10 Tips for Unpacking in NYC Apartments

Unpacking in a small NYC apartment can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make the most of your space. Here's a quick summary of the key tips to get started:

1. Plan Your Unpacking: Focus on essentials first and break the process into phases (e.g., bedroom, bathroom, kitchen).
2. Tackle One Room at a Time: Avoid spreading clutter by finishing one room before moving to the next.
3. Use Vertical Storage: Maximize walls with hooks, shelves, and pegboards to save floor space.
4. Declutter as You Go: Sort items into "keep", "donate/sell", and "discard" piles to avoid overcrowding.
5. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture: Opt for pieces like storage beds, expandable tables, and modular sofas.
6. Organize Closets Smartly: Use double rods, slim hangers, and vacuum bags for efficient storage.
7. Set Up a Supplies Station: Keep unpacking tools and cleaning supplies handy in one spot.
8. Clear Empty Boxes Quickly: Flatten and recycle boxes promptly to free up space.
9. Utilize Under-Bed Storage: Store seasonal items, linens, or documents in labeled containers.
10. Label Boxes Clearly: Mark boxes by room, priority, and contents for a smoother unpacking process.

Tips for Unpacking + Organizing Your Kitchen After a Move

1. Plan Your Unpacking Strategy

Make the most of your NYC apartment by planning your unpacking process carefully. Start with a 72-hour essentials list - things like bedding, toiletries, basic kitchen items, and a change of clothes.

Break your unpacking into three phases:

• Immediate Needs (Days 1-3): Focus on bedroom and bathroom basics.
• Core Living (Days 4-7): Set up your kitchen and main living areas.
• Final Organization (Days 8-14): Tackle storage and add decorative touches.

When deciding which rooms to unpack first, think about your daily routine. For instance, if you work from home, setting up your workspace early is a smart move. For many NYC apartments, this priority list works well:

Room Priority	Why It Matters	Key Items to Unpack
Bedroom	Rest is crucial for energy	Bed, basic clothes, bedside lamp
Bathroom	Keeps your hygiene routine intact	Towels, toiletries, shower items
Kitchen	Saves money by enabling cooking	Coffee maker, cookware, dishes
Living Area	Adds functionality to your space	Seating, TV, workspace essentials

Set up a "command center" on your kitchen counter or entryway table. Stock it with essentials like box cutters, basic tools, cleaning supplies, and garbage bags. This will save you from wasting time hunting for these items.

In NYC's tight spaces, unpack vertically. Start with things that can go in closets or be mounted on walls. This clears up floor space and keeps your apartment from being overrun by boxes while you organize.

2. Focus on One Room at a Time

Tackling one room at a time is a smart way to stay organized in your small NYC apartment. This approach helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed and keeps clutter from spreading throughout your space. By completing one room before starting another, you can easily track your progress and maintain order.

If the idea of unpacking feels too overwhelming, you might want to bring in some extra help. My Piece of Cake Move offers quick and efficient moving services in NYC, making it easier for you to settle in without the stress.

3. Make Use of Wall Space

Take advantage of your walls to save floor space and keep things organized. With the right tools, your walls can double as storage solutions.

• Command Hooks & Adhesive Strips: These are perfect for hanging lightweight items like coats, bags, or kitchen utensils without causing damage to your walls. Plus, they're easy to remove or reposition.
• Wall-Mounted Storage Systems: Adjustable shelves or pegboards can help you create specific spots for everyday items, making them easy to access.

Think vertically! Add shelves above doorways or windows for storing seasonal items, or consider fold-down furniture to make the most of tighter spaces.

4. Sort and Remove Extra Items

Once your space is organized, it's time to tackle the clutter. As you unpack, go through each item carefully and sort them into three categories:

• Keep: Items you use often or hold sentimental value.
• Donate/Sell: Things in good condition but no longer needed.
• Discard: Broken items or duplicates that serve no purpose.

Be firm in your decisions. If you own several versions of something, like three can openers, keep the one that works best and donate or toss the rest.

Tips for Making Smart Choices:

• Seasonal Items: Keep only what you need for the current season in your main living area. Use vacuum storage bags for off-season clothes, like winter coats, to save space.
• Kitchen Essentials: Only hold onto cookware and appliances you use frequently. That bread maker collecting dust? It’s taking up valuable cabinet space.
• Furniture: Assess each piece of furniture for its usefulness. If it doesn’t serve a clear purpose, it’s just contributing to the clutter.

NYC apartments are notorious for limited storage. If something doesn’t add value to your daily life or make you happy, it’s time to part ways with it. This approach will help you avoid the all-too-common trap of overcrowding in small spaces.

When donating or discarding items, aim to do it during daylight hours - it’ll make coordinating pickups or drop-offs much easier.

5. Choose Space-Saving Furniture

Once you've decluttered and organized your storage, it's time to pick furniture that works hard for your NYC apartment.

In a city where space is at a premium, multi-purpose furniture can be a game-changer. Look for pieces that combine style with functionality to make the most of your limited square footage.

• Ottoman Beds and Storage Benches: These are perfect for hiding clutter. An ottoman bed offers hidden storage in the bedroom, while a storage bench in the living room can double as seating and a spot to stash books or blankets.
• Expandable Furniture: Think drop-leaf dining tables, nesting coffee tables, Murphy beds that also serve as desks, or modular sofas with built-in storage. These pieces adapt to your needs without taking up unnecessary space.
• Vertical Storage: Use your walls wisely. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases, floating shelves, or wall-mounted desks can free up valuable floor space while keeping your essentials handy.
• Compact Kitchen Solutions: In tight kitchen spaces, rolling islands with storage, over-the-sink cutting boards, magnetic knife strips, or collapsible dining tables can make a big difference.

Before buying, measure doorways, stairwells, and elevators to ensure your furniture fits. And don’t forget to leave enough space for comfortable movement.

Pro Tip: Not sure what works best? Rent furniture to try out different setups before making a commitment.

Choosing the right furniture helps you maximize every inch of your space, complementing all your organizing efforts.

sbb-itb-72294f1

6. Set Up Smart Closet Storage

Closets in NYC apartments can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can make every inch count. Here's how to make the most of your closet space.

Start with a closet audit. Empty it out and measure the dimensions, especially the vertical space. Many closets have unused room above the standard hanging rod that you can put to good use.

Consider installing a double-rod system. Place one rod higher for shirts and jackets and another lower for pants and skirts. This setup effectively doubles your hanging space and keeps things organized.

Add an over-the-door organizer with clear pockets for shoes, accessories, small clothing items, or even cleaning supplies. It's a great way to use overlooked space.

Switch to slim velvet hangers. These save horizontal space and keep your clothes from slipping off. It's a simple swap that makes a big difference.

Use shelf dividers to keep stacks of items like sweaters, handbags, folded jeans, or winter accessories neat and stable. No more messy piles falling over!

For bulky seasonal items like winter coats or bedding, try vacuum storage bags. These compress the items, freeing up valuable closet space.

Organize your closet into zones based on how often you use each item:

• Eye-level: Everyday clothing
• Upper shelves: Seasonal or less-used items
• Floor space: Shoes and heavier belongings
• Back of the closet: Long-term storage

Make sure to leave some space between items. Overcrowding can make it hard to find what you need and might even damage your clothes.

Pro Tip: Add battery-operated LED strip lights with motion sensors. They brighten up dark closets, making it much easier to see and access your belongings.

7. Set Up a Basic Supplies Station

Create a supplies station to keep everything you need close at hand during unpacking. Choose a convenient spot like a kitchen counter, folding table, or even a sturdy moving box. Just make sure it doesn’t block walkways or create clutter.

Here’s what you’ll want to include in your station:

• Unpacking tools: box cutter, scissors, packing tape, and a utility knife
• Cleaning supplies: all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, and disinfecting wipes
• Basic toiletries: hand soap, toilet paper, and hand towels

Use a clear plastic bin or a drawer organizer to store these items. This keeps everything neat and makes it easy to grab what you need while you work through the unpacking process.

8. Remove Empty Boxes Promptly

In cramped NYC apartments, empty boxes can quickly become obstacles. As soon as you unpack, get rid of those boxes to free up space. Flatten them to save room and recycle them according to your local guidelines.

Need a hand? Some professional movers, like My Piece of Cake Move, offer box removal services, making it easier to keep your apartment clutter-free.

9. Store Items Under Your Bed

Make the most of the space under your bed to keep your NYC apartment organized. This often-missed storage area can hold more than you'd think, especially when you use low-profile containers and a smart setup.

Choose containers specifically designed for under-bed storage. Wheeled containers are a great choice - they slide out easily without damaging your floors. Look for slim designs that fit neatly under standard bed frames.

Here are some container ideas based on what you’re storing:

Item Type	Recommended Container	Why It Works
Clothing	Vacuum-sealed bags	Saves space and protects against moisture
Shoes	Clear bins with dividers	Keeps them dust-free and easy to find
Documents	Weatherproof containers	Shields from moisture and stacks well
Linens	Canvas storage bags	Breathable to help prevent mildew

Before buying containers, measure the clearance under your bed to ensure they’ll fit. While most apartments have standard bed heights, older buildings might have unusual dimensions, so double-checking is key.

What can you store here?

• Seasonal clothing like winter coats and summer outfits
• Extra bedding and towels
• Formal wear or holiday decorations
• Important documents (use waterproof containers)
• Off-season shoes

For added organization, use drawer dividers inside larger containers to keep everything sorted and easy to grab. Label your containers for quick identification and make this under-bed system a core part of your overall storage strategy.

10. Use Clear Box Labels

Once your belongings are sorted and packed, labeling your boxes clearly is a must for an easier move - especially in NYC apartments where space is tight. A good labeling system ensures you can quickly locate what you need without digging through every box.

Try a simple three-part labeling approach: Room (e.g., "KITCHEN – North Wall"), Priority (e.g., "HIGH – Unpack First"), and Contents (e.g., "Plates, bowls, mugs").

Mark all sides of the box using waterproof markers, and for fragile items, include handling instructions like "FRAGILE – This Side Up."

This method saves time and takes the hassle out of unpacking, making it easier to settle into your new home.

Conclusion

Settling into a NYC apartment requires careful planning and smart organization to make the most of limited space. By using these unpacking tips, you can turn a potentially overwhelming move into a smooth and organized experience.

Make the most of vertical space and invest in storage solutions that serve multiple purposes - every inch matters. Managing your time well and staying systematic will help keep clutter at bay, while clearly labeling your belongings ensures everything stays in order.