Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by Kari-Ann Ryan
Moving into a new home is an exciting journey, but the exhilaration wears off after the movers leave the last moving box. Getting settled is an adventure all its own. New homeowners will find the following strategies helpful for getting acquainted with a new home.
1. Unpack Quickly
One of the most effective ways to settle in quickly after a move is to unpack all the boxes. Tiring as it is, unpacking each and every box takes homeowners one step closer to feeling like their new place is home. So take care of the unpacking as soon as possible.
Settling in means not having random moving boxes laying around. The boxes not only delay the feeling of settling in but create a mess. Take the first day or two to unpack the most important items first, like the kitchen dinnerware that will be used immediately.
It helps to have packed each box according to the room. By packing according to where the goods will go in each room in the new home (ie, designating specific boxes for the bedroom, kitchen, office and family room), unpacking is quicker and less exhausting.
2. Add Personal Touches
While unpacking, pull out the photos and artwork that have been carefully wrapped up. Hang them on the walls to add personal touches to the new space. Hang up the frilly curtains or the velvet drapes. Home starts to feel like home once these knickknacks find their place.
Begin to lightly decorate the space, such as by painting the interior walls. Prior to making changes to the outside areas of the home, check with the HOA; they may have rules and regulations about the exterior of the property that all homeowners must follow.
3. Meet the Neighbors
Friendly neighbors can be helpful in times of need—and it’s easier to receive their help when they are familiar. Upon moving into the new home, get acquainted with the neighbors next door. Consider leaving a note or card to make introductions to other neighbors nearby.
By talking to the neighbors, emotional bonds are formed. The strength of these bonds fosters a true sense of belonging within the community. Getting to know the neighbors and community members can lead to building an important support network in the new area.
4. Explore the Neighborhood
Look for opportunities to get to know the community. Local fairs and events are great places to become familiarized with the new surroundings and feel like a part of them. Visit area cafés, the gym, or the corner bakery. Families can spend time with the kids in the park.
By participating in the wider community, new faces will start to become familiar. Pinpoint favorite routes via car, too. Homeowners can find their way around with GPS at first; but by taking a few wrong turns and getting intentionally lost, homeowners may discover charming destinations.
5. Make a Bucket List
Any new place is bound to offer numerous opportunities for fun and adventure. Prior to moving in or just afterward, research all the places that sound exciting. Write down the events that even remotely pique an interest. Families with children should include them in the research, too.
A list of things to do can open a homeowner’s eyes to all the possibilities the new neighborhood has to offer. The bucket list provides a host of activities to look forward to. It also helps homeowners experience more in their new area.
6. Settle into a Routine
Establishing a routine helps new homeowners get used to being in their new place. A new routine is likely, but try to incorporate as much of the old routine as possible. Get into the rhythm of doing the usual things—and settling in becomes a breeze.
Homeowners who embrace a routine show themselves that the transition to the new place is temporary. Routine helps them feel that the new home is a normal part of life. Minimize the transition time and reduce the stresses involved in the move by implementing a usual routine.
7. Throw a Housewarming Party
Moving into a new home is the beginning of another chapter in life, one that deserves a celebration. A housewarming party is the ideal way to celebrate and get to know the neighbors. Young homeowners may serve beer and pizza, while mature homeowners may opt for dinner and drinks.
Schedule the party for a time when all the moving boxes are unpacked and the home is clean, ready to receive guests. At the party, show off the beautiful aspects of the home to friends and family. Take this time to unwind and relax with loved ones.
Settling in as soon as possible after moving can be accomplished by following the abovementioned tactics. It also helps to utilize the services of a dependable residential mover, like Mid-West Moving & Storage, to minimize the stresses of moving and make settling in faster.
Our move specialists are available to help you plan all aspects of the local move, including the layout of furniture and appliances. If you need help with packing or unpacking, our trustworthy moving crews are available to provide these services. Our movers are licensed, bonded, and background checked.
Your household possessions receive the utmost care during handling. We use hardwood floor runners, railing covers, carpet shields, stretch wrapping and door jambs to protect the property at the origin and destination. Fragile items are safeguarded and any sensitive documents remain secure.
Throughout the move, we provide regular updates so that you are aware of the location of your property at all times. As highly rated professional movers, we’ve moved countless satisfied families to and from condos, townhomes, family homes, dorms, and apartments.
When you seek a reputable mover who delivers excellent customer service and remains within budget, choose Mid-West Moving & Storage. Our decades of industry experience ensure you’ll have a move that is as stress-free as possible.
Call our Chicago, Illinois, location today at 847.593.7201 or fill out a form online and request your free moving quote.
