10 Ways to Turn Your New House into Your “New Home”

Moving into your new house - new or resale- stamps the beginning of another chapter in your life. As you start adjusting to your new place, here are some practical things to do to make everyone in the family feel a sense of belonging.

1.    Change your keys.

Change the locks both inside and outside the house. If you prefer to use your old hardware, have it re-keyed or the lock cylinder replaced by a local locksmith.

2.    Create new passwords.

Change the password for your security system, internet connection or anything that requires a code. Make sure to record and keep them in a safe place.

3.    Open up spaces.

Modern living has embraced, especially for growing families, open-plan design and shared spaces for certain functions like cooking, eating and spending time together.  This means breaking down walls and dividers for a bigger space for family activities.

4.    Maximize the use of existing walls.

To avoid clutter, make use of bare walls for storage such as shelves and bookcases or to hang frames, crafts and your other and family members' knick knacks.

5.    Pad out your flooring.

If you are not fond of wall-to-wall carpet, pad out your home by using soft, preferably non- slip flooring to protect running feet, and comfortable rugs where you and your loved ones can sit, play, lie down or roll together.

6.    Collect and keep manuals.

Start filing a digital and/or paper folders to keep manuals for your appliances, gadgets and devices for reference. Calendar the schedule for their maintenance or upgrade.

7.    Inform your family of smoke/CO detectors, electrical breaker panels and water shut off

Everyone in the house should know where the control of these essentials are placed and how to put them off when needed.

8.    Involve everyone in the clean- up operations.

Giving every family member a part of the responsibility to maintain orderliness and cleanliness in the house will make them careful and conscious of their actions. This, however should not just be during the first few days of your moving in, but it should be done on a regular basis.

9.    Know the local pests, wildlife and garbage collection.

Inquire from your neighbour the local pests and wildlife in your new space to prevent invasion. The schedule of the garbage pickup should also be posted at home.

10. Stick to neutrals

While each one in the family has his favorite colour and style, decorating common rooms where everyone has an access such as the living, family entertainment and dining rooms, the den and library should be in a neutral tone or mood.