You made it through the move, and now you’re in your new home, feeling a little disoriented and oddly out of place.
Changing homes is a situation full of contradictions. On one hand, it’s exciting to move up and finally choose a better neighbourhood or area for your life; on the other, it’s hard to leave behind everything you’re leaving.
Here we want to share a few tips so this new chapter, once the move is done, is easier to handle and you can truly enjoy it.
Unpack Your Things
With everything still in boxes, it’s normal to feel a bit stressed. Hunting for each item in a different box quickly becomes tedious.
Because you planned your move carefully, it will be easy to unpack each box in the right room. Planning and organisation keep paying off.
The first box you’ll open is the one with the essentials for daily life: bedding, slippers, pyjamas, toothpaste and personal toiletries.
That box had to be opened on day one. Now you’ll start, one by one, on the rest of the packed boxes.
This is when you’re grateful you took the time to list every item, in the right box, for each space in your new home.
From here, follow an organised process in the art of unpacking and setting up your new home.
Tackle one area of the house at a time. Don’t try to unpack everything in a single day. The reality is that if you do, no room will end up fully ready.
Take the time to place each piece of furniture where it belongs and, little by little, fill the spaces until each room is clean, assembled and decorated.
That way you’ll move from one room to the next, taking your time to do it with care and patience. Remember you’ll spend many years here. Let the process flow pleasantly.
Go Shopping
As you set up each room, you’ll notice a few things are missing to complete the spaces.
It’s time to get to know the shops in your area, from groceries for the kitchen to a picture or a vase for decoration.
These outings will give you fresh air and new motivation as you settle into your new home.
Plan one outing at a time. One day to the flower market, another to the furniture shop to find that side table you still need.
Groceries, vegetables and kitchen supplies will likely be an almost daily errand until you get used to the neighbourhood.
Get to Know Your Neighbourhood
Along with the idea of getting out, you can also plan a visit to the points of interest in the area where you’ll now be living.
Look up the parks, cinemas, theatres and leisure spots, and take a trip to each one.
Reading the local paper can help: you’ll find places to visit and get to know your neighbourhood a little better.
This will help you meet the people who live there and strike up a few friendships.
A Few Recommendations
Take this post-move stage with as much calm and good spirits as possible.
It’s always a little hard to adjust to life in a new place. Ask your friends and family to keep you company at weekends.
Throw an “open house” party and welcome your loved ones so you can share how you feel and get support and advice.
Take it one day at a time, without rushing your expectations or any part of the process. You won’t even notice the moment you start moving naturally around your new home.
If you have pets, bring their beds or favourite toys so they don’t suffer stress or too much separation anxiety. Remember they can’t use words to let off steam.
When children are part of this experience, you may notice that certain noises or spaces don’t feel comfortable to them.
Let them keep a soft light on and the door slightly open so they feel accompanied.
If you spot any damage to furniture or belongings while unpacking, you can contact your moving company to let them know and get help activating the relevant insurance.
You may need professional help to assemble certain equipment.
You can turn to them for advice or a recommendation of qualified professionals.
You can also drop by furniture shops, maintenance companies and general services in the area.
Ask a neighbour in advance to recommend someone they already know and trust for their good reputation.
By following these recommendations, we’re confident you’ll get through the adjustment period quickly and pleasantly.
Sooner than you think, you’ll find yourself fitting right in as one more local, surrounded by new friends and with a whole world to enjoy.
