5 tips for settling into your new home within 24 hours
Don't let moving stress drag out for longer than it has to. Here's how to smash out the important stuff in just a day.
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Moving house is stressful no matter how well prepared you are. However, there are plenty of things you can do to lower those stress levels and get settled in quicker.
Get the essentials sorted
Before you get in, make sure you pack boxes with everyone's essentials. That could be a change of clothes and pyjamas for everyone, plus toiletries, beddings and medication. If you have kids, you might want to include something to keep them entertained.
Don't forget pets in the melee. Setting up their bed and having a well-loved toy on hand will give them something familiar to focus on when everything else is chaotic.
Get the Internet connected
If there's one thing that's going to make your life easier, it's having the Internet connected.
Call ahead of time and you'll be able to tell your provider a connection date so you're ready to go as soon as you move in. Plus, it'll give your provider enough time to send out a modem if you need a new one.
Don't worry if you forget (after all, there are a million other things to remember) as there are ways to get set up on the day too.
For example, I recently switched to Telstra after a drawn-out nightmare with another provider. My housemate just popped to the Telstra store on his lunch break, chatted to someone in-store and walked out with the new Smart Modem 3 which is available to new customers.
For us, it was ideal because the modem is equipped with a built-in 4G SIM. We could use that to access the Telstra 4G mobile network until the new NBN connection came through rather than rely on our phones.
Plus, the modem didn't cost anything upfront – we get to keep it if we stay with Telstra for 2 years. If we leave before then, we just have to send it back or pay a $200 no-return fee.
For people moving into a new house, this plug-and-play solution could be a good way to reduce stress if you haven't called ahead of time. If you're moving with kids, even better - you know the Internet will be there to keep them occupied and out from under your feet.
It is worth mentioning that 4G coverage is required and speeds are capped at 25/5Mbps, although actual speeds may be slower.
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Read more…Create a furniture plan
Try to work out a preliminary plan for where all your large furniture items will go and put them there (as long as they're not too badly in the way).
Seeing your treasured pieces set-up and in place will start to make your empty house (or apartment) feel more like a much-loved home.
Tackle the kitchen
I'm not suggesting a fully cooked meal on your first night in a new home. But I do recommend putting the kitchen at the top or your priority list when unpacking.
The kitchen is a high-traffic area. You'll be using it multiple times a day and if you can't find what you need, that's multiple opportunities for annoyance and frustration.
Plus, having access to your favourite kitchen items can add a much-needed sense of normality. Instead of resorting to take-out, you can enjoy simple home comforts such as a cup of tea or a jaffle.
Sort your comfy stuff
Arguably on par with unpacking the kitchen, invest time in sorting your comfy stuff out. So set your beds up properly so you know you can have a good night's rest. Beyond that, also think about your home comforts that make a big difference to your overall mood.
This could mean sorting the TV or sound system so you have a place to relax at the end of the day. Or it could mean digging out your dressing gown, working the aircon out or even setting up your electric diffuser.
Get your home internet sorted with Telstra
*If you leave within 24 months, just return your smart modem or pay a $200 non-return fee. Plan prices may change. Mobile backup requires 4G coverage. 4G speeds capped at 25/5 Mbps. Actual speeds may be lower.
