New Home, Day 1: Here's What to Do First

Moving is a strenuous process, and it’s common to feel exhausted after it’s over. For some, the first few days in your new home can feel even more overwhelming than the weeks before the move. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to stay organized and maintain your moving momentum to feel comfortable in your new space. Here’s a list of things to do on the first days in your new home.

Set Up Essentials

If you packed an “essentials box” for your move, now’s the time for it to shine. There are some things you can do right away in your new home to make it comfortable, functional and avoid any frustrating surprises. One major area to focus on is the bathroom. Make sure at least one bathroom has toilet paper and hand soap. You may also want to hang up your shower curtain and liner so you can take a refreshing shower as soon as you want to.

There are also some kitchen essentials you can set up to make things easier in your first few days. If you brought your own microwave, find a spot for it and plug it in. You’ll appreciate the freedom to heat a frozen entrée for a quick and easy meal while still unpacking your kitchen. Have a set of silverware and a few dishes out as well. These things will help you get situated and keep you comfortable while unpacking your belongings.

Secure Your Home

If you have a home security system or smart devices, don’t delay setting them up. It’s important to make your new home as secure as possible as soon as possible, and you may find it easier to do before you set up everything else. Unfortunately, moving households are a common target for opportunistic thieves, so keep track of your belongings and lock your doors when you leave.

Speaking of locks, change them. While it’s unlikely that anyone else has keys for the current locks, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Besides, changing the locks and getting brand new keys gives you the opportunity to get copies for each housemate or family member. Don’t forget to make a spare and keep it in a safe location.

While these are just a few suggestions for first-day tasks in your new home, they can make a significant difference in the rest of your process. The more comfortable and safe you are in your new home, the more efficient you’ll be with the rest of your unpacking.