How to Feel Settled in Your New Home
When you move into a new home, tackling your never-ending checklist of things to do can seem like an impossible feat. Between setting up utilities, unpacking stacks of boxes and getting to know the area, settling in to your new home may be the last thing on your mind. To help you get used to the area and feel settled in your new home as quickly as possible, follow these 8 tips.
1. Check Your Home’s Safety Features
One of the most commonly overlooked steps taken upon moving into a new home is reviewing the safety features. If you’re not the first owner of the property, change the outside locks and garage keypad codes as soon as you move in. You’ll also want to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working. By taking these necessary steps, you’ll be ensuring your family’s safety and in turn help everyone to feel comfortable in their new home.
2. Do a Quick Clean
Even if your home was cleaned before you moved in, a lot of people like to start with a clean slate and do one quick sweep themselves. Make sure you have a few cleaning essentials, like disinfectant wipes and a broom on hand so you can start things on a fresh note.
3. Unpack the Essentials
If you’re all moved in early in the day, start by organizing your boxes and furniture in the rooms in which they will go. If you packed with a number system, it should be an easy task to move everything into its appropriate room. If you’ve moved in later on in the afternoon/night, you’ll want to tackle unpacking your essential boxes before you call it a night. Get the bedrooms set up first and unpack children’s toys to keep them company while you unload everything. Next, unpack kitchen essentials like coffee makers, frying pans, plates, mugs and utensils. Lastly, unpack a few bathroom necessities so that you can have them on hand.
4. Deal with Any Necessary Paperwork
In the first few days in your apartment, you’ll want to fill out a change of address form by visiting your local post office or going online. You’ll also want to do this for any companies that send you monthly bills, like your bank, phone company, etc.
5. Transfer Your Utilities
Change your electric, gas, water, phone and Internet services to your new address or set up new accounts if you’re in a new area. Once you have these necessities settled, your home will start feeling more and more your own.
6. Unpack Your Boxes
While it’s easy to unpack everyday essentials, it’s a lot harder to get the motivation to tackle those decorative boxes with items like picture frames, books and other items you don’t use on a daily basis. By setting aside a specified time each night or week to unpack them, you’ll hold yourself accountable and will in turn be making your home more familiar.
7. Map Out the Area
Once you start establishing a routine, you’ll start to feel more at home in your new space. Map out your area and pick a few local coffee shops, parks, grocery stores, gyms and restaurants and make it a point to check them out. Before you know it, you’ll start to become a local at these places.
8. Get to Know Your Neighbors
You may want to consider holding a small housewarming party and invite your neighbors. A party is the perfect way for you and your family to make friends and meet the people in your neighborhood.
