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.

Make-Ahead Barbecue Ideas

Save yourself the time of doing all the cooking and preparation work for your barbecue on the day-of. Instead, get everything you need prepared ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy the barbecue with your household!

Drinks

There is plenty you can do ahead of time to make sure everyone stays refreshed and hydrated. Bar tools can be brought out from storage and given a quick rinse, and any outdoor cups and pitchers can also be given a quick wash and organized in a bar area or on a counter until they are needed outside. Make sure to put cans and bottles into the fridge to chill in advance and bring out any coolers that may be needed. Don’t forget to make sure you have plenty of ice as well! 

While some garnishes are best prepared closer to the actual barbecue to prevent them from wilting, others can also be cut up and placed in containers until everyone in your household is ready for dinner.

Thrillist has a list of cocktails that can be made ahead of time. While they had the beach in mind for these drinks, the recipes can also work great to cut down on preparations even if you’re just at home and relaxing with your household in the backyard.

Otherwise, you can start planning what ingredients and tools you might need to make these classic cocktail recipes that are perfect for any size of household, like these Peach Bellini and Sangria recipes or this unique Apposta Cocktail recipe, all from Better Homes and Gardens.

Food

The food is obviously the main event of any barbecue, and many classic barbecue dishes can easily be prepared in advance so all you need to do once supper time comes is heat the grill and cook!

These two foil pack recipes from Delish conveniently include all you need for a barbecue meal in one individualized pouch. Even better, you can easily put these together ahead of time by prepping the vegetables, preparing the foil pouches, marinating the meat, and assembling everything together ahead of time to store in the fridge. Check out this recipe for Chicken, Tomatoes and Corn or this one for Sausage and Peppers.

Burgers are a popular meal to serve at a barbecue, and this “Full Works” burger from Olive has it all! While it looks like a lot, the sauce and other garnishes are best made a few hours or even a day before, leaving you with less preparation right before the meal.

Barbecue ribs, like this recipe from Food Network Magazine, are always a great choice to cook on the grill, especially if you have a larger household to feed. To get the most flavour out of these ribs, they are best if the spice mixture is prepared and rubbed onto the ribs the night before the barbecue – leaving only the cooking to be done in the oven a couple of hours before they are finished off on the barbecue.  

Every barbecue star dish is not complete without a side dish (or more!), and there are plenty of recipes and ideas that are easy to prepare the day before or morning of. For example, this unique take on a tomato salad from Taste of Home features a lot of different vegetables that can easily be prepared a day or two before so it only needs to be assembled right before eating.

 An even simpler dish like grilled vegetables requires even less effort – simply wash and cut your favourite vegetables, give them a light seasoning, and place them on the grill! This grilled rapini recipe from AllRecipes shows just how easy and delicious grilled vegetables can be! A lighter salad or dessert option perfect for an outdoor barbecue is a fruit salad, which is also good to prepare in advance and leave in your fridge. You can simply put together a salad from what fresh fruit you have on hand or try something new like this watermelon and basil salad from AllRecipes.