The art of unpacking: Getting settled into your new home

Mom unpacking boxes
Rather than haphazardly opening boxes, tackle one room at a time. Start with the essentials, such as your bedroom and kitchen.
Photo:HiveBoxx/Unsplash

SNS - Moving into a new home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. It's a fresh start, a blank canvas waiting for you to make it your own. But before you can truly settle into your new home, you'll need to master the art of unpacking and organizing. This guide will take you through the steps and strategies to turn your new space into a comfortable and inviting sanctuary.

Creating a Vision for Your New Home
Before you dive into the physical aspects of unpacking and settling in, it's crucial to have a clear vision of what you want your new home to be. Think about your style, your preferences, and the functionality of each space. Creating a vision will guide you throughout the process and make decisions more manageable.

Consider the flow of your home. How do you want to move through it? Imagine the layout that will best suit your family's needs. Visualize the colors and themes you'd like to incorporate to give each room a unique personality. By carefully crafting this vision, you'll find it easier to choose the right furniture and decorations that match your dream for your new home.

Declutter Before You Unpack
Decluttering is one of the most critical steps in settling into your new home. We're talking about those items that you've held onto for years but never actually use. Those are absolutely the right things to leave behind when moving. Before you start unpacking, go through your belongings and decide what's worth keeping and what you can let go of. This will make the process of unpacking much more manageable and set a fresh, clutter-free tone in your new home.


Photo:Cottonbro Studio/PEXELS

Take into account the emotional aspect of decluttering. Parting with items can be challenging, but it can also be liberating. Take the opportunity to reminisce about the memories associated with each possession and decide if it truly adds value to your new life in your new home. Keep in mind that decluttering is not just about creating physical space; it's about making room for new experiences and a fresh start in your new environment.

Plan Your Space
Once you've decluttered, it's time to plan your space. Consider the layout of each room and how you want to use it. Sketch out a rough floor plan to help you decide where furniture should go and how to maximize the available space. This planning stage will prevent you from moving items around unnecessarily once you've placed them.

Unpack Room by Room
Now, it's time to start unpacking. Rather than haphazardly opening boxes, tackle one room at a time. Start with the essentials, such as your bedroom and kitchen. Unpacking room by room will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you prioritize what needs to be done first.

In addition to feeling a sense of accomplishment, unpacking room by room allows you to immerse yourself in each space fully. It's an opportunity to visualize how you want to arrange your furniture and decor in a way that suits the room's purpose. Take your time, savor the process, and relish in the satisfaction of completing one room before moving on to the next.

Organize Your Belongings
As you unpack, take the opportunity to organize your belongings efficiently to settle into your new home properly. Use storage solutions like shelves, bins, and dividers to keep things neat and easily accessible. Label boxes clearly to avoid confusion, and consider color-coding or numbering them for added convenience.

Efficient organization doesn't stop at just storage solutions. It's also the perfect time to take inventory of what you own. You might rediscover items you forgot about or find a more fitting place for them in your new home. Organizing your belongings this way ensures that you know where everything is, making daily life more manageable and enjoyable. It's a chance to declutter not just physically but mentally as well.

Set Up Your Personal Space
Your personal space, like the bedroom, is where you'll spend most of your time. Set it up first to create a haven within your new home. Make the bed, unpack your clothes, and add personal touches that make the space uniquely yours. It will provide comfort and routine in the midst of change.

Tackle the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of any home, so give it some love. Unpack and organize your kitchen essentials, and make it functional. Set up your appliances, utensils, and cookware in a way that makes cooking and meal prep a breeze. A well-organized kitchen will make your daily routine more manageable.

You could also add some decorative touches like colorful curtains, stylish dishware, or a cozy rug underfoot. These little details can transform your kitchen into a place where you not only cook but also enjoy spending time with family and friends. Don't forget to stock your pantry and fridge with your favorite foods and ingredients so you can whip up a meal that feels like home. Your well-organized and personalized kitchen will make daily life easier and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your new home.

Personalize Your Space
As you settle into your new home, it's essential to personalize it. Hang up your favorite art and photos, add decorative items, and choose a color scheme that resonates with you. Personalization will help you feel more connected to your space and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Explore the Neighborhood
Settling into a new home isn't just about what's inside; it's also about embracing the new environment. Take the time to explore your neighborhood, connect with your neighbors, and discover local amenities. Feeling part of the community will help you feel more at home.

Maintain a Routine, Stay Patient and Positive
Moving can disrupt your daily routine, but it's crucial to establish a new one as soon as possible. Stick to your regular habits, including meal times, exercise, and relaxation. Maintaining a routine will provide stability and help you adapt to your new surroundings more quickly.

The process of settling into your new home can be challenging, but it's essential to stay patient and positive. It's normal to encounter obstacles and unexpected issues. Approach each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Over time, your new house will truly become your home.

A combination of planning, organization, and personalization will help you unpack and settle into your new home. Following these steps can ease the transition and make your new space a comfortable and welcoming environment. Remember that it takes time, patience, and a positive attitude, but you'll turn your new house into your dream home with dedication.


Related articles:


Tricking out your home office, 5 fab design ideas for a cool work space

The last 12 months or so of the Coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated to a large number of employers that working from home can boost productivity, reduce turnover, and lower organizational costs. As the world returns to 'normal', some CEOs and CFOs are enjoying the bottom line benefit ...

Five ways to increase the value of your home in today's competitive real estate market

There are many ways to increase the value of your home without making any significant changes, regardless of whether you want to sell or rent. If your property is in good overall condition and has been well-maintained, you should be able to get by with just a few ...

Sign up for the Sentinel

Photo-of-the-Day | SJO volleyball brings home state trophy

Lacey Kaiser dives for a dig in St. Joseph-Ogden's third-place match against Rockford Lutheran at the IHSA Volleyball State Finals on Saturday, November 16, 2019. Kaiser and the Spartans defeated the Lady Crusaders 2-1 to finish in third place in the Class 2A state tournament at Redbird Arena. (PhotoNews Media/Photo by Clark Brooks)

Related articles:


Volleyball milestone reached, SJO's McDonald reaches the 400th match win
Members of the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball program pose for a group photo with head coach Abby McDonald after her 400th win on Monday. The milestone came came after the Spartans defeated Hoopeston Area at home in two sets, 25-13, 25-22. Under McDonald's leadership the program ...

St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team wins season opener at Maroa

Jam packed weekend planned for Urbana's Folk & Roots Festival

URBANA - The 15th annual CU Folk & Roots Festival kicks off tomorrow at 5 pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.


Louie Pappas plays a saxophone solo during the second set of the Hot Club Urbana's show during the band's rendition of Christmas is Coming in December of 2021. Listen to the entire live performance recorded by Sean Kutzko for Chambana Jazz here. The group will perform at Cloud Mountain Kombucha on Saturday from noon to 2 pm.
Photo: PhotoNews Media Archives

Featuring more than 50 performances at various venues throughout Urbana, this year's festival artists include Adeem the Artist, Dom Flemons, Eddie Barbash + KASA and Friends, Son Monarcas, Tee Dee Young, Anika Emily, Allie Jean, Arco & Aire, Bandoneon Massacre, Big Daddy Pride & the East Side Five, Bill Kirby, Black Eyed Lillies, Brian Krumm and His Barfly Friends, Cajun Strangers, Camellia Moon, Cole Bridges, Congress of Starlings, Derrick Streibig, Fox Crossing, The Gospel of Qui, Hannah Rose and the Sweet Nothings, Hooten Hallers, Hot Club of Urbana, Jaik Willis, Jean Rene Balekita, John Coppess, Kate Campbell, Keith Hall and The Creepin' Grass, Los Texano'z, Meadowhawk, Merry Travelers Duo, Mr. Dave, The Paw Paws, Sixth Street Brass Band, Spencer and Rains, Tumbleweeds, Tyler Lance Walker Gill, and The Young and the Fretless.

The event schedule is online at CU Folk & Roots master schedule and will be updated live with additional performances, venue changes, and last-minute events.

All-access festival tickets are $50, with single-day and single-venue tickets available at The Cohen Building at 136 W. Main Street in downtown Urbana.

The festival will also host dances, instructional sessions, jam sessions, and song circles. A family-oriented event, there are other activities such as storytelling, instrument-making, and other children's programs during the three day event.

For more information visit the Folk & Roots website at https://folkandroots.org/


Related articles:


All that jazz
With well-renowned saxophone player Chip McNeil looking on, Issac Hanson belts out...

CATsNAP benefit raises money for cats
Vocalists Elena Negruta and Ingrid Kammin preform a classical piece at the The CATsNAP Benefit Concert on Sunday afternoon...

Sign up for the Sentinel

Letter to the Editor | Thanks to the Democrats, the borders remain wide open

Dear Editor,

In his letter to President Biden, Governor Pritzker complained about the “refugees” being bussed to Chicago from Texas and how federal aid hasn’t kept up.

Pritzker rightly points out that the situation is “untenable.”

Immigrants are sleeping in police stations, airports, and temporary shelters, making Chicago bureaucrats scramble to provide food, clothing, and medical care — putting a greater strain on already limited services.

Instead of enforcing border security and upholding the legal process, they are spending gobs of tax dollars for the basic needs for tens of thousands of new arrivals.

While Democrats continue to parrot the “we are a Welcoming City” mantra, taxpayers are expected to pay the price for billionaire Pritzker’s generosity to those future voters who are intentionally skirting the U.S. immigration process.

USA Today reports about 2.2 million without a health exam or criminal background check have crossed the border so far this year. Those numbers have risen to about 8,000 per day. And it’s expected to get worse.

Thanks to Democrat policies, the borders remain wide open. Yet they want us to believe that big government and more tax dollars are the solution. Don’t believe them! They are failing the American people on so many levels, including upholding their oaths of office.

David E. Smith, Executive Director
Illinois Family Action

Mokena, IL

More opinions and viewpoints
Viewpoint: The Merry Go Round’ of PCOS Diagnoses and Disappointments. When does it stop?
I got my first period when I was ten; by age 12 I spent several days a month hunched over, bleeding, and crying in pain. The gynecologist I went to told me I may have endometriosis, brushed off the pain as “normal” and recommended that I take birth control pills ...

Op-Ed | A shade off
Imagine you sit on the admissions committee of a major medical school where only one slot remains available for the 2023 entering class. You must select between two candidates: one Latino, one white—both qualified.

Liam, the white student, is the son of an affluent lawyer. He scored 507 out of a possible 528 points on the MCAT; his GPA ...


Viewpoint | Fining kids by the Illinois criminal justice system needs to end
From my perspective, after 31 years in law enforcement and now as an adjunct professor teaching Juvenile Justice Administration at Wright College in Chicago, failure is when people involved in the justice system are left without the means to create a better future for themselves and their families. Across communities, those means can take many shapes. But here in Illinois, ...


Sign up for the Sentinel

For a quickie dessert this week, make a batch of Whoopie Pies

Family Feature - If you’re looking for an easy dessert to make this week, this Whoopie Pie recipe below is the perfect way to cap off weeknight meals. These won't last long, so you will probably want to make a couple of batches at a time. Whoopie Pies are also an awesome midday snack with a cup of hot chocolate or afternoon cup of coffee.

Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.


Whoopie Pies

Ingredients

  • 1 box spice cake mix
  • 1 1/2 cups apple butter
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • How to put them together

    Heat oven to 350 F.

    Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In large bowl, whisk spice cake mix, apple butter, oil and eggs.

    With ice cream scoop or large tablespoon, spoon batter into rounded heaps, about 2-3 inches in diameter, onto parchment paper. Space spooned batter 2 inches apart.

    Bake 14 minutes. Let cool.

    In large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla; beat until blended.

    Frost flat sides of pie halves and place halves together.

    Refrigerate and store in sealed container.


    Related articles:


    A healthy snack option, try Apple Nachos this week
    No matter how busy your schedule gets, it’s important to take time to nurture your physical and mental health and well-being. With busy work, school and sports schedules underway, it is good ...

    Gimme S’mores Trail Mix
    School days offer nearly endless opportunities for learning and exploration in the classroom, but education doesn’t have to end with the final bell. Parents can ensure their students feel ...

    Sign up for the Sentinel


    Photos this week


    The St. Joseph-Ogden soccer team hosted Oakwood-Salt Fork in their home season opener on Monday. After a strong start, the Spartans fell after a strong second-half rally by the Comets, falling 5-1. Here are 33 photos from the game.


    Photos from the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team's home opener against Maroa-Forsyth from iphotonews.com.