Moving into a new home in Northern VA is very exciting but at the same time stressful because of the details of the actual move.  It takes time to settle in, so be patient as it could be a few weeks before you start to feel like your new house is actually your new home.  The good news is there are ways to speed up this process so you can start settling in your new home as soon as your boxes arrive.

Pack An Overnight Bag

Pack a small bag that contains the essentials you will need to make it through the first night in your new home, an overnight trip bag.  This bag should include a change of clothes, toiletries, prescription medications, and chargers for your electronic devices.  Backing these things in a separate bag ensures easy access for what you need right when you arrive.

Set Up Beds First

When it comes to the feeling of being home, There’s nothing like sleeping in your own bed.  For this reason, among others,  it’s best to focus on setting up the beds for everyone first.  Unpack sheets, pillows, and blankets so you have everything you need to get a good night’s sleep.

Keep Track of Small Parts and Pieces

Some furniture, TV's, and other household items come with small parts including wires, mounts, stands and other accessories.  The key to a successful move is keeping these organized at the time you take them apart.  As you break them down to move, place all screws, bolts, cords and other small parts into a ziplock bag.  Then tape the zip lock bag onto the main larger piece of said item.  This will allow all components to stay together and when they arrive at your new home, allow for faster set up, rather than searching for parts which can be frustrating.

Simplify Packing Clothing

Packing your clothing can seem overwhelming combined with everything else that needs to be done.  You can simplify this process by keeping your folded clothes inside the dresser drawers during your move.  There is no reason to empty your drawers, and if you are moving yourself and the dresser is too heavy, just remove the drawers and move all parts separately , clothing and all.  Hanging items should be folded and placed inside a box or bag while they are still on the hangers, and save a few bucks by forgoing the special clothing "hanger box".   With these hacks, unpacking your clothes will not take more than a few minutes.

Clearly Label Boxes

Take an additional 60 seconds and clearly label each and every moving box.  The labels should  first identify the room in the new house it is to be placed.   The room label will help movers determine where your boxes should go on their own so they don’t need to ask you for guidance repeatedly.   In smaller print list what’s inside the box so you don’t need to rip it open in order to find out.    It also makes the unpacking process much easier, so you can start to settle in as soon as possible.

Keep Tools Handy

If you have movers or not, you will need screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers and other tools in order to unpack furniture, appliances, and hanging pictures.   That means if you can’t find these tools, it’s hard to start unpacking your belongings and turning your house into a home.  Keep your toolbox handy instead of packing it away inside a box.   If you are a tool fanatic and your toolbox is too big to carry with you, remove the tools you will need and keep them in your essentials bag.

Make the House Your Own

Most unpack their photos and artwork last, but if you want to feel settle in quickly, these items should be unpacked sooner.  (Beds are still first)   A new house won’t feel like YOUR home until it is filled with your favorite photos of your loved ones’  and artwork.  Make unpacking these items a priority so you can start to feel more comfortable in your new home. 

Your Next Move

It doesn’t need to take weeks and certainly not months to start to feel comfortable in your new home. Follow these tips when preparing to move into your new home and you will be settled in before you know it!Call Joey, an exceptional real estate agent and REALTOR, for selling or buying a home in Northern VA.  Your Home My Passion.Specializing in happy home sellers and home buyers, selling starter homes, trade up homes, premium homes, and luxury real estate in Northern VA.  Selling homes since 2003 to first time home buyers, relocating clients, first time home sellers, luxury clientele, downsizing, and trade up clientele.  Helping home sellers sell quickly and profit more with a career average 39 days on market.