Your Big Move: How to Get Comfortable in Your New Home

Moving into a new home can be exciting and challenging in equal measure, with lots of hard work to do before you can start to feel settled in. Yet, settling in is the most important part, especially if you have a family that needs to get comfortable and acclimated quickly to function. Settling in easily actually starts before the move even occurs since it takes some good planning to stay organized throughout the process. However, it doesn’t have to take a ton of time or money to make your new house into a home; there are several simple things you can do to get settled in quickly and easily.

Starting with a good plan will help you and your family members feel at home right away, so sit down and think about everything that needs to be done. Make a list of tasks and check them off as you go so that nothing gets overlooked. It should include both big and small things, like changing your address with the post office, hiring the movers, and getting photos of the rooms in the new house so you can begin planning for where furniture and decor will go.

Secure the Home

Your family will feel more comfortable and safe if you check on safety features before you move in. This will ensure that your belongings are well taken care of once moving begins, and it will also give you peace of mind after you’re settled in. The first few nights in a new home can be tense simply because you’re not used to the “house sounds” that occur at night, and it can be hard for children to relax and settle in for this reason as well. Knowing that the doors and windows are secure and security systems are armed can help everyone rest easy.

Unpack the Details First

There will be plenty of time to arrange the furniture the way you want it, so start with the details first. It’s often these smaller things — flatware, dishes, and closet items — that go overlooked for the first few days after a move, and they are always the ones you need the most. Unpack clothing, get all the closets organized, and then do the kitchen cabinets, drawers, and pantry. The big items — furniture and beds — won’t take much time to set up, so save them later.

Help Your Pet Get Acclimated

Helping your pet get acclimated to the new house can take some time, but there are a few things you can do to help the process along. Be sure to bring his favorite items and place these in a similar spot to where they were in the old house. On his first visit, bring treats and give him one periodically while he explores so he’ll have a positive association with the space. It’s also important to make sure your pet’s space is free of clutter to help keep down his anxiety — clutter can cause spikes in stress for everyone in the household!

Plan from the Beginning

Having a good unpacking plan from the get-go starts with packing smart. This means labeling each box neatly, keeping like items together, and knowing where you want most of your items to go in the new house. Look at photos of the rooms before the move and get an idea of the best spots for furniture and pictures or artwork to cut down on unpacking time.

A move can take a lot of time and energy, but it doesn’t have to be stressful when it comes to getting your family settled in. With a good plan, you and your loved ones will feel at home in no time and can start enjoying your new place.

Written by Natalie Jones for leaf & lake design. If you read this article and need help decorating or organizing your home, see my decorating services.

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