Moving. The day after. Most people focus mainly on the planning, preparation and packing for a move, but often times getting settled after a move can be one of the most difficult aspects of the moving process. Depending on how boxes are packed, or how well belongings make it through a move, can often determine how easily you will transition into your new place of residence. Making the right choices in advance of your move can increase your chances of settling in quickly and allow you to have a smooth transition in the process.

Here are a few SMART tips to help you settle in after your next move:

SMART Tip 1: Organize by Room

Packing room by room can save you a lot of time and energy, especially when it comes to unpacking all of your moving boxes and settling into your new place. Room by room based packing will not only ensure that your items go to the appropriate room, but it will also allow you to know that everything you need for the room will be packed in the boxes you designate for a specific area.

When labeling your boxes for each room, make sure you are specific instead of labeling boxes as miscellaneous or kitchen. If you have plates that you are packing in boxes, label your box as plates. Not only will this help you to sort through what you have more quickly, but it will also give you a clearer picture of what boxes to open in case you would like to place some items in storage for later use

SMART Tip 2: Don’t Put Off Unpacking

Completing a move can be a long and tiring process, one that often makes individuals delay unpacking boxes the day after. Yet jumping right in and unpacking your boxes is one of the fastest ways you can settle in more quickly to your new living space.

Take breaks, get proper rest, but unpack as soon as you can so that your new living space will not be cluttered with an array of moving boxes. You will find that it will be easier for you to function in your new space if you are able to find the items that you need, instead of having to hunt through a series of boxes in order to find them.

SMART Tip 3: Decide on a Layout

Moving opens up new and exciting possibilities for a whole new layout and design scheme.By deciding on a layout before you move, you will be able to place your new furniture and belongings into their new space more quickly. A layout gives you a guide before your move so that you will be able to organize your belongings in a more effective way.

For homes, think about how you would like to place your belongings in advance so that when you move, the vision you have for how your new place will be will come together with ease. If you are moving into an apartment, utilize the floor plan guides provided and walk through an apartment model beforehand so that you will have a good idea of what will work in your space and how you can quickly settle into your new layout.

Getting settled quickly after your move can be reduced from weeks to days, by making SMART and well-planned choices that will provide you with a great transition into your new living space after your move. For additional moving tips, and ways you can make the moving process easier, visit our Moving page.