How to Ease the Transition into a New House

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Changes. Possible to love? Hardly. No matter how enthusiastic, adventurous, and pro-change our personality type, the moment we embark on the journey meticulously planned (or better yet, spontaneous momentums), we cognize the versatile face of uncertainty and perpetual hiccups. So, yes, for most of us, digesting changes can be a cumbersome task. Moving house is no exception. In fact, psychologically speaking, the very act of moving is categorized as one of the most stressful experiences a human being can face in their lifetime. That said, learning to ease the transition into a new house is more than crucial. 
If we adopt clever, healthy coping strategies, the result may ultimately surprise us. (and pleasantly) From intimidation to gratification – seamlessly. Let's talk about significant life transitions and how to master them. Changes? Come in; it's open.

Pre-moving musts

Smooth transitions are 1% luck and 99% meticulous planning. Although a potentially daunting piece of information for all "impromptu" personality types, moving house should not be taken lightly. Mainly due to its time-consuming, riddled-with-surprises (the bad kind), and unexpected-costs attributes. Come prepared, or prepare to suffer; that's the game. Are we ready to play?

Start your engines; we're going for a ride.

Word of the day: checklist

A bulletproof transition means – checklist-everything. Leave no item behind. Remembering (and chronologically) all the to-do's before, during, and post-moving is, in a word, impossible. Hectic, disorganized, unprepared, and full-throttle panic are all conditions we should avoid if we strive for that flawless transition. Things to put on the list:

• contacting utility companies (gas, electricity, water, wifi, etc.)
• changing the address a few weeks ahead (contacting the post office and redirecting incoming mail)
• declutter list
• things to repair before selling our current home (if applicable)
• moving companies research
• packing strategy

The early bird gets the worm

While visually not the merriest proverb, its message remains shatterproof. Start packing early, and reap the rewards later. Emphasis on early. Why? Simply because time measurement units are known to abruptly change their predictable nature and become non-linear when our reluctant fingers engage in the verb "packing". A time warp emerges, and panic unfolds. Rapidly. Think you have time? Think again. The longer we put the "wrapping up" off, the more troubled and panic-stricken we'll be when the time comes to go through with the final steps. Pro tips for packing:

• divide and conquer: declutter
  
• cut down on boxes: use suitcases, backpacks, and laundry bins
  
• garbage bags for soft material items: pillows, clothes, etc. when moving, use bags as space fillers for cushioning
  
• be sure to label all the boxes with different colors for each room
  
• last in, first out: essential items boxes should be loaded last
  
• fragile items protection: instead of bubble wrap, use socks, towels, linen, and alike
  

How do we ease the transition into a new house – we come prepared

Bonus pro tip: struggling with declutter selection? We mustn't put pressure on our sentimentality. Instead, we can opt for a more sensible solution – renting a storage unit. Ask anyone; the most common items people store (moving or not moving house) are pending declutter nostalgia treasures. So things commonly found here include anything from an unused pair of dumbbells to vintage record players.

Post-moving musts

But, before we open a new door, we must first close the old one. Hence.

The final goodbye

If we want to really ease the transition into a new house, we must first bid our old home farewell. Parting on good terms is essential for smooth transitioning. Granted, homes are inanimate objects. Nonetheless, they are what we call – a nucleus and are of exceptional emotional value to us. Saying goodbye to our memory capsule is often more difficult than anticipated. And that's okay. Do:

• throw a "house-cooling" party
  
• come up with a personal "waving goodbye" ritual
  
• plant a new tree on the property before leaving
  

Take it easy

After the move, the "settling down" process should not be executed frantically. Although the urge to get rid of the "box maze" and as soon as possible can be tough to resist, we should try to talk ourselves out of creating an unnecessary mutiny. This is not Sparta; it's just us and our new home. Taking time to feel the space can only help work out the best layout ideas, finishing touches, and everything in between. So, no bullying the space or ourselves. Box-by-box or room-by-room unpacking strategy may try our patience, but at the end of the day, it gets the job done. And the end result? No reshuffling. Immaculate interior.

Easy does it is the best secret recipe.

Social continuum

A new home can turn even the most extroverted into introverts; easy peasy. And nobody can really blame us. New home, new ideas. Such as eco-friendly features, decorating, perhaps a bit of gardening, finishing touches, furniture rotation, lighting; the list goes on and on. The trap is set. And we say: no, thank you. One of the best ways to transition into our new home is to connect with the community. Meeting new people (from next-door neighbors to our future-favorite cashier) is paramount for calling our relocation a true success. Get involved, join a community club, and organize a "We're new, and we're here" party.

A house is just a house

Or at least until we can call it our home. And what makes a home? People, love, support; little universal things. Friends, family, and making new memories. Still, that idyllic life doesn't come overnight. The most valuable advice is understanding and approaching the "adjusting phase" with patience. We all process change differently and within divergent timeframes. Making way for collective and individual acclimatization is key to smooth transitioning. Taking it day by day and not forcing instant delight leaves room for tremendous growth. And we should honor it.

Closing thoughts

To ease the transition into a new house and finally call it home, we should open our communication channels. Talking about our feelings, thoughts, fears, and hopes can only strengthen interpersonal relationships. The sooner we talk, the sooner the joy will come.

Aston Koch is a full-time blogger and an astronomy aficionado, spending most of his earthly days in his grandad’s lakeside cabin.