The period when you are moving house tends to be a bit of a whirlwind. There are always a million and one different things to think about and to get squared away. You will be in constant contact with your estate agent and solicitor to ensure that it is all going ahead properly, and if you are trying to manage the sale of your previous house at the same time then it is going to be double the amount of trouble. With the property market the way it has been over the last couple of years, there will probably have been a lot of sleepless nights and tense moments. It has certainly been a tough time for everyone.
However, once the deal has been agreed to, the contracts have been exchanged and the keys are in your hand, you are at the start of a very exciting new journey. This is the moment where you have been handed a clean slate for you and your family. This is where you can turn an empty house into your new home. However, given how overwhelming the process of getting to this point can be, a lot of people struggle to see the woods for the trees. They focus on minor fixes and touches without ever really putting their own stamp on the property. Here are a few tips to help you make your new place really feel yours.
See It Empty One Last Time
Once you have the keys to the property, make sure that you visit at least once before you move everything and everyone in. It is quite rare that you will get a good look at what a house looks like without any of the previous owners’ clutter lying around before the deal goes through, especially if there has been a bit of a race to get everything done. So, give yourself that opportunity to see it all with fresh eyes. This is your blank canvas moment, where you can think about things from a perspective that is not influenced by anyone else. Do not be afraid to think big at this moment, and remember that you can really do whatever you want.
Remember The Garden
It can be very easy to forget the garden when you are thinking of ways that you can make your new house feel more like your home but think about where you are going to spend a lot of your time during the summer months. The garden is one of the most important social hubs of any home, but it is also the space for private relaxation. If you feel like the outdoor space at your new property is a bit lifeless, then think about how you could add to it. If you have green fingers, this would be the perfect time to add some flower beds or large foliage. You could think about adding a bird bath or bird feeders if you want to attract some local wildlife. But a lot of people want their garden to be somewhere where they can spend more time themselves, and this is where adding something like a patio or lean-to can help. It will give you a bit more shelter from the elements, and it is easier than you think. You can find a lot of the materials online, such as corrugated roofing sheets or plastic roof sheets, at ClearAmber Shop. To browse a selection of the options available, visit clearambershop.com
Unpack Quickly
When most people move into a new house, it is the end of a long and difficult stretch of time, and of course, you are going to want to put your feet up and relax. But if you spend too long living out of boxes, you are going to lose this golden opportunity to make those big changes. Resist the urge to just find the box that has the kettle in, and instead, try and make sure that you have everything unpacked in a couple of days. This may sound like a minor point to make, but it can have a real impact on your mental health to feel like you have actually settled in. So, fill those bookshelves, get those mugs into those cupboards, and don’t leave clothes sitting around in suitcases for weeks on end. The quicker you get it all done, the quicker you can relax.
Make A Room Plan Before You Move
We’ve talked about the importance of seeing your new home as a blank slate. But it is also important to define your new spaces quickly. If you move in without really knowing where you want things to go, which room is going to be the bedroom and which room is going to be the home office given that a lot of us are still working from home, then you are going to run the risk of never really feeling like anything is exactly right. Of course, you can always change things around if it does not feel right when you move in. So, once you’ve paid a visit to it while it is empty, sit down with the layout and start on a plan. This will help you to think about what kind of furniture you need to order before you move in, and which of your plans may take a little more time and work. Given the current cost of living crisis, it is so important to budget carefully. Having a room plan will help you to think about how much you are going to be looking at in additional costs in the weeks and months ahead.
Remember Floors And Walls
One of the quickest ways to put your stamp on a new place is by redecorating. This is not just about getting rid of any leftover artwork. The paint on the walls can make a real difference in the feel of a home, and if you are not happy with it, it’s time to get those rollers and brushes out. Do not live with the previous owner’s decision to paint their living room walls brown. You also need to think about the floors. Do you really want your new hallway to be covered by thick carpeting? Or would you rather enjoy a nice, clean hardwood surface? This can be a time-consuming process, but it will make a real difference and it should be near the top of your to-do list.
Get Your Loved Ones Over To Visit
This is often the final step, but it is one of the most crucial. If you want your new property to really feel like a home instead of somewhere you are staying for a little while, you need to get your friends and family over. We may be heading into the tail end of the summer right now, but with the weather the way it has been, it is never too late to plan for a barbeque or drinks in the garden. We have all been through so much during the recent months and spending quality time with our loved ones is a priority. So, get the diary out and get the people that you want to see to commit to a date for a big housewarming bash.
