Whether you’re living on your own for the first time, you’ve recently accepted a job that requires a relocation, or you’re just looking for a change of scenery, moving can be an overwhelming process. Aside from packing, there’s coordinating moving dates and orchestrating how you will transport all your belongings from one place to the other along with some other miscellaneous items.
Once you’ve nailed these tasks down, you can focus on a list of what you’ll need to do once you move in. Believe it or not, there are some steps you should take before you unpack and get situated. Keep reading to learn more about three things you should do as soon as you move into your new digs.
Deep Clean
This space may be new to you, however, it’s likely before you moved in, another renter was living there. Many apartment complexes or even previous tenants may do a quick clean, but if you want to be sure your new pad is move-in ready, you’ll want to get those gloves out and do a deep cleaning of your own. One of the best places to start is the kitchen area.
Oftentimes when people move out they do not think to wipe crumbs out of the cupboards or pull the refrigerator out from the wall. Taking the little bit of extra time to really focus on these areas will ensure any residue left over from the last renter is taken care of and you can truly call this place your home. For more tips on how to clean your kitchen, check out .
After you’ve conquered the kitchen, you’ll want to move on to the bathroom. Again, this space may have received a quick clean, but you’ll really want to get in the nooks and crannies. Start with giving the tub and shower head a good scrub to remove any mildew that may have built up since the last renter moved out. Next, work your way to the sink and then finally, the toilet. This may be the most dreaded part of your cleaning, but who doesn’t want to do their business on a freshly cleaned throne?
Although cleaning is an aspect that not many people look forward to, especially as soon as they move in, you’ll be glad you dedicated the time. The sooner you get it done, the quicker you can begin unpacking and setting up your new home.
If you find yourself elbows deep in cleaning but suddenly run out of a product, have no fear. You can easily order the cleaning supplies you need to get the job done through . Get what you need delivered right to your door so you don’t have to waste any time running out to a grocery store. While you’re at it, you might as well order a snack and drink too. Afterall, your cupboards are probably pretty bare and your hard work deserves a little reward!
Bonus Tip: Once you’ve got your place nice and tidy, you’ll want to make sure it stays that way. However, with the cold and flu season right around the corner, you’ll want to take as many precautions as possible. Check out our post on how to prevent germs from spreading in your apartment.
Acclimate Your Pet
It’s no secret that we love our pets. Having a pet, no matter how big or small, provides us with a constant companion. If you’re a pet parent, you know that your pet feels things the same as you do.
This is no exception when it comes to moving. As stressed as you may feel, it’s important to remember that your pet is experiencing that same stress. Being taken out of their current environment and possibly even having to stay with friends, family or in a kennel while you get situated can do a number on their mental state. This is why it’s so important to introduce them to their new surroundings the right way. Helping your pet become acquainted with their new apartment should be done in several steps.
Prior to bringing your pet into this new situation, you’ll want to be sure they have everything they need. This includes their food and water, any toys they may have, and anything else they were using prior to the move. Next, you should designate a space for them. It’s likely they’ll have free reign of the apartment, but you’ll want to make sure they have a designated area they feel safe in, especially in the beginning. It’s important that this space is “pet-proof,” meaning you’ve removed anything that can be of danger to their health or well-being. Providing them with this safe space will help to ease their nerves and make them feel at home sooner.
Once you’ve got that squared away, it’s finally time to introduce them to their new place. Consider doing this on a weekend or a day when you have no other plans, that way you can spend time with them while they get acclimated.
Before you even bring them into the apartment itself, let them get a feel for the surroundings. This is especially important if you have a dog as they like to sniff and take in all the new smells.
After they’ve gotten their fill of the outdoor space, bring them into the apartment and allow them time to get used to each room. It’s important to do this one room at a time so as not to overwhelm them. Animals’ stress levels are quite sensitive and if you present them with too much at once, you could end up scaring them or at the very least having to clean up an unwanted mess.
If you happen to be in a studio, you can sort of follow them around to ensure they don’t get into anything they shouldn’t while exploring. Every animal is different and it may take some time before they truly feel comfortable in this new space. Be patient and spend all the time you can with them in the first few days as those are the most crucial.
Make it Your Own
After you’ve scrubbed your new apartment from top to bottom and made sure your furry friend was familiarized, you can finally start making it your own. Everyone has their own personal touches they want to add to a space and this can be done in a number of ways. Begin by setting up your furniture in a way that creates a welcoming atmosphere. This is where you’ll be spending a good amount of time, as well as entertaining any guests, so you want the space to be inviting and comfortable.
Repeating this process throughout your apartment will help you to maintain good Feng Shui and create a space you enjoy spending time in.
While it’s true that most apartment complexes don’t allow you to paint the walls, you can certainly find other ways to customize your space. For example, you can purchase wall decals that go on and off easily, leaving all the paint that was on the wall intact. These decals come in many varieties and can be found at most department stores as well as online.
Whether you’re looking for a floral pattern to compliment your bedspread or a motivational quote to start each day on a positive note, there is something out there for everyone. If you’re looking for another quick fix to make your space feel more home-like, you can create a lighting scheme that reflects the mood you want to set.
From colored light bulbs to lava lamps and everything in between, the best part about living in your new space is you get to decide how you want to decorate it! If this is your first time out on your own, be sure to check out our post on what to avoid while decorating.
Moving into your new place can be stressful, overwhelming, and hectic, but it’s also exciting! A brand-new-to-you space to furnish and decorate however you want, then make lots of memories in, is something to look forward to. Whether it’s your first time out on your own or a move to a new city, the space is what you make it. Although it can be a nerve-wracking or feel unimportant at the time, completing these tasks once you move in, along with any others you feel are specific to your needs, can help to make the transition into your new place a smooth one.
