Top tips for settling into your new home

We look at the best ways to tackle unpacking your possessions, settling in your children and furry friends, and making your new place home sweet home.

Unpacking

You’re in your new home surrounded by towering walls of boxes and haphazardly placed furniture, and quite possibly feeling physically and emotionally spent. Take ten, regroup and congratulate yourself on getting there.

After you (and your family) have recuperated, check that the gas and electricity are working and the hot water system is turned on. Locate your pre-packed survival kit. This should contain all the necessities for your first night, including toiletries, a change of clothes, bed linen and some basic kitchen items.

Some home delivered takeaway may be in order – who wants to cook after a big day of moving? Set up the beds while you’re waiting for the delivery, using the linen from your survival kit. That way everyone can head straight to bed after dinner if the day has taken its toll.

If you are enjoying a second wind, unpack the core kitchen and bathroom items so normal household functions can get underway. Ideally, your removalists will have placed key furniture items such as couches and dining tables in their pre-destined positions. If not, put these in place so you have somewhere to rest.

It makes sense to unpack essential items first. Though the temptation to tear open all your boxes and stack up books, CDs and ornaments can be overwhelming, wait till you have their allocated shelving or cupboard space in place – otherwise you will just be creating chaos. Unpacking fragile items will be safer when much of the unpacking process has been undertaken.

Don’t put pressure on yourself to unpack everything too quickly. Make it a journey of rediscovery, evaluating your possessions as you go, culling items that no longer feel right and opening up space for fresh home ideas. Decorative items should definitely be left to last. This includes paintings, soft furnishings, ornaments and lamps.

A final tip: give the room you are unpacking in a quick clean before opening boxes. An empty space is a breeze to clean.

Decorate for a fresh start

Simple decorative changes can transform a space. This may include new lighting, curtains or blinds, artwork, plants, rugs, cushions or throws. A new home is a new start; make it an environment that reflects your personal style and suits your needs. Think of that set of mugs you have always hated or that uncomfortable couch you constantly curse – now is the time to give them to charity and treat yourself to new ones,

You may want to take your transformation one step further with your own DIY renovation. This approach will not only improve your home’s appeal but can add real equity. Consider the following renovation ideas:

• Paint walls and other finishes
• Polish floorboards or install prefabricated flooring
• Replace damaged tiling
• Install additional storage
• Landscape your front yard and backyard.

Helping your children adjust 

If you have small children, you must ensure your home is child-safe. For starters, eliminate fall, drowning and electrocution risks by fencing stairs and pools and covering power sockets.

Even older children may need time to adjust to your new home. It is important to talk to your children about the move before the actual transition. Take them to the new neighbourhood before moving so they can get a feel for the local parks, playgrounds and shops. Set up their bedrooms as soon as possible to provide a safe place for them to hang out and get comfortable. Be aware that they may be upset about leaving friends, schools, sporting clubs or jobs. If they are distressed by the move, it may be worth seeking family counselling advice. Try to maintain family rituals to help keep some sense of continuity with life in your former home.

Settling pets

The steps involved in settling your pet into a new home will depend on the type of pet you own. While we advise that you talk to your vet about managing your pet’s transition, here are some general guidelines when it comes to dogs and cats.

Cats: Don’t release your cat from its carrier box until the house is quiet and settled. Check that doors and windows are closed. Choose a room where you can set up their kitty litter, toys and food − this can be their safe haven for the first few days. It is then a process of letting them explore, becoming accustomed to the new scents and general environment. Outdoor cats should be released for only short periods in the first few weeks until they understand their new home and surrounds. Build up their time outdoors gradually.

Dogs: Before you introduce your pooch to its new home, make sure it is dog-proofed. Check for anything that could be unsafe, like broken fences or dangerous cords. Dogs are territorial and will need time to adjust to their new territory. Make sure their familiar doggy possessions, such as toys, blankets and bed, can be unpacked as soon as you move in. Dogs are sensitive to your behaviour so maintain encouraging, calm tones when talking to them in the new home. Establish your dog’s go-zones before the move and let them explore these areas thoroughly. Lots of walks and keeping to established routines will help. Always walk your dog on a lead, particularly when in unfamiliar territory.

Continue reading our Moving House Guide with: Checklist for moving house