As I compose this, I’m acutely aware of the blue suitcase on my bedroom floor, open with its contents exposed for all to see — yet nothing has been put away. I’m dreadful at unpacking, even after just one night away; it’s one of my least favored tasks, alongside cleaning the toilet or emptying the dishwasher. I’m certain I’m not alone in this sentiment.
Not unpacking my belongings as soon as I return from a trip (or even within 48 hours, in my usual routine) is committing one of the cardinal sins of unpacking, according to home organization expert and founder of Pocket Storage, Max Wilson.
‘When you walk through the door, it’s tempting to drop your bags and promise to handle them “tomorrow” — but tomorrow often becomes next week,’ explains Max regarding this post-trip luggage inertia. ‘What begins as one suitcase in the hallway quickly becomes a magnet for clutter: mail, shopping bags, shoes, laundry. Suddenly, your home no longer feels like a sanctuary — it resembles an airport extension.’
Failing to unpack within 24 hours of getting home could spell days of messiness, says Wilson.
Okay, I admit it — but is there a way to make unpacking less daunting? Wilson’s advice to overcome procrastination and achieve a stress-free unpacking within the first 24 hours of returning home includes the following:
Set a 30-minute timer
‘Establish a sense of urgency. Set a timer for thirty minutes, play your favorite music, and commit to finishing the task. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the task diminishes once you get going.’
Prioritise laundry
‘Dirty clothes are the easiest to deal with during unpacking. Place them in the washing machine first to clear space in your suitcase, allowing you to address the rest of the items.’
Return items to their ‘home’ ‘
‘Things like toiletries, travel documents, tech cables, or books should go back to their designated spot straight away. Don’t just shuffle them from bag to surface — otherwise, they’ll sit there for days, or they can even begin to leak in your bag after a long, turbulent journey.
‘You could even use this moment to gather all your travel essentials like adapters, suncream, and passports into one clear, labelled container. It makes the next trip easier and helps your home feel organised again straight away.’
‘Dirty clothes are the low-hanging fruit of unpacking’, so tackle those first.
Don’t stash items away
‘Don’t just zip up your suitcase and shove it under the bed until next time. You might be storing damp swimwear, half-empty bottles of suncream, or melted snacks. Properly empty and clean your luggage to avoid musty smells or stains for when you next come to use it.’
Go through your holiday souvenirs
‘Impulse purchases are part of the fun of travelling, but once you’re home, they don’t always make sense in your space,’ suggests Max.
‘Before deciding what to keep, ask yourself: Does it serve a purpose? Does it fit with your home’s style? Would I buy this if I saw it in a shop today? If the answer’s no, take a photo for the memory, then consider donating or storing it. Not every keepsake needs to stay on display — it’s about keeping the memory, not the mess.’ And perhaps next time you are away, ask yourself those questions before you make a purchase.
Another of Wilson’s top tips is to create a ‘homecoming ritual’ by doing certain things before you go away. ‘Little acts of preparation can make a big difference,’ he says. ‘Put fresh sheets on the bed before you leave so you come home to comfort, order a simple meal or groceries in advance to avoid the post-travel scramble, and block out just one hour to reset your space — whether that’s unpacking, doing a quick tidy, or lighting a candle and putting on a calming playlist.’
Consider my new unpacking aspirations set. Now if someone could explain that calming candlelit hour to my kids that would be ideal.
