So you’ve tackled moving day and have landed into your new house. As the mover’s trucks drive away, leaving behind a cloud of dust and unpacked cartons, you could be feeling a mix of emotions. Possible sadness for leaving a previous life behind but more so the excitement at what this new place has in store for you and your family. As the dust settles, this excitement may lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed in a foreign place that is supposed to feel like home but isn’t quite there yet. Adjusting to things will not just be difficult for you but also for your family and pets if you own any, and you could begin to struggle with taking proper control of the situation to ensure a smooth transition for everybody.
If you’re in this new and unpacked boat, first of all, breathe and relax. Before you dive into getting things done, take a moment to appreciate this new beginning. Next, know that settling in takes time, but you will eventually get there, and we are here to help you along the way. Here are our top tips that will help you thoroughly enjoy this phase of your moving-in journey and will help you settle in in no time.
First Things First, Make Sure The House Is Secure
Amidst the hustle-bustle of moving, remember, safety always comes first, so the first thing you need to do when you move into a new house is to make sure it is properly safe and secure. We recommend that you change the locks and keys around the house, especially those for the front door. You should seek permission from the landlord for a rental but don’t forget this as an essential step. Next, go over all the detectors and alarms around the house like the fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide ones to see if they are properly functioning and charged. If you have young children, you need to baby-proof and hazard-proof your house to avoid any potential injuries. Making these changes right from the start will help prevent bigger damage. To execute this, we recommend that you go to a website like MyJobQuote to find out the cost quotations for such projects around the house. Once you and your family feel fully safe and comfortable, this will really help you settle in and move on to the next steps.
Make An Unpacking List According To Priority Areas
What is more daunting than packing your entire house? Unpacking into a new one. You might be seeing piles and piles of unopened boxes and feel all sorts of anxiety as to where to start. To tackle this, an important step is to create a foolproof unpacking plan. Go around the house and select the areas that need to be set up on priority and create the plan based on this. For starters, you will need a place to sleep, so it is best to unpack all the boxes labeled for the bedroom. You can lay out the essentials at first and worry about decoration and aesthetics later. Do the same for your children’s rooms as well. Make sure to have the closet up and running, so that you don’t have to worry about what to wear, especially for work and school. You will also be needing food on the table, so next, turn your attention towards the kitchen and get your utensils properly placed before moving on to the bathrooms. Taking on one room at a time will help you tackle unpacking more efficiently and will not feel like too much work. Make it into a family activity because you will need all hands on deck.
Turn The House Into A Home
Once you’re done with all the main unpacking and have created a semblance of normalcy with the rooms, you have made good progress. To make yourself feel a lot more comfortable and cozy, the next step is to bring in all the elements that make a house feel like a home. To create a sense of familiarity, you can try to recreate spaces like your previous home, especially for the initial teething purposes. You could then reach out for family photos, some artwork made by your children, and your favorite decorative pieces to bring it all together. Once that is done, burn your favorite scented candles or spritz a soothing fragrance for your linens to create a calming ambiance that you and your family will need to unwind from the tiring process. Even try to do things that are part of your regular routine like cooking a favorite meal or spending quality time in the evening playing a family game. All such activities will slip you right into feeling like you’re settled into your new home.
Embrace The New Neighborhood
One of the most challenging aspects of moving is not knowing the type of people you will meet in your new neighborhood. You could be feeling like a complete outsider, and that thought is uncomfortable for just about anybody. To tackle this, we recommend that once you majorly unpack, you should put yourself out there and explore the neighborhood. Once you do that, you will have a greater sense of your surroundings. You will know where the local grocery store and the chemist are and will even explore nearby restaurants and leisure spots for you and your family. While you go about exploring, be sure to interact with the residents, especially your neighbors so that you can introduce yourself and blend in. Another great way to do this is by hosting a housewarming party and inviting the nearby neighbors. You will easily make some great new friends over food and drinks and feel a greater sense of belonging.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new home can be a daunting thought, but the experience doesn’t have to be. Take this opportunity to celebrate your new beginning and thoroughly enjoy the experience. If you follow our guide, stay organized and relax, it will only be a matter of days before you feel like you have lived there forever.
How did you find our suggestions? How do you make your house feel more like a home? Tell us in the comments below.
