Moving Tips & Resources
Fall in Love with Your New Home in 5 Steps
As much we love moving, we understand it isn’t everyone’s favorite. Moving can be overwhelming, no matter how happy you are about your new home.
That stress can transfer to your new home. With the unpacking and settling in that can take weeks, it might not feel like home right away. Likely you’ll find yourself feeling exhausted or stressed by the change, and finding that those feelings take away from the happiness of being in a new home.
But never fear – in our over 40 years of moving, we’ve found five steps to help you fall in love with your new home:
Step #1. Send out a move announcement to family and friends
Moving to a new home is a big step in life, and it deserves to be celebrated!
It’s not uncommon to have custom paintings commissioned of your new home which could be used for a move announcement card. Others choose to use it as a time to take a family portrait in front of the new home.
There is also a practical element to a move announcement – making sure everyone is aware of your new address. Hopefully, all of the calls and congratulations coming your way as people receive the card in the mail will help to instill a sense of pride and love for your new home.
Step #2. Get to know your new neighborhood
Getting to know your neighbors and the area you live in will help instill a sense of security, and make you feel as though you are part of a community.
Reaching out to your neighbors has countless benefits including access to resources, information, and support, as well as an increased sense of well-being and belonging.
Likely there are plenty of neighbors who are excited to greet you and make you feel at home. Chatting with neighbors is the fastest way to know what is going on in your area and have a group of people who are looking out for you from the first day you move in. Make sure to trade numbers for any emergencies that may come up, and maybe one day you’ll have the neighbors join you on the front porch for iced tea.
Step #3. Tackle your first home projects
When you move into a new home, it can be overwhelming to realize the amount of work that needs to be done in order for you to feel settled in.
But keep a running list of projects those first few weeks, and even while you’re in the midst of unpacking, pick a manageable project around your new home that you feel excited about.
Putting your own personal touch on a home is the best way to feel connected to your space. This could be as simple as hanging a piece of art on the wall, or be as dramatic as painting the walls. Maybe you even simply fix a minor imperfection you notice. Gradually, these projects will help you feel a sense of ownership and pride in your home.
Step #4. Have a housewarming party (even if it’s just a party of one)
“Let us know when you have a housewarming party!”
That’s the most common refrain after moving into a new home. Friends, family and neighbors all want to come over to check out your space.
While housewarming party is a great way to show off your new home, to feel a sense of pride and christen the house as your own, it can also add to the pressure of making sure everything is “done” and your home is ready for guests. For some people, this feels like there is a never ending task list between you and being “party ready.”
If you’re looking for a more introverted housewarming celebration, the answer is simple: treat yourself to a housewarming gift.
Find something that you think would look good in your new space and get it. Buy something (reasonable) that you know will make you happy every day when you see it in your new home. Again, an item can have a powerful affect when it comes to making a house feel like your own.
The right piece of art or furniture can really make you fall in love with your home and feel excited about your future plans there. It can even help you visualize that point in time where your home will be housewarming party ready!
Step #5. Secure packing services with your moving company
One of the best things you can do for your mental health when moving is to get professional packing services. Daryl Flood has an in-house trained professional packing team who can help relieve the stress of packing and allow you more time to focus on your job, friends and family while moving.
There are partial packing options, as well, where we will pack only in certain areas, like the kitchen, while you DIY pack the rest of your home. With professional unpacking, you’re given a gigantic jumpstart when it comes to feeling happy and content in your new home.
The mental and physical load of packing and unpacking your home alone is a big – so make sure you’re ready to take it on. Many people consider the time away from work, and the stressors of packing and decide the value for mental health and wellbeing outweighs the cost.
Of course, one of the best ways you can fall in love with your new home is to make sure your move into it is simple, stress-free and as easy as possible. Daryl Flood provides a high-quality move, with trained and background checked professionals who protect your belongings and your property (so your new home to-do list isn’t any larger after move-in day) – giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
