The kettle is the first item most people will unpack first when they finally get the keys to their new home.
A poll of 2,000 homeowners, carried out by building firm Redrow, found 58 per cent of people in the UK reached for the kettle before doing anything else. It’s no surprise that after the stress of moving that most people want to take a quick break with a cup of tea and coffee before getting on with any more unpacking.
And if you’ve used a removals crew to help you move house, you probably want to get the kettle out so you can offer them a well-deserved cuppa while they carry your boxes and furniture into your home.
The other top priorities for moving day, according the survey, include sorting out the television and getting the WiFi router set up. In the first 24 hours in a property, 65 per cent will connect their TV, while 57 per cent will start sorting out their internet.
When it comes to unpacking your boxes, it’s important to prioritise things that will help your new property quickly feel like a home. Moving day itself can be stressful so things that can help you relax, like a cuppa or watching television, can make it a more positive experience.
Don’t make the mistake of trying to do too much as soon as you get into your new home. Pack the things you know you will need first together in the same box and clearly label it so you know which one to open up first.
Psychology lecturer Dr James Jackson, from Leeds Trinity University, suggests trying to create an oasis of calm in your new property.
He says: “A simple way to do this is to treat yourself to a new plant or fresh bunch of flowers when you first move in and display these in a central position in your home. While everything around you may still be in boxes and chaotic, flowers and plants will have a soothing effect and can be a welcome distraction.”
The survey found that our unpacking habits vary depending on where in the UK we live. Those in Nottingham were the most likely to get the kettle, teas and mugs out first but people in Dublin prioritised setting up their WiFi first.
Cardiff residents were most likely to celebrate their new home by popping open a bottle of fizz while those in Birmingham were quick to unpack homely touches to make their property their own like candles and cushions.
Even which room movers tackled first varied according to geographical location. In Bristol, the main bedroom is usually the first room to be unpack but in Norwich, it is the kitchen.
And while people in Edinburgh generally take a week to unpack their new home, Liverpudlians take an average of two weeks to do the job.
One way to make the unpacking process easier is to pack everything carefully in clearly labelled boxes before you move. Andrew Porter Limited offers a professional packing service to its removals customers, giving them more time to focus on other things.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to do your own packing, we can supply all the materials you will need. Everyone who moves house with Andrew Porter will be given the basics they need, including standard boxes, packing tape, book boxes and wardrobe boxes at no extra charge.
We also sell some optional extras including mattress protectors, boxes for flat screen televisions, protective sofa covers and polystyrene chips.
Check out our top packing tips here.
