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AIBU?

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Original poster

To believe that we can unpack from a move in under a week, and ask for your best tips to be able do so?

132 replies

OptimisticReindeer · 01/01/2026 09:41

We'll be staying in a local holiday let for the week of the move, and I really want to take advantage and get as much done as we can at the house.

Much preferable than to be living amongst the boxes, and we can dedicate a fair amount of time to it each day.

We have movers and opted for the packing service, so hoping that the boxes will be better organised than if we had done opted DIY. We've never had packers, or movers before so have no idea what to expect.

Is it manageable for a four-bed? How long did it take on your last move? Any tips also very welcome.

OP posts:
Whenindoubthugitout · 01/01/2026 09:47

I unpacked in less than 4 days.

day one
beds bedding etc. clothes into wardrobes.
day 2 and 3 focused on kitchen
day 4 rest of house

we had people stay 5 days after we moved.

tips.

Mark all boxes with the room they are going too. Stack against wall.

get all kitchen boxes put in one place in home. Mine were all against a wall in the dining room for the kitchen and living room.
have a dedicated area for storing boxes and the paper once unpacked
flatten paper as it comes out of boxes
flatten boxes too.

human Chains work well if you can.
one person opens box
and unpacks
other person puts away.

Hillarious · 01/01/2026 09:47

Declutter and chuck out what you don’t need before the packers arrive. They pack absolutely everything.

Hercisback1 · 01/01/2026 09:45

À week....

You could do it in 2 days!

Get the boxes in the right rooms and work through each room in turn.

MyCalmRoseHelper · 01/01/2026 09:45

Really easy in that time. Last time I moved I had one box left to unpack by the end of moving day.

Ladybugheart · 01/01/2026 09:45

What on earth are you unpacking? I've always been unpacked and totally sorted by the end of day 2. I plan ahead for what's going to go where and don't move any junk or clutter with me

LockdownLisa · 01/01/2026 09:44

When I moved into our 5 bedroom house, I think we were unpacked within a day, you definitely shouldn't need a week! Presumably you got rid of anything you didn't need when you were planning to leave?

AwakeNotThruChoice · 01/01/2026 09:43

Easily. I’ve bought/sold about 7 times.
Always got the keys Friday lunchtime. Been totally sorted by the Monday. Unless obviously it was a restoration type house.

Haven’t felt the need (but then haven’t had the funds) to stay somewhere else while unpacking.
Good Luck