You have packed every item, hired a moving company, and finally arrived at your new place. According to a recent study from PR Newswire, a staggering 45 million Americans move each year, with each probably feeling the same sense of overwhelmed as you do. This blog aims to cover the essentials you need to remember for the first 24 hours after your move.
Unpack Essentials First
Begin with the boxes containing essential items such as toiletries, changes of clothes and important documents. These are items that should have been packed last when packing for moving to a new home, so logically, they should be the first things to unpack. It will make your initial night at your new home more comfortable.
Inspecting Your New Home
You must thoroughly inspect your new space, paying attention to any existing damage or safety issues that might have been overlooked during your initial visit. Check for any water leaks, structural damages or electrical issues. You should document these with photos and report them to your landlord or estate agent as soon as possible.
Assemble Your Bed
After a long day of managing a move, you will undoubtedly require a good night’s sleep. So, put together your bed right after unpacking the essentials. You may drag yourself through the rest of these tasks but going to sleep in your own comfy bed will put everything back into perspective.
Setting Up The Bathroom
Following a hectic and tiring moving day, taking a refreshing shower is always on top of anyone’s list. So setting up the bathroom is another highly important activity post-move. Make sure to arrange all necessary toiletries and towels comfortably.
Managing Kitchen Set-Up
Though you might not fully set up your kitchen, make sure to unpack a few basic utensils, pots or pans, and necessity food items. This way you could prepare a simple meal or snack if needed. Having your kitchen at the ready, even in a small way, ensures comfort and convenience.
Childproof Your New Home
If you are moving with children, childproofing your home for their safety should be top of mind. Install any safety gates for stairs and dangerous areas; secure heavy furniture to the wall and keep sharp objects out of their reach.
Attending to Pet Needs
Moving is as stressful for pets as it is for humans. Make sure your pets feel secure in their new environment by preparing their space with familiar items such as toys or blankets. Also, resume their feeding schedule as soon as possible to relieve their stress.
Get Acquainted with Neighbourhood
Take some time to do a walk around your neighborhood and familiarize yourself with important landmarks like nearby grocery stores, hospitals or pharmacies. This gives a sense of belonging and alleviates the unfamiliarity with the new surroundings.
Check Security Measures
Ensure all locks on doors and windows function properly and have spare keys made if necessary. It is vital to ensure that your new place is secure and that you are safe in your new home.
Notify Important Entities About Your Move
Do not forget to update your new address with important entities such as banks, insurance companies, and the postal office. These updates are important to maintain uninterrupted service and relevant communication.
Cleaning The Spaces
You will want to ensure that your living space is clean and ready. So once the items are unpacked, you should also try to get cleaning to create a welcoming and neat environment.
Take Time to Relax
Moving is no small task. It’s quite likely that by now, you are exhausted. Take a moment for yourself; sit down, have a cup of tea or coffee, and breathe. You have made it through an extensive process and deserve a break.
Prepare for Next Day
Planning for the next day’s tasks is key to reducing the stress related to reestablishing normality. Whether you are going back to work or continuing with the unpacking, knowing your schedule will provide peace of mind.
Community Engagement
Consider introducing yourself to your neighbors or potentially joining local communities or social media groups. Establishing early connections can help in times of need and initiates relationship building within your new locality.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
With all the activities during moving day and post-move hours, it is essential to take good care of your health. Do not neglect your regular meals and ensure you are staying well hydrated during the post-move adjustment period.
Wrapping up
Relocating can be stressful but adequately planning – before, during, and after – can greatly help ease the burden. This guide underscores what needs immediate attention in post-move first 24 hours for a smooth transition into your new life. Take each step at your own pace, remember to take care of your health and above all – relax!
