Oh my! We are about to move again. I mentioned it here before that we just transferred here in Antipolo last July. The original plan was to move into our apartment but things changed when we couldn't find a nanny for our son, Antipolo is far from our work and we need someone to look for Ayvan while we're working. We do "shifting thing" (me at night and him in the morning), but still not good enough so, we decided to stay in their house for the meantime.
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Our apartment |
I know you'll agree if I say that it's cheaper to live in your own house than renting and lucky of those couples who already have one. And now that we're three, we need to think more of our future than we used to. Having that said, we're going to move within this month. We got a Nanny for Ayvan, she'll be arriving this coming Sunday so I thought of some tips on how to make things easier when it comes to moving.
Moving is quite frustrating, but I guess it's just a matter of organizing and planning everything before the day comes.
Deep CleanAnother great way to take advantage of your still-empty abode is to give it a deep clean. Cleaning the floors, baseboards and windows will never be this easy again -- you'll have unhindered access to everything. Think about it: no curtains to take down, no rugs or furniture to move. And don't stop there. You can wipe down all the counter-tops, shelves and drawers. Run a phantom load in the washing machine, clean out the stove if it needs it, and don't forget the refrigerator and freezer. If possible, ask every help you can get to get it all done.
First things firstAmong many cultures, it's a popular custom to bring uncooked rice and salt into a new home. Essentially, it's meant to ensure that the homeowners will always have plenty to eat -- rice so that your family will never be hungry and salt so that your kitchen will be full of flavor. Whether you want to adhere to this tradition or not, it's a good idea to check out the local market and get a few staples. Between you, your family, the movers and any friends who are helping you, someone's bound to get thirsty or hungry during the move. Why not be ready with a refrigerator full of cold beverages, sandwich supplies and other snacks? And don't forget to grab some cups, napkins paper towels and toilet paper while you're at it.
Find the essentials and organizeDon't try to unpack everything at once. Sort your carefully labeled boxes so that you only have to unpack what is absolutely necessary. This gives you the time to organize your space as you go, instead of being forced to toss things randomly into cupboards and closets. Look for towels, bed linens, toiletries and other essentials. Unpack a few clothes so that you'll have something to wear over the next few days. Find the coffee maker and your favorite mug. And don't forget to find kid's food and water dishes and a few of their favorite toys. Know where the main circuit breaker is and the water shut-offs are.
Make the BedsWhile you're rooting around in the linen-filled boxes, unpack enough bedding to set up beds for everyone who is actually going to be sleeping at your house. If your friends aren't staying over (friends who helped you out), don't bother with the guest rooms -- you can take time later in the week or next week to get to that. For now, concentrate on the kids' rooms and your master suite. Make sure you find your daughter's favorite blanket and your son's robot sheets; if you want their first night in the new place to be a good one. And while you're at it, don't forget your husband's anti-snoring pillow.
Meet the NeighborsAfter a few hours of unpacking, you'll need some fresh air. Grab the kids, put the pooch on a leash, and hit the street for a stroll. If you can, try to meet some neighbors while you're out for your walk around the neighborhood. If the family across the street is outside playing a game of basketball, stop by to say hello. The sooner you get to know the folks around you, the quicker your new place will start to feel like home.
Get Some SleepNot to be too redundant but … moving can be tiring and stressful. So, after you've spent the day schlepping furniture and unpacking boxes, you need a good night's rest. There's no need to stay up until 2 or 3 a.m. Those boxes aren't going anywhere, and by now, you've already unpacked the essentials. By getting an adequate amount of sleep, you'll be ready and able to get started on whatever you need to do the next day, whether it be unpacking the books, hanging all the paintings or taking the day off to explore your new town.
There you go, those are tips I've gathered for this topic. I hope this will help you in any way.