You’ve done it! You bought a new home and you’re ready to move in. Especially if you’re a first time home buyer, this is a huge milestone and it can be really exciting. We bet that you want to make this transition into this new house as stress free as possible. This whole process can be really overwhelming, and packing and moving can add to that stress. There are several things that you can do to help you settle into a new home.
We’ve compiled an easy list to help you handle this process without the additional stress and worry.
10 Easy Ways To Settle Into A New Home With No Stress
We hope these tips will help you pack, move, and settle into a new home a little bit easier.
Before You Move Into The New Space
Before the official moving day, there are a couple things you should do to make the big day easier for you and your family.
1. Transfer Utilities and Change Your Address
Before you even get into the new house, make sure that all your utilities will be transferred over for the day of your move in. You don’t want to walk into a cold house and find the electricity isn’t on on your moving day. Electricity gas, water, cable, internet, and phone can all be set up beforehand to make the transition smoother. Most of these services can be set up online with just a few quick clicks.
Next, visit your local post office or go to the USPS website to fill out an official change of address form. Notify your banks and credit card companies that your address has changed.
2. Get Your Locks Changed
You never know who could have a copy of your new home’s key, so have a locksmith change all the locks before you move in. It will give you peace of mind knowing that only you have the new key. Change garage opener codes if applicable as well.
3. Organize Your Packing With Labels
We think that having a packing and unpacking process planned out first will help make everything easier. Box up your items by room and label each box according to those rooms. That way, you know exactly where to put things when you start the moving process. Having clear and detailed labels for everything will make unpacking a lot faster and keep things organized.
4. Pack Overnight Bags and Essentials
The last thing we recommend before moving day is to pack an overnight back with some of your essentials. That way you and your family don’t have to go digging around for things in the craziness of moving.
This could also include the coffee pot, mugs, and breakfast supplies for the first morning after, and we suggest paper plates and utensils for the first day or two until you settle in.
Moving Day Checklist
5. Unpack The Kid’s Rooms First
We often don’t think right away about the toll moving can have on our children. We suggest packing up their room last when you move, and unpacking it first. That way they have a safe place with all of their things to hide away in while you unpack the rest of the house. It’s also important to let them help if they want. Keeping them involved will give them a sense of pride for their new house and help them feel more at home.
In addition, your pets might have a hard time adjusting. Let them sniff the space and get a feel for the yard before moving all the stuff in. Give them a safe and quiet place surrounded by their favorite toys and their bed to help them feel more at home, and try to keep them in a safe place while you’re arranging the furniture and in and out of the house. You don’t want them getting hurt or running out during your move. Make sure to give them, and your kids, plenty of love and attention and make sure they feel safe.
6. Tackle The Big Things Before The Little Things
After you get the kids and your pets settled, another tip to help you settle into a new home is to tackle the big things first. Unload the heaviest furniture you have and set it up. Arrange your couches, the beds, large cabinets and entertainment systems, whatever is the biggest, get it out of the way. You’ll love having a place to sit and rest, and getting the largest boxes out of the way will make it a little easier to set up everything else.
7. Create A Catch All Space
Is there a space in your new home that you can designate as a catch all space? If you have miscellaneous boxes that you aren’t sure what to do with yet, create an organized chaos in this space. It will help keep these things out of the way as you start putting things together. This could be a dining room, spare office, or a garage, whatever space you have to help you stay organized.
First Week Of The Move
8. Decorate Slowly
Don’t get caught up in hanging up all your pictures and arranging your home decor right away. Take your time and evaluate the space. Your new home is different from your last, and you might change your mind once everything comes together. Keep all your decor together, and get the essentials put away first.
9. Explore The Neighborhood
Taking a little time to explore your new neighborhood with your family can help ease the stress of the move. Take a walk and learn about your new area, try new restaurants, find the closest park, just explore! Familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings will help you feel more at home.
10. Throw A Housewarming Party
We think one of the best ways to make your new house feel like a home is to throw a housewarming party. Maybe not the first week, but give yourself and your family something to look forward to after the stress of moving. You picked a beautiful new house, and you should show it off. If you’re a first time home buyer, this is likely the biggest purchase you’ve ever made, and your family and friends will want to celebrate with you. A party is a good excuse to relax and enjoy your new space.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, we want you to be able to settle into a new home with ease. If you’re in the process of buying a new home, or are starting to think about it, let the real estate experts at Harbor Realty help you! Whether you’re buying or just looking to rent, these tips will hopefully help make this new space a warm and welcoming home.
Reach out to us today and let us help with all of your real estate needs.
