When the moving truck pulls into the driveway of your new home, only half the work is finished. One of the most stressful aspects of relocating to a new city is unpacking and setting up the home. KNOWAtlanta Relocation Magazine shared its tips for an easy, efficient move so that you can explore what metro Atlanta has to offer.

Pack What You Need

Unpacking your home starts with packing the right things for your move! From the start of the moving process, be honest about which items are essential. Avoid packing clutter and introducing unwanted items in your new home by separating everything into three distinct piles: Keep, Donate and Toss.

Be honest about what your family needs in the new space and contribute gently used or like-new items to your local donation center. For items that you intend to toss, determine what may be recycled.

Create a Schedule

Creating a schedule for move-in day is key to running an organized moving process! Assign a purpose to each day and work through each room efficiently. Pre-determine which spaces need attention first. Moving experts recommend starting with the kitchen and following with the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Place Boxes in Their Correct Rooms

During a move, it’s common to create a large pile in the center of the home on moving day. Not only does this create more work, but it makes it difficult to determine where each box belongs. To avoid this, make the extra effort to mark each box with its associated room name. This way each box can be delivered directly to its intended spot. Place boxes that contain essential items at the center of the room within easy reach to lessen frustrations as you search for priority items. Maybe mark these boxes with a star so you open them first!

Research Organization Tips

For endless organization tips and tricks, the internet is a valuable source! To set your new home up for success, research and adapt beneficial habits and purchase organizational tools to aid an efficient, clean and happy house.

Determine a Room’s Layout

When hauling boxes and delivering furniture items, place the larger pieces in their permanent spots. If you have access to a floor plan, prepare ahead of time with notes of what goes where! Only position items that require assembly when you are confident where they will remain to avoid wasting valuable time.

Save Utilities for Last

Although common areas, garages and basements should be last on the moving checklist. After securing any tools and materials necessary to set up the home, focus on unpacking on high traffic areas, such as bedrooms, living areas and kitchens.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

While it can be easy to get lost in the stress of a move, don’t forget to spend time exploring your new home! Plan fun outings for family and friends assisting with the move and discover local green spaces, eateries, amenities and local festivals. Keep a list of your favorite finds and start new traditions! KNOWAtlanta is a fantastic resource to discover upcoming events and seasonal activities.

KNOWAtlanta is the premier destination for relocation tips for new Atlanta residents. For more information and tips to make the move into your new Atlanta home a breeze, visit www.KNOWAtlanta.com or check out the latest issue.