Suggestions for Settling into your Home

It’s finally happened. After weeks (or months) of packing, purging, and preparing, you’ve finally moved into your new home. Congratulations! Now what? This can be an exciting but also daunting time, especially if you don’t have a plan of action. That’s why we put together this list of suggestions to help you settle in quickly and get everything organized. Follow these tips and you’ll be feeling right at home in no time!

Have a Plan of Attack 

Know how you will plan to unpack. Especially if you only have a few days to get settled before starting new jobs, or school, make sure you make the most of unpacking. Be methodical about it and make sure you stay on task! 

Start with the Big Stuff 

Focus on getting all the big things done first. Start with the rooms where you will spend the most time. The same goes for unpacking. Start with getting all the furniture placed before you start unloading boxes of small items to get your room setup. You can always go back and add the finishing touches later. 

Stay Organized

Keep your belongings organized while unpacking.  This will save you time and frustration later on. Create a system that works for you, whether it’s unpacking By room or by box. Whatever method you choose, make sure everything has a place. That way you can easily find what you need when you need it. 

Take it One Task at a Time 

No need to divide and conquer. Focus on one project or room at a time, and when it’s completely finished move on to the next item on your list. This will keep you from feeling like you’re being pulled in a million different directions and at the end of the night you will know exactly where you stand with your remaining to-do list.  

Create a Temporary “Dump Zone” 

As you’re unpacking you will likely find things that you aren’t sure what to do with or possibly don’t have space for in your new home. Have a designated place for those items so you can sort through them after unpacking all the necessities.  

Take Breaks

Don’t get burned out! Take a few breaks to go out and explore your new neighborhood. Try a new spot for dinner or take a walk to a local park or playground so the kids can play and you can have a moment to relax and regroup. Make your breaks purposeful and schedule them ahead of time so that you don’t spend hours on end working to get your home in order.  

Get Everything in Order 

In addition to unpacking your belongings you want to make sure that you have all of your personal things in order so that you don’t feel burdened with making more changes down the road. Plan to get everything done at once and close to your move date so you can spend time getting to know your new area and new neighbors. Make sure to do the following as a part of getting settled into your new home:

• Get to know your home (know where the circuit breakers are, where the water shut off is, test your fire alarms, and update/change locks if necessary)
• Review any documents for your HOA and any other items associated with your move and take care of any outstanding business.
• Complete a Change of Address with the Post Office
• Update billing information and Utilities
• Organize and file all your personal records in a safe place in your new home

Get Yourself Acclimated

Once all the packing is complete take time to really make your new house your home. Spend time hanging photos and personalizing your space as well as locating some of the locales that you will frequent (grocery store, post office, pharmacy, schools, restaurants, etc.) Take time to explore the area and get connected!

Get Children and Pets Acclimated  

If you have children or pets, moving can be a big adjustment for them as well. Help them to feel comfortable in their new surroundings by setting up their rooms and favorite toys as soon as possible. Try to keep their daily routines as similar to what they were before the move if possible so that they can easily adjust. With pets, it is especially important to keep their routine as similar as possible and help them to get comfortable in their new home.

Meet Your Neighbors

One of the best ways to get acclimated to your new home is to get to know your neighbors. If you’re feeling shy, host a small gathering or barbecue so that you can introduce yourself and everyone can get to know one another in a relaxed setting. You may even find that you have some things in common with them! If you have children, this is a great way to meet other families in the area that your kids can connect with.

Relax and Enjoy!

Finally, give yourself some grace as you settle into your new home. It takes time to get unpacked and organized and to feel like you’re settled in. Don’t expect everything to be perfect right away and be patient with yourself and your family as you all adjust to the new surroundings. Enjoy the process and the adventure of moving into your new home!

Are you ready to get moving? No matter where you are heading, ADSI offers both local and long distance moves. Visit our website for more information or call us at 706. 793. 0186 today.