Welcome home! You’ve made it through this monumental journey of finding your dream house, and now it’s time to make it feel more like home. Whether you’ve moved halfway across the nation or just migrated into a new building, settling in is your time to unwind and relax. Here are a few ways to make the transition into a new space as seamless as possible.
Request a Change of Address
Changing your address is an essential part of moving. While it may be pretty self-explanatory, this part can often be missed. Ideally, you should have changed your address about a week before moving. In case you didn’t, do it now! It’s straightforward and can be handled online or in person. Head to the United States Postal Service (USPS) website, search for change of address, and follow the prompts; that way, you won’t be stressing out on any missed mail.
Clean Before Unpacking
We buy houses in Daytona Beach
Whether it’s a new build or an older property, some homes may need a little extra dusting and mopping. Hopefully, the previous owner or contractor has already hired someone to clean the house but plan to clean it before moving in if that’s not the case. While it’s tempting to want to unpack right away, make it a priority to deep clean the entire home first. Try to imagine the amount of foot traffic that’s been in and out of your new house, especially for those with carpets. Look into renting a carpet cleaner, which can often be found at most local grocery stores. They are an inexpensive way to ensure your carpets aren’t holding on to any dirt, bacteria, or pet dander. Hiring a professional cleaning company is also a great option.
Unpack One Room at a Time
Once the movers have arrived at your new place and unloaded your belongings, pick a room to start unpacking. While it may be your goal to finish the entire home in a day, try to be realistic. It’s okay to break down the process room by room and day by day. Take your time as not to get too overwhelmed. Remember, settling in should be as stress-free as possible. Unpack the quarters you will frequently be using first, like the primary bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Make it a priority to tackle your bedroom first because getting a good night’s sleep will help relieve any leftover moving stress.
Next up should be your kitchen. To some, this the heart of the home, where family meals can be made together. Unpack the kitchen to reduce the amount of money you spend on eating out. Once the kitchen is unpacked, you’ll be able to grab a few groceries and start fixing meals. If your kitchen has a lot of cabinets, pick up some cabinet liners to preserve their lifespan and prevent added moisture and stains. They are great for easy cleanup against dust, leaks, and crumbs.
Bathrooms can come next. While you don’t have to unpack the entire bathroom, ensure you have the essentials like soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. If you’re moving into an older home, look into replacing toilet seats and adding toilet cleaner tablets to get rid of any lingering smells. For the showers, hanging eucalyptus around the showerhead is a great way to bring a relaxing spa feel to your bathroom. As you get settled in your new home, double-check the attic, basement, and crawl spaces to ensure the previous owners didn’t leave anything behind.
Make the Kids Feel at Home
Getting your kids used to their new home is a part of settling into your new space. While it may have been a stressful process for yourself, it may be just as overwhelming for them. Let their new room become their sanctuary. Consider letting them help out with the decorations, everything from paint color, new furniture, comforter sets, and more, depending on how old they are. Many younger kids would love a theme-style room. Whether it be superheroes, animals, fairytales, you name it. The possibilities are nearly endless. First-night jitters may arise, and if they do, have some of their favorite toys or stuffed animals nearby. Nightlights in the room and the hallways leading up to their bathroom are excellent ways to add an extra layer of comfort for toddlers and younger children. Lastly, make sure your kids are surrounded by things that bring them joy and, of course, love and support.
Relax, Unwind, and Get Back to Your Routine
The last bit of advice should be the easiest, and that’s to get back to your everyday routine. Some people enjoy finding a new rhythm, but that’s entirely up to you. Take some time to get used to your new surroundings, filling your space with things that bring you joy. Whether decorating your rooms with unique plants, colorful rugs, or decorative pillows, your new house should be your sanctuary, so making it feel and look like home is all a part of the fun. Set some time to unwind because you deserve it!