Phase 2: The Unpacking Process

We’re continuing our journey through a client’s move to Calgary from a different city by exploring what comes after the actual move – unpacking.

Before our team at Calm Order even gets to the boxes, we also need to know what the new space is like. We were already able to get an idea of their current living situation and devise a plan. As soon as we have access to the home, we conducted a walk-through of the new property. In this walk-through we were able to see how their belongings would fit and function in the new space that suited their lifestyle (based on their preferences).

The unpacking process can be described as a “strategic transition” process, not a “shove and place wherever there is room” process. To start unpacking, our team follows some key steps:

Group items into categories

Sometimes, we open a moving box to find a mix of everything from clothes, to tools, kitchen gadgets, plants, garden supplies, and office supplies all in the same box. To make sure each item ends up in their proper new place, it is important to make sure they become grouped with similar items before they get put away. Sort before you organize.

Set up a sorting station

In order to organize the items, we set up a sorting station for all the miscellaneous items. Using bins, boxes or baskets for sorting and categorizing. We line them up in a row on a table or area to establish an efficient sorting work area.

Determine the major categories 

Next, we take a good look at what items were contained inside the boxes. While looking, we consider how we are going to group the items. For example, if it was immediately evident there were more of the garage tools than the other items, This would form our first category and all similar items were placed into their own separate bin. From here, we were able to continue sorting the rest of the items based on similarities until everything was sorted into a separate category.

Break down large categories into smaller ones

However, this categorization can go one step further. Within our newly sorted box of tools, we noticed a lot of screws and left over parts from the build. Instead of leaving them loose in the bin where they were likely to get lost or misplaced, we grabbed another container just for the miscellaneous screws and parts

As we continued, we broke down the categories and sorted each container whenever we noticed another large quantity of similar items. It is easier to sort piles now instead of having to re-sort a large and overwhelming pile that was just sorted. Whenever a new category trend is identified, it is helpful to start another bin sooner rather than later.

 The unpacking process takes time and patience – it is not conductive or efficient to just start opening boxes and place items in empty drawers and cupboards. Sorting is a key component, and one that our team at Calm Order takes seriously. Are you having trouble sorting through your items, or knowing how to properly categorize your items? In our next post, we’ll take a closer look at proper sorting techniques to help you with any organizing project you choose.

Phase 2.5: Sorting Items

Sorting items can be more complex than one might think – it is more than just sorting similar items. For example, people often think they should sort all their cables together, but the often serve different purposes and so they should be stored differently.

When you’re sorting items, look at how they are used instead of just what “kind” of item they are. Continuing with the example of sorting cables, there are generally three different types of cables: electrical, electronic, and personal technology cables.

Electrical cables include everything from extension cords, add-ons, extenders, and timers. These cables all plug into the wall or an outlet, or they are used to add extra cords to extend the length or number of wall outlets.

Electronic cables are mainly used for audio and visual equipment, like HDMI cables, computer cables, TV cables, and stereo systems. These cables are used for specific set-ups and are usually not plugged and unplugged regularly.

Finally, personal technology cables are more everyday use cables, like phone chargers, iPod chargers, tablet chargers, and other USB chargers. These cables are usually in constant use and are often moving between rooms and people around a home.

Cables can be then sorted into how they are used, not just based on the fact that they are cables.  All electrical cables should be stored together but separate from electronic cables and personal technology cables. In this way, the cables will be easier to find and use when they are needed. Instead of sorting through a large bin to find an iPhone charger, people can easily look in a smaller storage container that contains only their personal technology chargers, which they will need to access more often than their extension cords.

When it comes to sorting, try thinking more about how items are used instead of focusing on just what they are. This way, organization will last because the items will be stored in a way that works with people’s lifestyles and routines.

Phase 1: Getting ready for the big move

On average, it can take a minimum of four weeks to complete a seamless move – in that time, there is a lot of planning, research, shopping, packing, and organizing involved. Wherever a client is moving from or moving to, there are a lot of steps involved to make sure the process is successful and efficient.

Calm Order was recently contacted by a client in another city who is preparing to move to Calgary. When a client doesn’t live in Calgary, we need to get creative in order to understand the scope of the project because we can’t just go over to the property to look around. For this project, we connected with the client over FaceTime, and got them to show us around their home. We had the client show us every place in their home, from kitchen cupboards to closets and drawers, so we could get a complete picture of what their space was like, how they were using it, and what items and belongings we had to work with.

 During the “walk-through” over video call, we could see that there were a lot of items stored around the house, and not necessarily in an organized or practical way. For example, there were light bulbs stored in four different places around the home, piles of paperwork and mail left out on the kitchen counter, and miscellaneous items scattered throughout each room of the house. At this point, we were able to step forward to the planning process, so we could devise a way to create order for their upcoming move and new home.

 Moving is as much about the planning as it is about the actual move – at this point all we had done was seen their current home, but this was an important step so we could begin the process of getting their belongings sorted, organized, and ready to move to a new city and a new home. The process of going through your belongings and seeing how you use your space is important to understand before you move them into a new space.

How was your experience in preparing for a move? Share your stories and photos with us in the comments or on our Facebook page.