Moving house can feel like a long process, and the chances are that you’re considering your moving day as the date when that process finally ends.
After all, by then, all of your belongings will be packed and ready for collection by a moving company like Allied Moving Services, your paperwork will be complete at last, and, by the end of the day, you’ll finally have those new keys.
But, as any relatively new homeowner will tell you, moving (and settling) is about way more than getting those technicalities out of the way. In fact, the firsts of your moving journey will continue well past moving day, but what are those firsts, and what do they entail?
Your first day: Sorting your essentials
By the time you’ve collected your keys and said goodbye to your movers, the chances are that your first day in your new home will be more like a first evening. And, considering that you’ll likely be exhausted, trying to do too much of anything isn’t the best idea. Instead, your first evening should be a time for sorting out your essentials, including doing a food shop (or just picking up a few basics), and unpacking things like toiletries, charging cables, etc. to make your first night comfortable.
Your first week: Unpacking your rooms
You’ll struggle to feel settled if you have boxes all over your new home for too long, so aim to get your things unpacked and into new places within the first week of your move. You can make this easier by packing your boxes properly, adding room labels, and having your movers drop them in the right places. Then, you’ll simply need to get to work unloading everything and making sure that all of your belongings have a brand-new place to live.
This is also the perfect time to ensure that your home is safe and secure. You can find security cameras and alarms at the Home Security Superstore. Why is it so important to act quickly when it comes to home security? Well, this is the most vulnerable time for your home. You might not know the area and someone could see a property that you’ve just moved into as a potential target. Home security measures don’t just keep your home and family safe, they also make you feel safe. This way, you can settle in comfortably.
Your first month: Decorating
Decorating is the best way to turn a new house into a home, and it’s a task that you should oversee in the first month of your move, at least in key areas like your living room and bedroom. After all, you may struggle to settle if these areas are still suited to someone else’s color scheme. So, get on top with making your mark this month, and you should soon start to feel like you’ve truly arrived.
One great idea for making your home feel more like a family home is to get some personal decorations. For example, a family crest is a great way to have some pride for your family and your home. You can find your family crest online and get it made into artwork to hang up in your home. After all, everyone’s home is their castle, so you might as well feel like you have your personal castle.
Your First Six Months: Establishing Routine Maintenance
In the first six months of living in your new home, establishing a routine for maintenance is crucial to avoid unexpected repairs and ensure the longevity of your property. This is the ideal time to check the condition of the plumbing system thoroughly. Considering pipe relining could be a wise move if you notice any signs of degradation or inefficiency. This non-invasive method can repair pipes without the need for extensive excavation, effectively minimizing disruption to your home life. Additionally, setting up seasonal maintenance checks, such as inspecting the HVAC system and cleaning the gutters, can save you from larger headaches down the road. By proactively managing these tasks, you can maintain the comfort and functionality of your home, making your adjustment to new living conditions smoother and more enjoyable.
Your first year: Renovations
While some properties will be perfectly suited as they are, many of us buy a house with renovations in mind. You probably won’t want to jump straight into these, but waiting too long could see you living in a space that simply doesn’t suit. That’s why your first year in your new home should see you implementing any major renovations, including extensions, perhaps an indoor sauna, and bathroom or kitchen makeovers. Until these things are done, the moving process will feel like it’s dragging on. Take care of them by one year in, and you’ll finally feel like you belong.
The moving process can certainly take longer than you might think, but stick to our timeline, and you’ll be calling that new house home within a year.