Not Sure What to Do - Unpack It All or Leave It in the Boxes???

Updated on February 28, 2011
S.B. asks from Keller, TX
15 answers

So we planned on putting our house on the market. I have been cleaning and packing like mad. Scrubbing and repairing, repainting - the works. We were approached by someone who is interested in buying our house, but needs some time to get their financing situated. Originally, we were going to go ahead and put the house on the market. Well, unfortunately our situation changed and we no longer HAVE to sell. So the house never made it on the market. We have contemplated moving before,because more space would be a nice luxury. We were approached again by the interested party. And they still need time for financing. So we told them once their financing was situated, IF we found the PERFECT house, we would sell to them (yay, no real estate agent charges). They said they need 4 to 6 months. We absolutely know they are serious and committed. We are 90% certain the deal will go through. So since it will be 4-6 months, the hubby wants me to unpack everything except what was hanging on the walls. I have this place pretty well staged already. The idea of unpacking all that I spent hours packing, only to pack it all up again is a nightmare. We have all the necessities...we can live without all the stuff that is packed. My husband has been very helpful with repairs and cleaning, but he hasn't packed ANYTHING up, so I don't think he realizes how much time was spent on this chore. So what would you do...deal with it for 4-6 months or unpack it all and repack in 4-6 months??

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So What Happened?

Thanks ladies!! Talked to the hubby and the truth comes out. :) We have everything stored in the garage. It's getting warmer. My very avid kayaker can't get to his kayak which is hanging from the ceiling of the garage. So we will compromise. It won't get unpacked, but we will move more of it to our storage area or stack it in the closets, so he can get to the boat. Geesh...he should have just mentioned that in the first place!

and p.s. He's agreed to do the heavy lifting and labor since I packed it away once already. :)

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L.S.

answers from Spokane on

I would NOT unpack everything. If there's stuff you find you need that's packed away, then get *that* item - otherwise leave it!

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J.R.

answers from Miami on

Will you be more stressed looking at the boxes and thinking what a mess my house looks? or will you be more stressed looking at a decorated house and thinking about the future packing?

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S.H.

answers from Spokane on

I totally agree. There's no way I would unpack everything only to repack it again soon.

1 mom found this helpful

M.D.

answers from Dallas on

I'm with you, I would keep it packed... tell hubby anything he unpacks then he is responsible for repacking... it may work...LOL

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R.H.

answers from Dallas on

Yeah, no.
If the boxes are labeled well, I would totally keep them packed and "camp" at home for a time. If you need something that's in a box, get it then, but otherwise why get it all out?
If the boxes aren't labeled well, I would go ahead and do that while your memory is fresh. It will make it easier on you whether you guys move soon or not!
For seven months we lived in a condo while getting the house where we live now. It gave us a greater sense of what we really need vs. want -- perhaps your husband fears you will see how nice it can be to live more simply & he doesn't want to? ;) ha jk

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P.F.

answers from Dallas on

I would rent a storage facility and put all the packed boxes in it. Enjoy living clutter free for a while! Then when you do sell your house, you are that much closer to being completely pack and ready to go! Plus you will be able to see what you really didn't need and can have one awesome garage sale!!

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K.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Ugh! I hate packing and unpacking! So much so that we hired the pros to do it during our last move. Plus, do you know how FAST 4 - 6 months goes?! We've been in this house for 2 YEARS and still haven't unpacked everything. Tell your hubby that you have no problem unpacking and re-packing as long as HE unpacks and the professionals re-pack. You've already had your turn doing that thankless job!

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L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Here is what you say to him "You know what sweety? As much as I wouldn't mind unpacking everything I just as much dread the thought of packing it all up again. With that said, if you feel you must have everything unpacked then by all means go right ahead, but I'll be off getting a pedicure, hair color, waxing, (insert whatever it is you like to do alone) when it's time to pack it all up again. Your choice."
Make sure you say it all with the biggest smile!

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I wouldn't unpack all that stuff--no way. Especially not if you have what you'll need. 4-6 months will FLY by!

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R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

I would not unpack the boxes-if you feel the house is well staged for sale-then by all means the personal items you have already packed that are not needed-you know-the ones that did not jump into the boxes-I would leave them alone.

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

That happened to us and I packed everything but 3 forks, 3 spoons, 3 plates, and 3 glasses. We knew we were moving and I was THE packer, so it stayed that way. They asked if we were going to unpack and I said, "Go Ahead!" The boxes stayed until we moved!

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K.M.

answers from Chicago on

leave it ... have the items that you know may come up as needs in the next few months available but not out if you do not need them. You do not want to unpack all of that again it is just crazy talk.

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A.S.

answers from Clarksville on

If there was anything I new I would use in the next 4-6 months, I would just unpack that one box. But I wouldn't do all the boxes since I would be moving again soon. I would store all the boxes in a room that I rarely used/ not all my guest could see when coming into my home. All the boxes everywhere would drive me crazy.

1 mom found this helpful

C.W.

answers from Lynchburg on

Dear SB-

I agree...do NOT unpack!! And...in 4 to 6 months when you do move to that bigger house...consider a yard sale for all those things you haven't needed!

Imagine...more space...less "stuff"...and some extra $$ to do something special in your new home!

Best Luck!
Michele/cat

1 mom found this helpful
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K.N.

answers from Harrisburg on

I would maybe unpack some items, but definitely NOT everything....what's the point?
I have my house on the market now and we just received an offer...we plan to build, so our new house will not be ready for about 5-6 mos, and I intend to start to packing away things that are not used often (such as extra linens, beach towels, photo albums etc).
Good luck!!! You're lucky you won't have to pay a realtor's commission!!!

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