s tempting to open everything all at once — but trust me, a strategic unpack is a smoother one.
Here’s a smart system:

 Start with the Essentials Box
You packed this beauty with your everyday basics — toothbrush, phone chargers, medications, snacks, and maybe even your favorite mug. Get this unpacked first so you feel human again!

 Kitchen Comes Next
Getting your kitchen set up will help your new space feel functional — fast. Focus on basics like dishes, silverware, coffee gear, and daily-use cookware.

 Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Make the beds, hang a few towels, and get those toothbrushes in place. You’ll feel instantly more settled once everyone can sleep and shower comfortably.

Pro Tips for Organizing as You Unpack

This is your chance to set it up right from the start — no clutter, no chaos, just systems that serve your new lifestyle.

One Room at a Time
Unpack one space fully before moving on to the next. It’s more satisfying and way less stressful than bouncing between half-opened boxes all over the house.

 Don’t Unpack Clutter
Still hanging onto a few “maybe” items? If it didn’t serve you in your last home, it probably won’t here either. Donate it now rather than finding a place for it you’ll regret later.

 Label Inside Drawers and Cabinets
Use temporary labels or sticky notes to help family members remember where things go. This makes it easier to build long-term habits without repeating yourself a hundred times.

 Use Bins, Baskets, and Zones
Create zones in closets, drawers, and cupboards with clear or labeled bins (you know we love a good bin at Barnhart Home ). This makes maintenance so much easier.

Need a Little Home Organizing Help?
Unpacking can bring up all kinds of questions:

  Where should the snacks go now that I don’t have a pantry?
  Why don’t my old bins fit this new closet?
  How can I create a calm, clutter-free vibe in this new house?

That’s exactly where I come in.  Whether you need a little coaching or hands-on help getting settled, I’m here for it. Reach out anytime, I love helping people fall in love with their homes!

Thank you for joining me for Moving May. It’s been such a joy helping you declutter, depersonalize, pack, and now unpack. Wherever your new home is, I hope you feel empowered to create a space that feels like you.

If you missed any part of this series, head back to the Barnhart Home blog for:

Week 1: Declutter to Move Forward
Week 2: Depersonalizing Your Space to Sell Your Home Faster
Week 3: Packing Like a Pro

Stay tuned! More seasonal tips, home organizing advice, and inspiring transformations coming your way soon!