Moving into a new apartment in Colorado can be exciting—until you start unpacking and realize your new place might not have as much space as you thought. Between skis, bikes, and all those jackets, it doesn’t take long for things to feel a little cramped. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make the most of every square inch.
At Alpine Moving Company, we’ve helped plenty of people move into apartments across Colorado. We know the drill—small kitchens, limited closet space, and the challenge of organizing all your stuff without making the place feel cluttered. This post is packed with simple, practical tips to help you stay organized and keep your new space feeling open and comfortable.
Let’s dive into some smart ways to pack and unpack so you can maximize the space you’ve got.
Step 1: Cut the Clutter Before You Pack
Let’s be real—moving is the perfect excuse to finally get rid of the stuff that’s been hiding in the back of your closet or collecting dust in your cabinets. This is hands down the best thing you can do before a move. The less you bring, the more space (and sanity) you’ll have when unpacking. It’s one of those things that seems obvious but can make a huge difference once you’re in your new place.
Before you even think about grabbing a box, take a good, honest look at what you use. That blender you swore you’d use for morning smoothies but hasn’t seen daylight in two years? It’s probably time to donate it. The same goes for those jeans you swore you’d fit back into or the set of decorative pillows you forgot you had. If it’s been buried in a closet or tucked away in a drawer for ages, ask yourself if it needs to make the move with you.
Here’s a simple rule that works wonders—if you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s probably safe to say you won’t miss it. Sure, there are a few exceptions (ski gear or holiday decorations come to mind), but for the most part, letting go of these things now means less stress later. It’s easier to unpack when you’re not dealing with random bits and pieces you don’t care about. Plus, it frees up space for the things you actually love and use regularly.
The best part? Donating or selling items that are still in good condition feels pretty great. Not only does it lighten your load, but it also gives those items a second life with someone who might really need them. And hey, if you’re looking at something and debating for more than a minute whether to keep it, that’s usually a sign you can live without it.
This step alone can make your new space feel more open and organized from day one. So grab a few boxes, label them “donate” or “sell,” and get that clutter out before the real packing begins. Your future self will thank you!
Step 2: Pack Like a Pro
Alright, now that you’ve cleared out the clutter, it’s time to tackle the packing part. Packing might seem like just tossing things into boxes, but trust me—there’s a strategy to it. How you pack can make a huge difference in how much fits in your new apartment and how smoothly unpacking goes on the other end. A little extra effort here saves you from headaches later.
Think of it this way—packing smart isn’t just about protecting your stuff. It’s about maximizing space, keeping things organized, and making it as easy as possible to find what you need once you’re in your new place. Nobody wants to be surrounded by piles of boxes with no idea where anything is. When your packing game is on point, you can actually enjoy settling into your space without feeling overwhelmed.
Here are a few tricks to help you get packed efficiently, stay organized, and make sure everything arrives in one piece.
- Vacuum-Seal When You Can. Clothes, blankets, and even extra pillows can take up way too much space. Use vacuum-seal bags to shrink them down. They’re lifesavers, especially for seasonal stuff you won’t need right away.
- Nest and Stack. Take advantage of nesting. Pack smaller items inside larger ones—like kitchen gadgets inside mixing bowls or socks inside shoes. It’s a little thing, but it adds up fast.
- Label Everything. There’s nothing worse than rifling through ten boxes to find your coffee maker. Label boxes by room, and keep the labels simple—“Kitchen Essentials” or “Bathroom Stuff” does the trick. Bonus points if you add a quick list of what’s inside.
Step 3: Unpacking With a Plan
Unpacking can feel like the final boss of moving. After the effort of packing, loading, and hauling everything to your new place, the last thing you want is to live out of boxes for weeks. But here’s the thing—how you unpack plays a big role in how comfortable and organized your new apartment feels. It’s not just about getting everything out of the box; it’s about creating a space that works for you from day one.
We get it. It’s tempting to rip open boxes and start randomly pulling things out. But trust me, unpacking without a plan can leave you feeling like you’re chasing your tail. You’ll end up shifting piles of stuff from one corner to another, and before you know it, you’re surrounded by clutter that just won’t seem to disappear. A little structure makes all the difference.
When you take it step by step, unpacking can be… dare we say… enjoyable? There’s something satisfying about turning an empty apartment into a cozy, organized space. And the best part? A thoughtful unpacking process helps you avoid the “where did I put that?” frustration.
Let’s break it down so you can settle in quickly and make the most of your new home.
- Kitchen and Bathroom First. Get your kitchen and bathroom set up before anything else. It’s easier to feel settled when you know where the plates and towels are. Plus, unpacking the rest feels less overwhelming when the basics are already handled.
- Go Vertical. Wall shelves, hanging organizers, and hooks are your new best friends. They free up floor space and help keep things off countertops and tables. A few floating shelves can make a big difference, especially in smaller bedrooms and kitchens.
- Furniture That Works Overtime. If you’re buying new furniture, look for pieces that do double duty—like beds with storage drawers underneath or coffee tables that open up. Small apartments need furniture that can multitask.
Step 4: Storage Hacks That Work
Storage always feels like it’s in short supply, no matter how big or small your new apartment is. It doesn’t take long for closets to fill up, kitchen cabinets to overflow, and random things to pile up in corners. But the good news? You probably have more storage space than you realize—you have to get a little creative.
At Alpine Moving Company, we’ve seen it all when it comes to small space living in Colorado. From downtown Denver apartments to cozy mountain cabins, we know how important it is to make the most of every nook and cranny. The trick isn’t about cramming everything in—it’s about finding smart ways to organize and stash your stuff without cluttering your place.
Think of storage like a puzzle. There are hidden spots, overlooked corners, and clever tools that can help you squeeze out every inch of space. And once you get the hang of it, organizing can be pretty satisfying (yes, really). Plus, staying on top of clutter now means you won’t have to do a massive clean-out six months later.
Here are a few simple but effective storage hacks that work—and make your apartment feel bigger and more organized.
- Under the Bed Is Prime Real Estate. Don’t waste that space under the bed. Use low-profile bins to store shoes, seasonal clothes, or extra bedding. It’s a simple way to keep clutter out of sight.
- Closet Add-Ons. Double your closet space with hanging shelves or an extra rod. A quick trip to the hardware store (or an online order) can turn a single-rod closet into a double-decker wardrobe. Slim hangers also help squeeze in more clothes without the bulk.
- Think About Corners. Corner shelves and small corner desks are great for using space you might otherwise ignore. It’s one of those small changes that can make the whole room feel more organized.
Keep It Up
Staying organized isn’t a one-and-done thing. Every couple of months, take a little time to check-in. Donate clothes you’re not wearing, toss out things that have piled up, and adjust your storage as needed.
At Alpine Moving Company, we know how important it is to feel comfortable and settled in your new home. Planning and creativity can help you create a space that feels open, organized, and right for you. We’re here for you if you ever need help with your next move—or just want some advice.
Happy unpacking!
