Moving to a new house can be hugely exciting, but it is also nerve wracking. The stress of moving aside, it can take a while for this new, unfamiliar place to start feeling like home. This period of transition is completely natural, but there are a few things you can do to speed it up.
- Unpack Right Away
The easiest way to make a new house feel like home is to see your stuff in it. That is why it is best to start unpacking as soon as possible. That said, it is best to have a strategy before jumping in. The first rooms you should unpack include the nursery and kids’ rooms and the kitchen, and it is a good idea to organize high-traffic areas such as the linen closet and entryway right away.
- Decorate!
For many people, this is the fun part. However, before you start getting carried away with ideas, take a second to think about the big picture. According to My Truck Buddy, things to consider include the overall color scheme, effective use of space, traffic flow, and storage.
If you don’t have the budget to do a full overhaul of your old decor, there are smaller changes you can make to switch things up. Small things like new throw pillows and blankets, accent wallpaper, and bold light fixtures go a long way; House Beautiful has a long list of ideas to get you started.
- Start Exploring Your Neighborhood
Getting to know a new neighborhood can often feel like a long and intimidating process. Make it easier by making a list of places to check out in your first few weeks, such as the public library, a coffee shop, or any local landmarks. You can also find cool spots and events bychecking the newspaper or even asking your landlord for ideas.
- Throw a (Small) Party
Realtor.com recommends throwing a small open house party after you move in. Your neighbors will be curious to see the place, and you’ll start feeling like a part of the community. Don’t go over the top: pick a low-key, quiet time - Sunday afternoon is perfect - and serve up some basic refreshments.
- Focus on the Rest of the Family
It can actually be useful to focus on getting the rest of your family settled since this can lead to opportunities for you. For example, many of the best ways to get kids settled, such as getting involved in local activities, networking with neighbors and other families, and joining newcomers’ groups, are also great ways for you to meet new people.
Don’t forget about your furry friend! Moving is stressful for pets, so you need to do everything you can to help them transition. For dogs, this often means spending a few days with them in the new house to make them understand they are not being abandoned and slowly introducing them to the neighborhood. A local play park can also be a good opportunity for socializing for both of you.
- Do the Paperwork
If you are moving to a different state, there may be some paperwork you have to do. For example, car insurance changes from state to state, so you may have to switch. If this is the case, you should take advantage of this chance to research the best deals for you. AutoInsurance.com has a detailed guide to car insurance 101, including local information broken down by state.
These steps help you feel comfortable in your new home, but it’s about more than that. Making the effort to turn your new house into a home is the best way to start this new phase of your life on the right foot. It forces you to engage with your community, discover your new neighborhood, and develop a bond with the house. By being proactive during these first few weeks after your move, you will find yourself happily settled in much faster.
Courtesy of Natalie Jones
Homeowner Bliss
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