Settling into a new home should be an enjoyable time and one filled with the excitement of starting a new chapter in life. Yet for many people, the experience as a whole is unnecessarily stressful and can be ruined by some things going wrong. However, there are a few small steps you can take to make it easier, such as packing a first-night box and strategic unpacking.
Begin a Purge Early On
It’s understandable to leave things until a few nights before moving, but it actually works in your best interest to get things going long before. In fact, it will help you come moving day if you begin a purge a few months earlier, by getting rid of stuff you no longer need or want. Donating or selling some stuff will reduce the costs of paying movers and packers, but will also require less work, which is pretty much what you need when you are trying to enjoy the experience.
Settling Into a New Home with a First Night Box
A survey of new movers in the UK found that 61% believe it was very stressful, and you don’t need that at what should be an exciting time in your life. To reduce some of the stress of moving, a first-night box can be a massive help, as it will contain some essentials you need:
- Add useful essentials such as toiletries, cutlery and plates, and clean bedding.
- Don’t forget about any medication you need or equipment such as asthma inhalers.
- Of course, pack your phone charger and anything you might need for work.
Label All Your Stuff
The last thing you need is a packed living room full of everything that needs to be moved again, so you can sit down and relax. It is important to label your stuff so you know to which room they belong for easier unpacking later on. This also helps any movers you have hired place your belongings into the right space, and ensures you can unpack with more ease later. However, it also means you can reduce any damage as you will know which boxes contain fragile items.
Deep Clean the New Place
A new home should be a literal fresh start, but there is a chance that you are moving into a home “as-is”. If this is the case, then the house will probably need a good clean, which will help make the transition feel more enjoyable. A deep clean of the property from top to bottom is more work, but you will thank yourself come moving day. Take special care of functional spaces such as the bathroom and kitchen, as these are critical for an enjoyable first night in a new house.
Turn on Utilities when Settling Into a New Home
In the UK alone, around 2 million households per year move to another property. That’s plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong, and one of the biggest mistakes is not connecting utilities. To settle in with ease, ensure you switch your providers to the new address before moving.
Electricity services
The main thing you will need before pretty much anything else will even work is electricity. Call your provider and arrange for them to connect your energy so it’s ready for the day you move.
Water and gas
Of course, water and gas are fundamental resources that no household can live without. Check you have these, and also get some boiler tips so you have a warm and pleasant home early on.
An Internet Connection
It’s almost impossible to get most things done without a web connection these days. For an easier time on the first night, the internet can be a massive help when you need something. Main utilities are needed for almost everything these days. Without power, gas and the internet, you might have a terrible time settling into your new home. The experience of moving is much more enjoyable with the utilities you need for modern life, and just getting basic things done.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
It can be surprising just how much work needs to be done when moving between properties, and you can underestimate it. More than moving boxes, there are safety issues, cleaning and checking utilities to consider, and that’s before dealing with the kids and pets! So, before you go trying to do everything yourself, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends and family are often happy to provide assistance with big tasks, and it’s an excuse to have a little pizza party!
Protect Your Valuables
There will be fragile items that are coming with you when you move house, and it helps to protect them. In China, expensive electronics and even important legal documents are good examples. When packing these, ensure they are inside relevant containers such as bubble wrap, newspaper or folders, and pack them in boxes with clear labels as to the contents. By taking some extra care, you can remove a lot of the potential stress of moving to a new home.
Unpack with Care when Settling Into a New Home
A survey of holidaymakers found that 60% of people hate unpacking after a trip. When moving, it can be even more of a chore, but it is necessary. However, if you don’t like unpacking, there are a few ways you can make it easier on yourself for a more enjoyable experience:
- Place boxes in the rooms they need to be in, such as the bedroom or bathroom.
- Organise boxes and other containers within the space and by importance.
- Unpack in each room individually, starting with the things you need immediately.
Take Your Time and Enjoy the Experience
Although many people claim the experience can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. With some extra care and effort, it is possible to remove most of the pressure of moving between houses. It should be an exciting time, and it will be if you think of it as a new chapter in your life. Giving yourself permission to enjoy the move will help you get a great first night’s sleep in your new home, so you wake up the next day refreshed and prepared for the beginning of a fresh start.
Summary
Getting rid of items you don’t need a few months before moving will help when settling into a new home and can remove a lot of the stress. It also helps to ensure utilities are connected, and remember to take your time and enjoy the experience of moving for a fresh new chapter in life.
Feature image from Freepik.
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