While moving to a new house can be an exciting time for some of us, the process of moving into a new home is considered one of the most stressful common experiences you’re likely to have in your lifetime. So how do you turn your new house into a home and avoid the potential pitfalls of overwhelming stress?
Get to know the real potential pinch points and drama-causing steps involved in moving to a new home. No, it’s not just the process of organizing the move that can be a challenge, either. It’s the real possibility of spending time in an empty home that feels alien in an unknown location away from friends and family. Yeah, a total downer. A new house can feel pretty unwelcoming to those who aren’t mentally ready to take on all of the steps involved in settling into a home. So, let’s talk about some priority to-dos that will help ease the strain and help turn your house into a home.
Unpack By Priority
One way to make moving home a lot easier is to prioritize how you unpack your home. Yes, the bare essentials that are needed for a functioning bathroom like toilet paper, towels, and soap, bedding for sleep areas, and utensils and plates for eating are usually the most important for most of us, the rest can be unpacked room by room.
After you’ve unpacked the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, make a reasonable goal to set up one additional room each weekend until it’s done. If you have a full-time job and busy family, it can become overwhelming to take on more. Be patient and give yourself grace that you’ll finish setting up house soon. Rushing to get everything put away can lead to a haphazard aesthetic and if you are like me, you’ll get itchy to switch it up before much time has passed.
Get Your Furniture In Place
Furniture is usually the commander when it comes to designing a space. Some pieces are huge and can absorb a great deal of floor space and visual interest. Arrange your furniture to make sure that they have the right flow. And not all of your previously loved furnishings will slip comfortably into your new spaces. Sometimes, it’s time to move on to something that suits your current vibe and lifestyle.
When arranging furniture, always start with your big anchor pieces, like your bed, sofa, or dining table, and arrange the room around them. Focus on creating open pathways and cozy layouts rather than sticking rigidly to a floor plan. And furniture doesn’t need to be against the walls. It’s ok to place a sofa and chairs in the middle of a large room.
You may want to play around with the layout of your furniture on paper, using little scaled paper massing of the furniture on a floorpan. And, yes, you will have the space to change your mind later; helping the rooms feel complete and comfortable is the goal for now. As our life situations change and our preferences evolve, turning a house into a home is a never-ending process.
Create Immediate Comfort Zones
Unless you’ve downsized to just a few boxes, you likely won’t get all of your unpacking done in one easy-breezy session. Be realistic and create a place where you and your family can feel comfortable and cozy. For instance, create a cozy couch oasis with blankets, pillows, and ottomans.
Scented candles, a smart TV, and favorite games can also help ease the transition during a move-in. And make sure the kitchen is stocked with the healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and even, and don’t forget to indulge in your family’s favorite comfort foods to celebrate the little successes of a move. These simple comforts can have a bigger emotional impact than you might expect when your goal is to turn a house into a home.
Ensure That You’re Connected
Having your internet and TV available can help you settle in a lot quicker. It can also help ease the stress of family members, especially teens, who have a tougher time with transitions and being disconnected. With the help of services like Smart Move Cable, you can get access much sooner, perhaps even before or as soon as moving day.
That way, when you’re done with unpacking for the day, you can sit back and enjoy your favorite shows, have your first movie night, or stay connected with family members and friends. Having a reliable wireless network can also help with any security systems you’ve decided to include in the new house. And security is essential for keeping those late-night stress meltdowns in check.
Get To Know The Area
If you’re new to the area, then make sure that you take the time to get to know it. When you’re taking a break from unpacking, take a walk around the block. Drive around it at different times of day so you can get to know the vibe and find out what locals are up to. You may want to take the time to greet your neighbors as well, letting them know that you’ve moved in. Knowing those living around you is a safety concern as well as a matter of comfort.
The tips can help you get a lot more familiar with your home and the surrounding area, which in turn can help you start to see the perks of your new space all the sooner and turn your house into a home.
