3 days ago
Take the dread out of unpacking after holidays! Expert reveals how to declutter your case in 5 quick steps - and the biggest mistake people make
As I write this, I am very conscious of the blue suitcase sitting on my bedroom floor, opened up with its contents available for all to see – but nothing actually put away. I'm terrible at unpacking, even after a single night away; it's one of my least favourite jobs, up there with cleaning the toilet or unloading the dishwasher. And I'm sure I'm not alone.
However, by failing to unpack my belongings as soon as I get home from a trip (or even within 48 hours of getting home, in my case) I am committing one of the cardinal sins of unpacking, according to home organisation expert and founder of Pocket Storage, Max Wilson.
'The moment you walk through the door, the temptation is to dump your bags and deal with them "tomorrow" — but tomorrow often turns into next week,' explains Max of this post-holiday luggage malaise. 'What starts as one suitcase in the hallway quickly becomes a magnet for clutter: mail, shopping bags, shoes, laundry. Suddenly, your home doesn't feel like a sanctuary — it feels like an extension of the airport.'
Okay, guilty – but is there any way to make unpacking less dreadful? Wilson's tips to beat the procrastination and complete a stress-free unpack within the first 24 hours of being home are as follows:
Set a 30-minute timer
'Create a sense of urgency. Set a timer for half an hour, put on your favourite playlist, and commit to getting it done. You'll be surprised how quickly the task shrinks once you start.'
Prioritise laundry
'Dirty clothes are the low-hanging fruit of unpacking. Get them into the washing machine first to free up space in your suitcase so you can tackle 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.'
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.
