New Year, New Home - tips for settling in

The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start in a new home. Moving is exciting for the whole family, but it can also be overwhelming. Settling into a new house is about more than just changing the address on your utility bills--here are some of the ways that you can quickly make a new house into a home.

Unpack the essentials

When you move into a new home, you want to start living normally as soon as possible. This is helpful for kids and adults alike--we all enjoy stability. Unpack these essentials right away:

• Toiletries 
• Basic kitchen utensils
• Change of clothes
• Bed linens

Don't worry about unpacking everything right away--start small and stay stress-free!

Make it a home

Place furniture where you expect it to stay, such as sofas and beds, and throw on some comfy, well-loved cushions or your child's favourite teddy bear. Even small touches like these can make an empty new house feel more like a home right away. As you unpack over the coming weeks, pull out photographs and other precious belongings and fill the house with them.
Decorate

Remember, a new home is a new start. This is your house, and you should style it to suit your tastes. Over the first few months, you should:

• Reevaluate your old furniture and make sure it suits your new space
• Change the colour of the walls or give them a fresh coat of paint
• Polish and spruce up floorboards and carpets
• Do some exterior landscaping
• Add storage and keep your house free from clutter
• Decorating isn't just for aesthetics--it adds equity to your property right away, too.
  Help children and pets adjust
• Children can find moving home overwhelming, especially if it means moving to a new neighbourhood. How can you help them?
• Explore the neighbourhood together--make it fun!
• Answer any questions they have
• Listen to their feelings and encourage them to talk
• Help them find new sports teams or clubs to join

Remind them that the New Year, and the new school year, is the perfect time to make new friends!
Pets need time to adjust, too. Make sure they have their favourite toys, blankets, and comforts with them, and introduce them to the neighbourhood gradually. Use calm tones around them, and stick to familiar routines.

Volunteer

Volunteering in the local community is a great way to meet new people, learn about the neighbourhood, and give back to your new place. Check local news and websites for opportunities.

Host a house warming

A house warming lets you meet new people, such as your neighbours, and it's also an opportunity for friends and family to see your new home. Start creating happy memories as soon as possible--this is how a house becomes a home.

For more information and helpful advice on moving house, download our free ebook ‘Buying a home: your easy guide to conveyancing’ today.