You may have been wanting to move for ages and now you have; finally! However, once the hurly-burly’s done and you’ve waved off the interstate furniture removals guys, you suddenly realise you’re in a new house, a new neighbourhood and a whole new state. It takes time to make your new house feel like home, but you can speed up the process quite easily.
Unpack your clothes first
If you have access to your favourite leggings and sandals, then you can hit the ground running. If you have to start work or school a couple of days after moving, then this is doubly important.
Sort out the kids’ rooms next
If the kids are happy and occupied, then all’s well with the world, so make sure they have all their books, toys and gadgets out so that they can spend the day finding new homes for them (and playing with them too, of course).
Set up familiar noises
If you have a preferred radio channel or film, or even a clock, that means “home” to you, then get it going as soon as you can. You’ll find that this helps even the pets to settle faster.
But don’t hang up your art just yet
It can be tempting to hang up your photos and prints early in an attempt to make the place feel like home, but waiting is actually better. You need to work out where each piece will “go” best first, as plonking things in the wrong place will increase the sense of dislocation and unfamiliarity.
Recreate old routines
If everyone dumps their bags and keys on the small sideboard in the hallway, then make sure you carry on by placing the sideboard in the same sort of location.
Bust out your tried-and-tested comforts
If you have a favourite scented candle, or a special bath foam that smells like home then make sure you light it or bubble it up at the first opportunity. The same principle applies to your bedding, rugs and throws; your first night should be spent in your most familiar duvet. Kids and pets will really appreciate this as smells are especially important.
Cook rather than order in
If you’re asleep on your feet, then go ahead and order pizza. However, if you can rustle up a simple but familiar meal, then do make the effort as it breaks in your new kitchen.
