Moving house brings up a wide range of emotions both positive and negative; from excitement, to uncertainty and stress. The process itself can also be very draining and anyone who’s moved house knows the sense of relief that occurs when you’ve moved the last box in.
Moving into a new home might feel strange at first, especially if you’re surrounded by unpacked boxes or in an unfamiliar area. It’s important that you feel safe, settled and comfortable wherever you live and there are plenty of steps to follow to help make your new house feel like a home. If you’ve recently moved house, read on for our top tips to help you settle into your new home, from organising your space to adding some personal touches.
Unpack priority boxes first
Being surrounded by boxes and clutter can be overwhelming, but remember that you don’t have to unpack everything straight away. Start prioritising while you’re still in the packing stage; label important boxes clearly and make sure they’re placed within easy reach. These should include essentials like bedding, bathroom products, some basic kitchenware and a few home comforts, like the kid’s favourite toys and books or a cosy blanket.
Set up the bedrooms with fresh bedding, put toiletries and towels in the bathroom and unpack the kettle so you can enjoy a well earned cup of tea. Many people order takeaway for the first night in their new home, so don’t feel pressured to cook if you’re exhausted. However, some people prefer to cook a homemade meal to help them settle in, even if you’re eating off paper plates! Go for something simple that doesn’t require many pots and pans, like your favourite pasta dish or an all in one meal you can bung in the oven.
Recreate familiar sounds and smells
Smell is said to be the strongest human sense and familiar smells can instantly transport us back to a memory, favourite place or special occasion. Use familiar smells to help your new property feel like home, whether that’s a scented candle, the smell of your favourite meal or even the smell of cleaning products you always use.
Sound is important too; perhaps you had a wall clock in your old home with a comforting tick or one floorboard which always creaked. While you won’t be able to recreate the exact sounds of your old home, you can hang clocks or play your favourite song to help you feel settled and comfortable.
Stick to a regular routine
Living in a new home can be daunting, especially for young children or pets. If you’ve moved with animals or little ones, stick to your regular routine as much as possible to help make the transition easier for everyone. You might be in a new area, with children attending a new school, but you can still stick to familiar routines and traditions. Try to keep bedtimes, bathtimes and mealtimes the same and make unpacking children’s rooms a priority.
If you have family traditions (like a weekly film night), make it a priority so there’s something to look forward to. You might also want to start a tradition in your new home, like cooking a certain meal each week.
Get comfortable
Bring out comforting favourites as soon as possible to help you feel comfortable in your new home. Light some candles, play your favourite music and snuggle up with some blankets to create an instant cosy atmosphere.
Blankets, throws, rugs and cushions are an instant way to make a new home feel cosy and comfortable, even if you haven’t unpacked fully yet. Choose luxurious textures like velvet, faux fur, wool or sheepskin for even more comfort, especially if you’ve moved during the colder months. Fresh, clean bedding is also a must; get your favourite duvet set out and put the covers on as soon as you’ve moved everything in. it’s likely you’ll be too tired later on and there’s nothing better than settling into your familiar, cosy bed.
Personalised touches
It’s the little touches that really make a house a home and this applies whether you’re renting or buying. If you’re renting, this might mean that you’re not allowed to repaint or hang nails on the wall, but there’s still plenty you can do to bring personalised touches to your space.
Display favourite photographs and artwork or stick children’s drawings on the fridge. You could also add a vase of your favourite flowers, arrange your books and add personal touches to each room. Even small things like hanging your favourite mug in the kitchen or arranging your bathroom toiletries can instantly make you feel at home.
Make your home secure
Feeling safe and secure is essential if you’re trying to settle in, so consider how you can make your home more secure. If you’ve bought a property, you might want to change the locks for extra peace of mind, as you can never know how many key copies were made by the previous owners.
You could also check the windows for locks and install some if necessary, as well as an extra front door lock or chain. Many people like to add security systems too and there are plenty to choose from, including CCTV systems and motion activated outdoor lights.
Explore the area
Exploring your new neighbourhood will help you feel more settled, especially if it’s an area that you’re unfamiliar with. Don’t be afraid to reach out and join local community groups; in most cases you can do this through the local library or school if you have children. There are also plenty of groups online or via social media to help you get acquainted with the new area.
Set aside a weekend to simply walk around and get to know what’s on your doorstep. Visit local parks, find out where your nearest supermarket is and make a note of any restaurants you want to try. It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with local transport links. Find your nearest bus stop, check which routes you need and plan your journey in advance if you’re starting a new job or taking the kids to a new school.
Say hello to the neighbours
It might feel daunting to introduce yourself straight away, but becoming familiar with your neighbours is a great way to help you settle in and feel part of the community. Knock on their door one weekend or post a note through the letterbox explaining that you’ve just moved in. Most people will be glad to help make you feel welcome and they can give you a good idea of what it’s like to live in the area.
Reliable domestic removal services – from the experts at Essex Removals
If you’re ready to move into a new home, get help from the professionals at Essex Removals. With over 30 years of experience, we have all the skills and expertise you need to make the moving process as smooth and stress free as possible.
We’re proud to offer local removal services throughout Essex, as well as long distance and European removals. Our experienced team work to the highest standards and you can rely on us to manage your relocation from start to finish. We also offer a professional packing service and supplies, and safe, secure containerised storage for any overflow items. For more information about our removal services, give us a call today or request a quote via our website.
