Unpack Your Bedroom Efficiently: A Step-By-Step Guide

Unpacking a bedroom can be a daunting task, especially when you've just moved house and are surrounded by piles of boxes. However, there are several steps you can take to make the process more manageable. First, it's important to unpack the essentials, such as bed linens, pillows, blankets, and clothes for the next few days. You should also prioritise setting up necessary furniture, like the bed and bedside table, and making the bed so you have a comfortable place to sleep. Next, decide on furniture placement and closet organisation before unpacking other boxed items. Installing shelving and closet organising units first will make the process more efficient and save you time in the long run. While unpacking, it's a good idea to get rid of packing materials and only unpack what you need to avoid clutter. Finally, don't forget to make the space your own by adding personal touches, such as hanging photos or paintings on the walls.

Unpack the essentials

Unpacking the essentials is a great way to make your new house feel like home. This box (or boxes) should be one of the first things you unpack and will keep things running smoothly. The essentials box will contain items that you will need right away and in the short term. If you didn't pack an essentials box, don't worry. Focus on unpacking the three most important rooms: the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom(s).

Your essentials box should include basic toiletries, medications, books, necessary paperwork, phone and computer chargers, and some basic food preparation items. You may also want to include hand soap, coffee, snacks, garbage bags, and towels.

If you arrive at your new home late in the afternoon or evening, your priority will be to take a hot shower and go to sleep, so unpacking the bathroom and bedroom essentials first is key.

For the bathroom, take out the shower curtains and install them. Then, unpack your towels, soap, medications, and essential toiletries.

For the bedroom, focus on setting up the bed first. If you have a bed frame, assemble it, and then make the bed. You don't need to unpack your full wardrobe straight away. Just choose a few garments to wear over the next few days and put them in the closet or dresser. You can also unpack anything you need for your bedside table, such as a lamp, tissues, or books.

Set up furniture

Setting up furniture in your bedroom is an art. It is one of the most important parts of interior design. Here are some tips to help you set up furniture in your bedroom:

Use only necessary furniture

It is easy to get carried away with the variety of furniture available. However, it is important to start with just the essentials. Having too many pieces can make the room feel cramped and cluttered. If your bedroom is small, opt for taller dressers and shelves to maximise storage while minimising the space they take up.

Think about function

Consider what activities you will be doing in your bedroom. For example, if you like to watch TV in bed, create a layout that accommodates this. Plan a clear walkway from one area of the room to another. Avoid blocking paths between, for instance, the dresser and the mirror. Sketching out different arrangements and measuring your furniture and room dimensions can help you find the perfect layout before you start moving things around.

Start with the bed

The bed is the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom, so it should be positioned first. Typically, the bed is placed against the wall opposite the door or on the largest wall with no windows. However, this may vary depending on the shape and size of your room. Ensure you can still open and close your bedroom and closet doors once the bed is in place. If you are positioning your bed under a window, be aware that you may experience uncomfortable drafts in the winter.

Arrange the larger pieces first

Once you have found the ideal spot for your bed, move on to the other large pieces of furniture. Usually, the dresser comes next, followed by bedside tables, a desk, shelves, and chairs. However, you can adapt this to suit your needs and the layout of your room.

Be mindful of Feng Shui

Consider the principles of Feng Shui when arranging your bedroom furniture. Ideally, you should be able to see the door while sitting on your bed, with your back against a wall. Avoid pushing all your furniture against the walls, and instead, create a sense of symmetry by lining pieces up with each other.

Plan the layout

Planning the layout of your bedroom is an important step in the unpacking process. Here are some tips to help you design a functional and aesthetically pleasing space:

Start with a Blank Canvas:

Begin by measuring the room and creating a floor plan. Map out the walls, windows, doors, and any fixed elements such as radiators, fireplaces, plug sockets, and fixtures that may dictate the placement of furniture. This will give you a blank canvas to work with and help you visualise different layout options.

Consider the Function of the Room:

Think about how you will use the bedroom. Is it solely for sleeping, or will you need a workspace, a reading nook, or a lounge area? List all the activities you need to accommodate and plan your layout accordingly.

Determine the Focal Point:

Identify a focal point in the room, such as a fireplace, a window with a view, or a set of patio doors. While furniture doesn't necessarily have to face the focal point, keeping it in mind will help you work the layout around it and showcase the best features of your home.

Position Larger Items First:

Start by placing larger items of furniture, such as the bed, sofa, or dining table. These pieces are typically the most important and expensive, so finding the right position for them first will help you arrange the rest of the room.

Create a Functional Flow:

Ensure there is a clear pathway to the bed and furniture from the bedroom door. Leave enough space around the bed to access it easily, especially if it's a shared bed. Avoid blocking natural pathways and consider the traffic flow to create a functional and comfortable layout.

Work with the Room's Shape:

The shape of the room will influence the placement of the bed and other furniture. In a square room, the bed usually goes along the wall opposite the door, with nightstands on each side. In a long, narrow bedroom, you can centre the bed along one of the shorter walls.

Maximise Space:

Make use of empty corners or gaps by adding a reading nook, a plant, or additional storage. However, don't feel the need to fill every square inch of the room. Incorporating negative space can make the layout feel more balanced and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.

Consider the View:

Think about the view from the bed and when entering the bedroom. You may want to position the bed to showcase a beautiful view or make it the first thing you see when you walk into the room.

Lighting and Symmetry:

Symmetrical layouts can create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere in the bedroom. Consider the lighting and whether the room has any architectural features, such as vaulted ceilings or exposed beams, that you want to highlight.

Don't Forget the Details:

Once you have the larger pieces in place, add smaller items such as lamps, wall shelves, and artwork. Think about the placement of mirrors to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the space.

Remember, it's important to adjust the layout to your specific space and needs. You can always experiment with different arrangements and make changes as you live in the space to create a bedroom that is both functional and relaxing.

Unpack the wardrobe

Unpacking a wardrobe can be a daunting task, but with a systematic approach, it can be made easier. Here are some detailed instructions to help you unpack your wardrobe efficiently:

Sort and Declutter:

Before placing anything in the wardrobe, it is advisable to sort through your clothes and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This process can be done before the move, saving time and effort later. Go through each item and ask yourself if you have worn it recently, if it still fits, and if you still love it. Be ruthless and honest with your decisions. Getting rid of items you no longer need will create more space and make the unpacking process smoother.

Organise by Season:

Separate your remaining clothes by season. For instance, separate winter and summer clothing. This will help you decide what needs to be easily accessible in your wardrobe and what can be stored away.

Use Wardrobe Boxes:

If possible, utilise wardrobe boxes, which are tall boxes with a rod built-in, allowing you to hang clothes inside without folding them. These are ideal for suits, dresses, heavy coats, and other items you want to keep hanging. Dust the wardrobe boxes before use, and place shoes at the bottom, toe-to-heel, with heavy boots on the bottom and lighter shoes on top.

Plan Your Wardrobe Layout:

Consider how you want to organise the clothes within each season. You can organise them by style (e.g., sweaters, dresses, pants), function (e.g., work clothes, fitness clothes), or even the time of day you typically wear them. The key is to arrange your wardrobe in a way that matches how you decide what to wear. Within each category, organise your clothes by colour, from light to dark. This will make finding specific items a breeze, even on busy mornings.

Utilise Dividers and Containers:

For folded clothes, lay them on their side, stacked vertically rather than horizontally, so you can see everything at once. Use wooden or plastic dividers to keep clothes standing vertically. For shoes, you can use clear plastic containers, or even take photos of your shoes and tape their picture to the container with the photo facing out.

Step Back and Appreciate:

Once you have finished unpacking and organising your wardrobe, take a moment to step back and admire your newly organised space. Take a picture of your "miracle" closet and place it inside the wardrobe to remind you of your hard work and inspire you to maintain this level of organisation.

Finishing touches

Now that the bedroom is unpacked, it's time to add some final touches to make it feel like your own. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Decorative items and wall hangings: Unpack any artwork, photos, paintings, or other decorative items you had in your previous home and find a place for them in your new bedroom. This is a great way to make the space feel more familiar and personalised.
• Bedside table essentials: Ensure you have everything you need on your bedside table, such as a lamp, tissues, books, or any other items that make you feel comfortable.
• Wardrobe organisation: If you haven't already, organise your wardrobe in a way that works for you. You may want to group clothes by type, colour, or season. This will make getting dressed each day much easier and more enjoyable.
• Bedding and linens: Make sure you have a set of bedding and linens for your bed, including pillows, blankets, and extra sheets. A comfortable bed is essential for a good night's sleep.
• Lighting: Consider the lighting in your bedroom. If there isn't enough natural light, add some table lamps or floor lamps to create a cosy atmosphere. A dimmable light can also be helpful to adjust the lighting according to your needs.
• Electronics: Set up any electronics you may have in your bedroom, such as a TV, stereo, or computer. Ensure that all the necessary cables and connections are in place and easily accessible.
• Storage solutions: If you need additional storage space in your bedroom, consider investing in some storage solutions such as baskets, boxes, or shelves. This will help you stay organised and clutter-free.
• Personal touches: Add some personal touches to your bedroom to make it feel like your own. This could include items such as a favourite throw blanket, a comfy reading chair, or some fresh flowers.
• Declutter: Take some time to declutter and organise your bedroom. Now that you've unpacked, you may realise that you don't need or have space for certain items. Let go of anything that no longer serves you, and create a calm and relaxing space.
• Final adjustments: Once you've lived in your bedroom for a while, you may find that you want to make some final adjustments to the layout or organisation. Don't be afraid to move things around until you find what works best for you.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to unpacking and organising your bedroom. Personalise your space in a way that makes you feel comfortable and at home.

Frequently asked questions