Settling into your new home: 10 ways to encourage a low-stress transition
I've asked my friend Rachel at Bluebelle Concierge to share some of her favorite tips that she's learned over the years to make moving as easy as possible!
Whether you have already moved into your new home or the move is in the near future, the list of to-do items can quickly become overwhelming. Unpacking, utility setup, finding and managing service providers, choosing local resources, and getting dinner on the table are just a few examples of items that can feel like a never ending weight on your shoulders. We’ve come up with 10 tips that many of our clients at Bluebelle Concierge have found useful, and we hope that you do too.
- POST-IT PILES: As you unpack, make sure you only keep things that you need and actively use. Create different piles, “To-keep,” “To-donate,” and “To throw away” and sort your items with different color post-its. This is a great way to de-clutter and gift items you no longer use to a friend or community organization so that you don’t bring clutter into your new home.
- “HOME” FOR EVERYTHING: With every item you unpack, give it a home so that every time that item is removed, it has a home to go back to. This will encourage you to avoid making piles of things that need to be put away later. Visit Containerstore.com to find great storage solutions to maximize your space.
- BLOCK TIME: Block off a few hours each week for non-negotiable productivity time. During this time, take care of projects like organizing, paperwork, and miscellaneous to-do items that you would otherwise put off.
- WASH-N-FOLD: Outsource your laundry (especially while you’re still settling in). There are local laundry services that provide pick-up and drop-off wash-and fold services that will save you hours of time while you’re settling in.
- GET CLEAN: Find a reliable cleaning service and get ongoing services set up right away. Putting this off will create a backlog of dirt and disorder in your home.
- SET REMINDERS: Get into the habit of setting up reminders on your calendar/phone for recurring tasks that you tend to put off or forget (such as paying bills, going to the dentist, oil changes, car washes, etc).
- OPT FOR DELIVERY: Give yourself a break once in awhile by having fresh meals delivered. There are so many chefs and companies that provide local and organic meals that suit your family’s needs.
- OUTSOURCE GROCERIES: If you don’t have time to go grocery shopping, have someone else take care of it. Some local grocery stores now offer food delivery--this is a great time-saver and something to take advantage of.
- GET INVOLVED! Join a local social or community organization in order to get first-hand referrals and support (Mother’s Club, sports league, gym, hobby/interest-based group, newcomer group, etc.)
- HOUSEWARMING: Invite guests over soon after you move in. This will encourage you to expedite the unpacking process and create a space you are ready to show off!
