Moving into a new home is more than just unpacking boxes—it’s the perfect opportunity to reimagine how you want to live. I recently teamed up with Wise Move, a platform that helps Canadians find and book trusted local moving companies all in one place. With Montreal as one of their key service areas, Wise Move simplifies the process of hiring reliable movers so you can focus on the fun part: turning your new space into a home.
In this post, we’re combining moving-day logistics with interior design insight to help you approach your move with intention and ease. Whether you’re settling into a new apartment or a forever home, we’ll guide you through packing, planning, and decorating with a designer’s mindset—so every box you open brings you closer to a space that truly reflects you.
Unpacking Your New Home with an Interior Design Mindset
Welcome home! Moving into a new home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to pull the space together. But what if every unpacked box could be a design opportunity? That’s the beauty of treating your move as a mini interior-design project. Your house becomes a home that lives well, and we’re here to guide you along the way.
Plan your move with design in mind
Before you even start packing, think about how you want your new space to look and feel. This is where Wish Decor’s Virtual Room Design can help, especially if you feel overwhelmed about where to start.
This service will guide you with layouts, sourcing recommendations, and a clear vision of your home so you can settle in beautifully. Our collaborative virtual design approach eliminates the stress by giving you the support, creativity and expert guidance you need to create a home that is specially tailored to you.
What you can do:
● Identify your hero pieces (sofa, artwork, rugs) you want to prioritize in your new space.
● Take measurements of your new rooms and existing furniture.
● Create a simple mood board with colors, textures, and inspiration images.
● Consider how each room will function in your daily life.
Designer Niki’s Tip: “The best time to plan your new space is before you move in. It’s a fresh start, and by aligning your unpacking with your vision, you avoid clutter and create a home that feels intentional from the start.”
Choose reliable movers to reduce stress
Using a reliable, well-reviewed moving company helps protect your belongings and takes unnecessary stress out of your move. If you’re moving in Montreal, consider these trusted Montreal moving companies to simplify your move.
Tips to help you book the right moving team for the job:
● Research and compare movers early to avoid last-minute booking.
● Look for companies with positive reviews and experience handling delicate items like artwork and furniture.
● Confirm insurance and policies on protecting your items during the move.
Linda from Wise Move’s tip: “Booking professional movers helps reduce damages, delays, and overwhelm, allowing you to focus on designing your new home instead of dealing with logistics.”
Pack strategically to make unpacking easier
How you pack directly impacts how easily you can set up your new home with intention and ease.
● Label boxes clearly by room and priority so you can set up the most-used spaces first, like your bedroom, kitchen, and living room.
● Be specific with your labeling. Instead of writing ‘Kitchen,’ label boxes as ‘Kitchen – Cutlery’ or ‘Kitchen – Pots & Pans’ so you know exactly where to find what you need without rummaging.
● Use clear bins for high-priority essentials so you can quickly see what’s inside and grab what you need during the first few days.
● Pack an ‘Open First’ box with items like your coffee maker, chargers, toiletries, comfortable clothes, and first-night linens to make your first night feel settled and stress-free.
● Keep artwork and decor items together so you can add personality to your new space early on, making it feel like home even while you continue to unpack.
Packing thoughtfully means you’ll spend less time searching for essentials and more time creating a home that feels intentional and welcoming from the start.
Unpack with an interior design mindset
Once you’ve moved in, resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Instead, approach unpacking like styling a space.
Start with your living room. It’s the social heart of your home and often sets the design tone for the rest of the space. Position your sofa, key furniture, and lighting first, then add rugs and art.
Keep your mood board handy to guide decisions and maintain a cohesive look.
As you unpack, experiment with layouts that suit your lifestyle rather than defaulting to your old arrangements. Consider how you move through the space, where the natural light falls, and how your furniture can support your daily routines.
Edit as you go by asking:
● Does this item belong in this space?
● Does it reflect who I am and how I want to live?
● Is it useful, beautiful, or both?
Designer Niki’s tip: “Start with anchor pieces that you love and build around them. Don’t rush to fill every corner; allow your space to evolve with you.”
If you notice gaps while unpacking, like needing a rug to ground your living room or a lamp to brighten a reading nook, our Virtual Room Design services can help source the right pieces to complete your space in a way that aligns with your aesthetic and budget.
Layer in personality and warmth
Once your essentials are placed, it’s time to bring your home to life with the finishing touches that reflect your personality.
● Add lighting for warmth and character. A mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and accent lighting creates a layered glow and highlights different zones within your space.
● Style shelves with books, vases, and personal objects. Arrange items in groups of odd numbers and vary heights for visual interest. Don’t be afraid to leave some empty space to let special pieces stand out.
● Bring in plants for life and texture. Whether it’s a statement fiddle-leaf fig or a few trailing pothos, greenery softens your space while adding freshness and movement.
● Use textiles to soften and complete the space. Rugs help define areas and add warmth underfoot, while throws and pillows introduce texture and color. These small details can pull your design together, making your new home feel cohesive and lived-in.
Remember, it’s these layers that transform a functional space into a welcoming, personal retreat you love coming home to.
Celebrate your new chapter
Moving is a big milestone and you deserve to celebrate the effort it takes to create a home that feels like you. Don’t rush through this moment.
● Play your favorite playlist while unpacking to keep the energy up and make the process enjoyable.
● Invite a friend for a styling session. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can help you see new possibilities for furniture placement or styling, making the experience more fun and collaborative.
● Take progress photos to celebrate how far you’ve come. These snapshots remind you of the transformation and can inspire you to continue refining your space over time.
Allow yourself to pause, appreciate, and enjoy the journey of making your new house a home, one intentional layer at a time.
At Wish Decor, whether in-person or virtually, we believe every move is an opportunity to create a home that feels like you. By approaching unpacking with an interior design mindset, you can transform your new space into a place that supports your lifestyle and reflects your personality from day one.
Ready to start your design journey in your new home? Book your Virtual Room Design consultation here and let’s create a space that feels right for you.