| It is a new day and a new place there is a | | | | If you are religious make contact with your |
| smell of paint and boxes surrounding you. | | | | temple or church. |
| Whew, it is time to get settled. If you | | | | |
| handle unpacking systematically you will not | | | | • Go to the local library and get a |
| have any problem. Get the movers to place | | | | membership for the family. |
| boxes in the rooms where they belong, for | | | | |
| example all boxes that contain kitchen stuff | | | | • Introduce yourself to your new |
| should be placed in the kitchen. Create a | | | | neighbors and call up your office to let them |
| priority list and unpack accordingly. Many | | | | know you have arrived. |
| people prefer getting the kitchen and | | | | |
| bedrooms done first followed by the living | | | | • A visit to the mall, drugstore, and |
| areas. | | | | grocers is a must. It will help you make new |
| | | | friends and stock up on essentials. |
| • Check that all appliances and | | | | |
| electronics work. Keep a master list and tick | | | | • Make the move an adventure for the |
| as "OK." | | | | kids and plan special treats to help them |
| | | | settle in quickly. |
| • Next have the utilities turned on | | | | |
| and all the appliances connected to the right | | | | • Go to the local bank and set up |
| outlets. | | | | your accounts. |
| | | | |
| • Create a mover's file and file all | | | | Help the kids and pets settle in by bring |
| receipts, insurance papers, as well as | | | | them small gifts and set up a routine for |
| contracts in it. Pin a sheet with the mover's | | | | them. This helps them settle in quicker. Many |
| numbers and contact details. Ensure that you | | | | families hold a "new life" party or ritual, |
| have the bill of lading and payment receipt. | | | | and plant a tree or bush to symbolize new |
| | | | life and order pizza or have a barbeque in |
| • Keep ready the papers pertaining to | | | | the yard. Music and laughter always eases any |
| the transfer of school registrations. Plan to | | | | tensions or discomfort. Hugs and kisses help |
| go meet the school authorities and complete | | | | create bonds and erase fears. Spend more time |
| the formalities. | | | | with the young ones and pets to reassure them |
| | | | of your love and support. Packing a "love em" |
| • Take care of essentials like | | | | box helps. This could contain favorite CDs, a |
| registering for a new driver's license and | | | | family movie, a few pictures, and a story |
| get new tags for your cars. | | | | book as well as cuddly toy, having things |
| | | | that a family is comfortable with eases the |
| • Make the time to meet the new | | | | first night in a new home. |
| doctor, dentist, as well as vet. | | | | |
| | | | Transitions are always hard and every bit of |
| • Ask the newsvendor to start | | | | effort made to facilitate settling in goes a |
| delivery of newspapers and magazines. | | | | long way. Plan on what to do after the move |
| | | | and things will go smoothly. |
| • Visit the local citizens club or Y. | | | | |