Today’s the day! The day will be packed with all of the last-minute chores and lots of change – neither of which most of us are built to handle well. Go easy on yourself. Enjoy any peace you find. And watch in awe how the previous planning magic does its job for you. All of your hard work will pay off.
FIRST STEPS
- Get early start
Wake up nice and early and be ready for a busy day. Have a quiet morning and look around and appreciate your old home.
- Load up your car
Make sure all of your “Valuables” boxes are in your car and your clothes from this morning made it in there, too. Don’t forget the toiletries and any prescriptions.
- Take apart beds
Take the bedding apart and put it all in separate bags. The first thing you will do is make all the beds so you have a place to fall when the day is over. - Double-check that the entire home is packed. Don’t forget the hidden areas! Look in closets, drawers, etc.
MOVERS SHOW UP
- Make sure the movers are prepared and the paperwork is signed.
- Clean
As each room empties, wipe down, vacuum and dust so you leave behind a clean house for the next family. This is a great job for a kid or volunteer helper. Leaving behind a clean house allows you to keep your mind on your new place as you unpack. - To-Go Bag
Put your To-Go Bag in the car with all the other cleaning supplies and vacuum.
NEW HOME
- Unload your car and put away any food.
- Bring your To-Go Bag in the kitchen. Kitchens are always the central focus area.
- Make sure all showers, towels, and essential bathroom supplies are in their places for all family members. Wipe down/disinfect showers/sinks/toilets that will be used tonight.
- Put away freezer and refrigerator items
- MAKE BEDS
This is the most important step. Ever. The last thing you will want to do is make your bed from scratch after a full day of physical and mental stress. Make your bed NOW. You will want to put the kitchen away or work in the living room, but just get the beds done. It’ll be worth it to fall into later. - Living Room/Family Room
Get a comfortable lounge place set up. Get your internet rolling and your TV up and running. A soft place to have a rest/meal/morning coffee. - Kitchen
This is the hub of the house. Plates, bowls, cups, and, silverware are first to be put away. Ask each individual living in the house to go for a fork, a plate, and a glass and see where intuition starts you off. Pots and pans next. Remember: nothing is forever – you can always switch locations later.
My advice is to get bedrooms, kitchens, a table to eat at, and one family room finished first. This allows you to set up your personal and family spaces so that everyone is as comfortable as possible – as fast as possible – as they’re adjusting to their new surroundings. Every other space is secondary. Work your way through your house and make it yours.
Be easy on yourself and be flexible. Take breaks often to enjoy your new space.
And, most importantly, welcome home.