A post-retirement move is usually exciting, marking a significant transition in your life. However, moving is also stressful, particularly if you are heading to a new city. Fortunately, it’s possible to get your footing fast by using the right approach. Here are some tips from Absolute Shine to quickly settle into your new home after a post-retirement move.
Have Your Home Deep Cleaned
When moving into a new home, it’s important to make sure that your new living space is clean and safe before settling in. A deep cleaning performed by Absolute Shine can ensure that your home is free of any lingering dirt, dust, and allergens. Additionally, a deep cleaning can also tackle any potential mold or mildew, which can have negative impacts on your health.
Unpack Your Belongings
If you’re experiencing a decline in well-being after your move, unpacking might be the last thing on your mind. The issue is, by delaying, you won’t feel settled. Even if it’s hard, work on unpacking right away. Begin with critical areas first. For instance, unpacking your bedroom gives you a restful space where you can escape some of the stresses of the day, so it’s a wise place to begin. By tackling your kitchen next, you have everything you’ll need for nutritious home-cooked meals.
If you didn’t declutter when you packed, do that as you open the boxes. Think about every item and decide if it genuinely has a place in your new home. If so, designate a spot for it specifically. If not, sell, donate, or trash it.
Revitalize Your Kitchen
The kitchen is arguably the most important room in the house, so make sure that your new one is up to your daily challenges. Dinner with family or friends can be an important routine, especially when everyone comes together to both cook and eat. It’s important that your kitchen is functional so that everyone can enjoy their time together.
If your kitchen is outdated, take some steps to revitalize it even if a full renovation is out of the question right now. Freshen up the look with new hardware and add new countertops for a great update. Don’t forget to replace any appliances that aren’t functioning properly.
Update Outdoor Areas
Having a nice spot to relax or entertain outside can work wonders for your mental health. As a result, you want to take some time to get your yard, balcony, or patio in good shape as soon as possible. Start with some seating and a table, giving you a place to sit and rest. Introduce plants that bring a smile to your face, focusing on low-maintenance options, making your outdoor space as enjoyable as possible.
If you have a yard, consider hiring a lawn care service to whip the space into shape. Mowing services usually cost between $35 and $100, though you can also spend a bit more to get extra help, including irrigation, fertilizing, pruning, and hardscaping. That way, you can have the outdoor space of your dreams.
Set Up Your Home Office
If you are working part time, be sure to set up your home office as a designated area that is free from distractions. This could be a separate room or a corner of your living space, as long as it is organized and equipped with the necessary tools such as an ergonomic chair and a proper lighting system. Additional ways to promote productivity and reduce stress include allowing natural light into the room and adding plants or artwork to improve the overall ambiance of the space.
Invest in a Home Warranty
Investing in a home warranty is a smart move to protect your home and save money on costly repairs. While homeowners insurance covers damage to your home’s structure, theft of belongings, and injuries that occur on your property, it doesn’t cover home systems or appliances that break down. For that, you’ll need a home warranty. This annual renewable contract provides coverage for breakdowns of your heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as appliance repairs. A home warranty can be a useful resource, offering peace of mind and financial protection for unexpected home maintenance issues.
Change the Locks
Whether you bought your home or are renting, you want to get your locks changed or rekeyed. That way, previous residents won’t have a way to potentially access your house. Getting new locks is incredibly simple for homeowners, as you can usually purchase sets at any hardware store. If you’d rather rekey, then you’ll need to hire a locksmith. If you’re renting, contact your landlord or property manager. Ask if the locks are replaced or rekeyed between tenants. If the answer is no, request new locks or rekeying to ensure your safety.
Strategies for Staying Happy
Once you’re settled in, it’s time to think about your long-term happiness. Create a plan for maintaining your home while you’re there. One great way to begin is to schedule any maintenance with service providers in advance. For example, schedule quarterly preventative treatments with a pest control service and contact a technician about annual service contracts for ongoing HVAC maintenance. That way, you can get that work scheduled and plan for any related upcoming costs.
Get Settled and Enjoy Your Retirement
Ultimately, a little bit of planning now makes a difference. You’ll handle all of your long-term needs before they’re critical, ensuring you can keep your home in tip-top shape with greater ease. From getting your new home deep cleaned to ensuring you have updated appliances, you’ll be on the right track to enjoying your hard-earned retirement.
Absolute Shine is a leading name in the professional cleaning service providers of Virginia. Bringing an extensive experience of more than 14 years, we are committed to providing our clients with unmatched cleaning expertise and unbeatable service excellence. Visit our website to learn more!
