Congratulations, you’ve just moved into a new house! Now that you’ve signed all the paperwork and popped the “welcome home” champagne – what’s next? Here’s a handy moving checklist, so you don’t forget the first nine things you should do in your new home.
9. Clean
Before you move all of your things into your new home, give the place a deep cleaning. If you tackle this task while your house is still empty, you’ll be able to get at the floors, baseboards, and windows without having to move furniture, rugs, or curtains. Scrub inside of drawers or cupboards, wipe down shelves, and clean the fridge and freezer. Running an empty load in your washing machine and dishwasher will also ensure everything is clean and functional.
8. Write Down Some Ideas
Do a walk-through of your new home and take down some notes – things you want to renovate or that need maintenance. For example, if you want to make your house more energy efficient or if you want to install a new bathtub, write down those ideas so that you can remember exactly what you want to do. Making a list can also help you prioritize projects and decide what needs to be done down the line.
7. Organize and Unpack
Before you attempt to unpack everything at once, start with what’s necessary –clothes, towels, bed linens, and toiletries. This way, you can organize as you go instead of being overwhelmed with objects that need to be put away. Unloading boxes in the rooms where their contents will be unpacked is another great way to stay organized (and it will also save you from having to lug heavy boxes around the house). Even though not everything will be unpacked, you’ll know it’s all in its place.
6. Set Up Your Bed
It may seem simple, but setting up your sleep situation can make a world of difference after a long day of moving and unpacking. If your bed is already set up and ready when you’re ready to break from unpacking, you can crash at the end of the day. Make sure your bed sheets are unpacked and your bed is set up before you get to work with everything else. You’ll thank us later.
5. Work One Room at a Time
After you’ve put all your moving boxes and furniture in the appropriate rooms, manage your time by starting with one room and focusing on completing it as much as possible before moving on to the next. You don’t need to hang all of your art or have everything in perfect order right away, but clearing boxes and having everything arranged close to where it’s going will make things much easier. The sooner all of those boxes are out of sight, the better.
4. Keep The Volume Low
You just moved in; the last thing you want to do is to annoy the neighborhood by making a lot of noise. Keep the volume low when you move into your new home and resist the urge to crank up that newly arranged stereo system or start hammering into walls — especially at night and if your neighbors are in close proximity. You want to give a good first impression, so be as respectful as you can in regard to making noise.
3. Meet The Neighbors
Speaking of those neighbors, one of the best things to do to make a good first impression is to introduce yourself and your family. These are the people you’ll be living next to for the foreseeable future, so it’s important to get to know them (even if it’s just to learn names). Take a walk around your new neighborhood, and you’re bound to run into a few people out and about. Getting to know your neighbors will quickly help make your new place feel like home.
2. Get Groceries
It goes without saying that food is important, but especially when you’ve been working up an appetite moving and unpacking all day. You’re going to be hungry, so having a stocked fridge and full cupboards is a necessity. You’ll also have the chance to check out your local grocery stores and markets, and your place will feel homier with food in it. While you’re out, grab some paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, trash bags, and other conveniences you’ll need at home.
1.Get Some Sleep
Your bed is made, your stuff is organized, you have eggs in the fridge for breakfast – now it’s time to get some sleep. You’ve likely had a long day, and the best thing to do on that first day in the new house is to get a good night’s rest. You’ll be ready to tackle whatever is left to do tomorrow and you’ll wake up feeling happy and well rested in your new home!