It all began with the exciting decision to build a new home. You've spent the last several months going through paperwork, selecting a lot and a model, making colour and finishing selections, and then the whole construction process came along.

It feels like you've been doing this for much longer than it's actually been, and now you have finally reached the climax of the entire process: you've moved in. 

It's all so new, so different. It feels a bit unfamiliar if you're honest with yourself, but you know with time it will feel more and more like home. And there are a few things you can do to help ease this major transition in your life.

Check Your Appliances 

Did you move your appliances from your old home to your new one? These machines are something we rely heavily upon to get our daily jobs done, so if any one of them are not functioning, the whole routine becomes out of sorts. Nothing makes you feel less comfortable in your own home like a lack of regular routine. Check your appliances to ensure they're in working order, and if not, call for maintenance as soon as you can, to get them back into tip-top shape. 

You won't have this problem if you've included premium kitchen appliances in your new home build. However, you'll need to spend a little time to familiarize yourself with how they work. Also, when you take possession of your new home, it's likely your new appliances won't be set up yet, so look into having these connected immediately.   

Unpack Everything You Need (Toss the Rest) 

Living out of boxes and suitcases is not ideal for that feeling at home feel. Unpack absolutely everything you packed before you moved, and find a special home for everything. Organize cupboards, dressers, closets, and everything in between. The more organized your items are, the more your new home will feel truly yours.

If you find there are certain boxes you haven't unpacked, but they contain items you don't normally use a lot, maybe it's time to consider getting rid of these things altogether. If there are boxes you didn't unpack from your previous move, there's a good chance you don't need those items anymore. Recycle, donate, or sell on Kijiji or eBay. Moving these items out of your home is a great way to refresh and declutter.

Change Your Address 

You probably already set up your utilities and moved your cable/telephone accounts to your new address, but have you done the same with your driver's license, registration, insurance, credit cards, and all other forms of identification? 

Daily activities run smoother when your address is correct, and you won't need to deal with it in a situation where you don't really have the time. Be sure you have also restarted mail delivery at your new address. Getting the mail is certainly a way to feel that you're at home, even if it is just the bills.

Make It a Home 

Probably the best way to settle into your new home is to make it look uniquely yours. Take your children's artwork and stick it on the refrigerator. Decorate with a healthy mixture of old items and new ones you purchased specifically for your new home. Once your kitchen is entirely unpacked, make a point of sitting down to a home-cooked meal with the whole family. 

Get Settled Into Your New Community

Have you changed school divisions? Getting your kids registered at a new school definitely gets both them and you settled into your new location. Consider signing them up for programs in your new community so that they can start meeting new friends. If you move in the summer, be sure to visit plenty of neighbourhood parks, playgrounds, or other facilities so your kids might recognize a face or two when they start at their new school.

In addition to your kids, you need to feel part of your new community, too. Figure out the details on your commute time so you know where you're going on your first day back to work. Speak to your new neighbours when you get the chance to meet them and get a feel for the area. Join a fitness or yoga class to meet others in your area. Subscribe to your community's local newsletter to stay in the know of goings on in your area.

Finally, be sure to start a regular routine in your new home. Try your best to get back to your old routine if it helps. This counts for yourself, your children, and your pets. All of these things together will make your new home feel like you've been there all along.