Returning from vacation often comes with a mix of emotions—relief to be home but dread at the thought of unpacking. Instead of letting your suitcase sit for days (or even weeks!), unpacking immediately can help you transition back into your routine and keep your space clutter-free. Here are some tips and hacks to make the unpacking process easier and more efficient as soon as you walk through the door.

1. Unpack in Stages

Tackling everything at once can feel overwhelming, so break it down into manageable stages:

  • Clothes First: Immediately toss dirty clothes into the laundry basket or washer. For clean clothes, hang them up or fold them back into drawers.
  • Toiletries: Next, handle your toiletries. Put them back in the bathroom or where they’re stored. If you have travel-sized products, refill or replace them for the next trip.
  • Shoes and Accessories: Put shoes away in the closet and place accessories (like jewelry or belts) in their designated spots. This prevents clutter and keeps everything in its place.

2. Set a Timer

If unpacking seems daunting, try setting a timer for 15 or 20 minutes. Knowing you only have to commit for a short time can make the task feel less overwhelming. Once you start, you’ll likely find it easier to continue.

3. Start With the Essentials

When you first get home, focus on unpacking the essentials you’ll need right away:

  • Toiletries and Electronics: Take out your phone chargers, toiletries, and anything you need for the next morning. By handling the essentials first, you’ll avoid scrambling later to find something you need.
  • Medications: If you’ve packed medication, take it out immediately to ensure it’s in a safe, accessible place.

4. Don’t Let the Suitcase Linger

A packed suitcase can quickly become a source of procrastination. Instead of leaving it in the middle of your bedroom or hallway, commit to fully emptying and storing it as soon as you’re done. Store the suitcase in its designated spot (like a closet or under the bed) to prevent clutter.

5. Sort Souvenirs and Gifts Right Away

If you’ve bought souvenirs or gifts, sort through them immediately. Place them where they belong—whether that’s displayed around your home, added to a collection, or packed away for gifting. This clears up space and helps you stay organized.

6. Use the “One Touch” Rule

Try to follow the “one touch” rule—once you pick something up, put it away right where it belongs. This reduces back-and-forth clutter and prevents you from moving items from place to place without fully unpacking them.

7. Start Laundry Immediately

To avoid a buildup of dirty clothes, start a load of laundry as soon as you get home. If you have multiple loads, prioritize the ones you need for work or the next day. Having clean clothes ready will help you get back into your routine more quickly.

8. Clean and Repack Essentials for Next Time

For items you use specifically for travel (like travel toiletries, packing cubes, or an international plug adapter), clean and repack them so they’re ready for your next trip. This saves you time in the future and keeps you organized.

9. Declutter as You Unpack

Unpacking is a great opportunity to declutter. As you sort through your belongings, decide if anything is no longer needed—whether that’s clothes, toiletries, or random travel items. Decluttering as you unpack prevents unnecessary items from piling up at home.

10. Create a Post-Travel Routine

Having a routine for when you return from a trip can make unpacking easier. Set a specific plan or checklist to follow every time you return from vacation, including things like laundry, repacking essentials, or putting away electronics. A routine ensures you won’t forget any steps and makes future unpacking sessions faster.

Unpacking as soon as you get home from vacation doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. By breaking the process into smaller steps, starting with the essentials, and setting up a system, you can unpack quickly and seamlessly transition back to your daily life. With these tips and hacks, your post-travel routine will feel smoother, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy being home.