Settling In: How to Make Your New House Into a Home

Moving into a new home can be overwhelming in the beginning, simply because there’s so much to do. Especially true when you have a family, it can be a bit stressful trying to unpack and get every room set up the way you want it, and it won’t feel like a home until everything is done. In fact, having several half-unpacked boxes and clutter sitting around for weeks can be detrimental to your mental health, making it harder to concentrate and even triggering symptoms of anxiety. This can leave you feeling tired and can make the job at hand seem like too much to handle.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to settle in quickly and make your new house feel more like a home. The key is to start with a well-thought-out plan; write it down so that nothing gets left out, and use the list as a guide to help you get through the first weeks in your home. Rather than leaving things half-finished, try to complete them as soon as possible. This will be easier if you have photos of your new home before the move so that you can visualize where you want photos and furniture to go, so planning early is key.

Keep reading for some great tips on how to make your new house feel more like home.

Take Care of the Details

One of the easiest ways to make a new house feel like a home is to take care of the details first. This means changing your address with the post office, finding out when trash day is, introducing yourself to the neighbors, and getting a feel for the community as a whole. When possible, drive around the neighborhood and get familiar with everything before the move; this way, you’ll know exactly where to go when you need groceries or want to pick up a meal.

Clean Thoroughly

As you sweep, dust, and wipe down (Clorox has a great list of how-to guides to get you started), remember that the air in your new home may need a little love too. Even if it’s a newer house, the HVAC system may need cleaning (which can help decrease odors), or the filter may need to be changed. An electrostatic air filter will remove pollen, dust mites, mold, and bacteria from the air you and your family breathe, allowing you to stay healthy and prevent allergens from creeping in. A high MERV rating means the filter traps a high percentage of particles, so keep that number in mind when switching it out.

Plan Ahead

Having a good idea of where you want to hang pictures and place furniture will help you get those things done quickly, which can help make your new place feel like home right away. While unpacking, try to focus on what you need first, and get rid of boxes once you’ve finished with them. This will prevent you from having several areas that are only half-finished, which can lead to anxiety and even depression.

One quick and efficient way to make your new home feel like yours is to add your touch to the walls as soon as possible. While this can be done with a fresh coat of paint, putting up wallpaper can be faster and easier, thanks to modern prepasted or peel-and-stick sheets. Wallpaper has a big advantage over paint when it comes to personalization, offering a vast array of choices in fabric, texture, design, and patterns. Some companies can even offer customized options with made-to-order designs specific to your style and taste.

Get Organized

While it’s best to be organized from the beginning — as in, before the move even occurs — it’s possible to keep unpacking neat and orderly at any stage. Have cleaning supplies at the ready and wipe down items as you go; throw away packing materials and break down boxes as they’re unpacked. In a perfect world, each box would have a packing list taped to the outside so you can find things quickly, but keeping the boxes in their respective rooms until you can get to them will also be helpful.

Moving into a new home can be stressful, but if you can stay organized and start with a good plan, you’ll be able to make the entire process smooth. Talk to your family members about what they can do to help make things easier, and remember to ask for help when you need it. Preventing overwhelming feelings can help you enjoy the process rather than stressing over it.

Ready to purchase a home in Winder or Barrow County, GA? The skilled real estate professionals at David Steele & Associates are committed to putting your home-buying needs first. Call 770-867-0055 today!