After Your Move
After the last item has been unloaded from the truck and you have finished reviewing the paperwork with the movers, you can get down to the business of settling in to your new place.
Open your "open first" boxes for each room.
- Plug in lamps
- Find your tools
- Put together beds and make them up with fresh linens
- Hang the shower curtain
- Stock the bathroom with toilet paper
- Hook up your telephone and make sure it works
- Plug in your television and find the remote
- Locate your disposable dishes and kitchen tools and put them away
- Do any minor cleaning you need to do to feel comfortable
- Hook up your computer if you have one so you can reference local restaurants and grocery stores, if needed
One of the first things you'll need to do is stock your pantry with basic food items and necessities. Make a list and find your local store.
Know where the nearest hospital is and how to get there.
Then decide which room is most important to you to have in working order, and start there. For example, if the kitchen is the hub of your home, you may want to get your dishes and pots put away as soon as possible. Or maybe you are more concerned with getting a good night's sleep and being able to find your work clothes the next day, so you could begin in the bedroom.
If you are moving with children, you might want to first set up a comfortable area for them so they have something to do. Depending on their ages, you could set them to work unpacking the boxes for their rooms. Take time to give them a tour of the new place, or let them explore on their own. Explain to them that it might take a little while before things are organized and that you need their help. Assign age-appropriate tasks to help them feel involved.
As you unpack each box, keep a pad of paper and a pencil handy to document any damaged items you find. Describe the item, and look on the box for the inventory tracking number and write that down, too. Note any missing pieces.
If your movers aren't taking away the boxes and packing materials for you, then you need to find out how to dispose of them. Most places require you to break down the boxes into flat pieces and recycle them.
As things begin to calm down, hopefully you'll have time to meet a neighbor or two. You don't have to wait for them to introduce themselves; invite them for coffee and spend a few minutes getting to know them. Tell them you just moved in and would appreciate being able to ask them a few questions when things come up. Take down their name and phone number, and keep it handy by the phone. You may need it more often than you think.
Of course it's nice if you can take some time off from work to get your house in order, but if that isn't an option, then relax, try to pace yourself, and realize it's not all going to come together in a day. Try not to work yourself to the point of exhaustion, and be sure to take time out for you – take a warm bath, hit a few balls in the yard with your child, drink a cup of tea, or just take a nice long walk.
Get involved in your community as soon as you can – do the things you love or start something new. Have a party and invite your new neighbors.
But most of all, give yourself ample time to adjust. It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to feel comfortable again after a life-changing experience such as a move. |
