Congratulations on your move to Massachusetts' beautiful North Shore! Whether you've just closed on a historic colonial in Newburyport, a charming cape in Amesbury, or a waterfront property on Plum Island, the excitement of settling into your new home is about to begin. But first—there's unpacking to tackle.

Moving into a new home in the Greater Newburyport area comes with its own unique considerations. From preparing for New England winters to navigating the quirks of older homes (many properties in Essex County date back centuries!), this guide will help you unpack efficiently while settling into your new North Shore community.

Before you even think about unpacking everything, locate your "Day 1" essentials box. This should contain everything you need to survive comfortably for the first 24-48 hours in your new North Shore home.

Your essentials box should include: toiletries and medications, phone and laptop chargers, basic bedding and towels, toilet paper and paper towels, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items (plates, cups, utensils), snacks and bottled water, important documents, and basic tools like scissors and a box cutter.

North Shore Tip: If you're moving during the colder months (October through April), make sure your essentials box also includes extra blankets and warm layers. New England temperatures can drop quickly, and you'll want to stay comfortable while your heating system adjusts to your preferences.

If your boxes were labeled by room during packing, this step will save you significant time and energy. As boxes come off the truck, direct them immediately to their final destinations.

Many North Shore homes—particularly the historic properties in towns like Newburyport, Ipswich, and Salem—feature unique floor plans with multiple levels, narrow staircases, and distinct room layouts. Taking an extra moment to place boxes correctly on move-in day prevents the headache of carrying heavy boxes up and down stairs later.

Pro Tip: If you're working with a local North Shore moving company, they'll likely be familiar with the architectural quirks of area homes. Don't hesitate to ask for their advice on the most efficient way to move items into your specific property.

Before unpacking boxes, get your major furniture pieces in place. Beds, sofas, dining tables, and dressers define each room's layout and are much easier to position when spaces are still empty.

Important for North Shore Homeowners: Many homes in Essex County feature hardwood floors that are original to the property—some dating back over a century. Before moving heavy furniture, consider using felt pads or furniture sliders to protect these irreplaceable floors. Local hardware stores in Newburyport, Beverly, and throughout the region carry floor protection supplies.

Hold off on assembling complex pieces like bookcases or entertainment centers until you're certain about your room layout. Focus on the essentials: beds for sleeping, a couch for resting, and your dining table for meals.

The key to efficient unpacking is focusing on one room at a time rather than bouncing between partially unpacked spaces. Prioritize the rooms you'll use most:

Kitchen

Your kitchen should be first priority. Unpack everyday dishes, glasses, basic cookware, utensils, and your coffee maker. Being able to prepare simple meals means you won't have to rely on takeout for every meal. While the North Shore has fantastic local restaurants—from seafood spots in Gloucester and Rockport to downtown Newburyport's dining scene—you'll appreciate having a functional kitchen.

Bathrooms

Set up towels, toiletries, bath mats, and shower curtains. These spaces require minimal unpacking but make a huge difference in daily comfort.

Bedrooms

Make the beds, set up nightstands with essentials (lamp, chargers, tissues), and unpack enough clothing for the next several days. A good night's sleep will give you energy to tackle the rest of your unpacking.

Local Resource: Need to grab last-minute supplies? Market Basket locations throughout the North Shore (Newburyport, Haverhill, Rowley, and more) are great for affordable household essentials. For home goods, the shopping centers in Peabody and along Route 1 offer plenty of options.

Once your main living areas are functional, turn your attention to secondary spaces: guest bedrooms, home offices, garages, basements, and outdoor areas.

Seasonal Considerations for North Shore Homes:

Moving in Fall or Winter? Prioritize your mudroom or entryway. North Shore winters mean snow, slush, and salt—having a designated space for wet boots and coats will protect your floors and keep your home cleaner. If your home has a garage, make sure you can access snow shovels and winter gear easily.

Moving in Spring or Summer? Take advantage of the beautiful weather by setting up outdoor spaces. Whether you have a deck overlooking the Merrimack River, a patio in your Boxford backyard, or beach access on Plum Island, creating an outdoor living area will help you enjoy the North Shore's best seasons.

Working From Home? Setting up your home office should be a priority. Many North Shore residents commute to Boston or work remotely—having a functional workspace from day one helps maintain productivity during your transition.

Empty boxes and packing materials accumulate quickly. Stay ahead of the clutter by breaking down boxes as you empty them and consolidating packing paper and bubble wrap in one location.

Recycling in Your North Shore Community: Most North Shore towns offer curbside recycling for cardboard. Check your new town's specific recycling guidelines—Newburyport, Amesbury, Salisbury, and other communities each have their own schedules and requirements. Many towns also host periodic bulk waste collection days that are perfect for disposing of larger packing materials.

Consider offering gently used boxes to neighbors or posting them on local community boards. With the North Shore's active real estate market, there's usually someone preparing for their own move who would appreciate free supplies.

Here's the most important advice: there's no deadline for unpacking. Give yourself permission to settle in gradually. Tackle a few boxes each day, take breaks to explore your new neighborhood, and enjoy the process of making your house a home.

As you unpack, start hanging photos and placing familiar items around your home. These personal touches help your new North Shore property feel like your home faster than any amount of rushed unpacking.

Welcome to the Neighborhood: Once you're settled, take time to explore everything your new community has to offer. From the shops and restaurants of downtown Newburyport to the beaches of Plum Island and Salisbury, the trails of Bradley Palmer State Park, and the historic charm of towns like Ipswich and Salem—you've chosen one of Massachusetts' most desirable regions to call home.

Need Help Finding Your North Shore Home?

If you're still searching for the perfect property on Massachusetts' North Shore or in Southern New Hampshire, the team at RE/MAX Bentley's is here to help. With deep expertise in communities from Newburyport to Peabody, Cape Ann to the Merrimack Valley, we'll help you find a home you'll love unpacking in.