Moving to a new place can be one of the most exciting things that a family will ever do. When we moved from Texas to Colorado it was a mixture of extreme emotions: it was a combination of extreme excitement and curiosity mixed with intense anxiety and feeling brokenhearted. Starting over in a new home, discovering things about a new environment, and being blessed with a fresh start can be a beautiful season in life. It can also be incredibly difficult and stressful. After all, starting over can be scary.

Despite the guaranteed highs and lows that come with a big move, there are a few simple things that can be done to ease the process.

Prioritize

It’s easy to over-analyze all of things that will need to be handled with a move. Instead of worrying about finding a doctor, a pediatric dentist, a barber, or any of the various tradespeople in your area, focus on what you need to accomplish to get the move accomplished. What needs to be done immediately?

Booking a moving company, packing your belongings efficiently, and setting up your utilities and internet services are likely most important.

Make your house a home

Once you’ve moved the first thing you’ll want to do is to make your house feel like a home. Establish the simple comforts: light a few candles, plug in the lamps, get the mattresses out and cover them with soft clean sheets, these are the basic things that will bring instant comfort. The decor and aesthetic updates/changes can come with time.

Don’t forget to leave the coffee pot in a place that easy to reach, and brew a pot of coffee to fill your new home with a comforting, caffeinated aroma.

Head Out For Ice Cream

If you’ve moved to a new town or state, take a break from your busy time unpacking, and take the family for ice cream. Being somewhere unfamiliar can raise anxieties, and feel isolating. When we first moved to Colorado we had family nearby that graciously helped us feel welcomed. We did go for ice cream within a few days of settling in, and it made us feel like we were quickly becoming part of our community.

Wander around your neighborhood and see what there is, you may even meet a few of your neighbors this way. Through a little exploration you may find a great park for the kids or a quaint spot to stop and have dinner.

The adjustment may take time, but surely this sensitive season with your family will draw all of you closer, forcing you to rely on one another more closely.

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*This is a collaborative post.

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