You've moved into your new home, now what?

You've moved into your new home, now what?

You're finally in your new home but there is still one thing to do- unpack! This can be an overwhelming process so where do you start?

-Start unpacking with one room at a time. Begin in the kitchen so you'll know where everything is in case you get hungry while unpacking the other rooms. Next move to the bathroom. Get out your toiletries and make sure the toilet and faucets are working. Make sure to unpack toilet paper and soap. On to the bedrooms. Have the maker pieces placed by the movers before unpacking. The person whose room it will be can then unpack their things and settle in. To unpack the living room, everyone should pitch in. There will be many things to unpack as well as electronics to set up. As daunting as organizing the closet is, you'll be thankful you did it. Start by setting up shelves and hooks for your tools, yard supplies, etc. 

-Don't forget to collapse boxes for storage or recycling.

-Take an inventory of everything you have to confirm nothing was lost. If you have any broken or damaged items keep them as evidence. You must file all insurance claims within a limited number of days after you move. 

-Start a log of home repairs and maintenance that need to be done.

-Create a shopping list to make sure you have everything you need. 

-Time for the fun part- making it YOUR home. If you plan to rearrange furniture make a sketch of the room with squares representing where you like certain items to be placed. This will save you time and a few sore backs. 

-Some ideas to add style to your new home include painting rooms, brightening up a room with self-adhesive wallpaper borders, refinishing old cabinets, adding potted plants to fill empty corners and add color, or hanging family pictures.