Interview with Dan McLaughlin
Photography by Two Men and a Truck/ Geoff Shirley

After the physical and emotional toll of packing up your belongings and moving them into a new house, it may seem daunting to tackle the ensuing steps of unpacking.

But if you’re systematic with your approach, you can make sense of your belongings and feel right at home in no time. Just follow this practical advice from Dan McLaughlin, senior director of sales and business development for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin.

What can people do before moving to make unpacking easier?
Make sure to mark all your boxes with important details, including which room each one was packed in, what furniture items came from (dressers, hutches, curio cabinets, and so on), and whether there’s anything fragile. Also, if you have something that you are going to need immediately, label the box as such and pack it last so you can unload it first.

What might you want to pack in such a box?
Toiletries will be necessary right away. Bedding is also essential; moving day will be exhausting, and you’ll want to make sure your bed is ready for that first night. And don’t forget about your internet. You’ll need to know where the modem, router, and power cables are located to assist the internet technician.

What are the most common mistakes people make when moving?
Many customers overlook their driveways during moves. For instance, if the house is brand-new, the concrete is sometimes also new and only able to support cars, not moving trucks. We’ve trained our teams of movers to ask about the curing time before we arrive.

Also, customers often don’t have a full understanding of their new place’s layout. There may be a steep driveway, difficult entryways, or sharp turns. Additionally, the layout is typically different from the prior home, so some furniture may not fit into each room the way they hoped.

How do you tackle unpacking a larger home?
The first step is to stack all boxes that belong to a certain room within that room when unloading. Having items accessible in the right place will make the unpacking process go by much faster and smoother. Do not overcrowd the room, though; make sure to leave yourself a workable area. You should also establish one space for all empty boxes to be accumulated, such as the garage or the living room. This makes it easier to get them out of your house when you’re finished.

What other tips would you like to share?

Do not overload boxes. Most have a maximum weight limit, so be careful not to exceed it; for instance, bigger boxes should be used for large but light items, such as pillows and decorative goods. You should be able to move your boxes around as needed, especially if you’re unpacking by yourself. If you would struggle to move one across a room, it may be too heavy.

Finally, moving is a great opportunity to start fresh. Take this time to clean house! If you haven’t used some items for over a year, get rid of them. Use a haul-away service—such as our sister company, Two Men and a Junk Truck—for assistance. Doing so prior to the move will prevent you from having to spend time packing them beforehand and then throwing them away afterward.

For more info, visit twomenandatruck.com