First: beds and bathrooms
Make the beds while you still have energy and locate towels, toiletries, medication and loo roll. A proper place to sleep changes the whole tone of moving night. If children are tired or overwhelmed, set up their beds and familiar things even earlier.
Second: the working part of the kitchen
Unpack the kettle, mugs, breakfast supplies, plates, cutlery and the pans you use most. Clear one worktop and create a basic washing-up area. Pantry decanting and perfect drawer dividers can wait until you know how the room works.
Third: children's rooms
Put out favourite bedding, books, a night-light and a few recognisable toys. Familiarity matters more than a fully styled room. Giving children one settled place can also keep them safely away from stacks of boxes elsewhere.
Fourth: everyday clothes and work essentials
Hang the clothes needed for the next week and set up chargers, school bags and work equipment. Leave occasion wear and out-of-season clothes boxed until the core rooms are running.
Then work through one room at a time
Finish a cupboard or room before opening the next cluster of boxes. Flatten packaging as you go and keep a clear route through halls and stairs. If you want the whole house ready quickly, our moving day unpacking service is designed for exactly this. You can also read what a professional unpack includes.