What to do After the Movers Leave

An organized plan helps you unpack and get settled into a new home.

And you thought that the packing and loading was a handful, unpacking can be just as stressful if you are not prepared. It is important when moving to develop a plan for unpacking to make it fun and exciting rather than overwhelming and stressful. Marilyn Lewis of MSN Real Estate wrote a terrific article on how to create a plan for unpacking your new home.

Establish a beachhead:

* After you have paid the movers and looked around, take stock. You should have already done inventory during the unloading phase.

*If you discover damage while unpacking, obtain a claim form from your moving company (or call CRS and we can walk you through the process)

*Make sure to give a detailed description when filing a claim.

*Photograph any breakage from several angles.

*Send the claim via certified mail

*Hold on to the damaged boxes or item until your claim is resolved

*If a dispute arises with the moving company, contact CRS. We can assist you in resolving the claim

About those boxes:

*Unpacking will consume several days- at least. While you are unpacking, your new life is beginning. New neighbors may show up to say hello, family members are beginning new jobs, new schools and you're getting to know your new community.

*If you have packed well, the pressure's off because you have what you need close at hand. The trick in unpacking is to have prepared a box of essentials for each room and open these boxes first so you can function out of them while assembling the rest of the house.

*Try to stay focused. Get one room to completion before starting the next.

Make lists:

Keep two lists as you work: one for tools and supplies needed to finish setting up the house, the other for repairs and jobs to do.

Breathe:

Take your time. your home doesn't need to be perfect right away. Make it good enough to get going, then adjust as needed.

Get rid of boxes:

As you empty boxes, break them down and store or recycle them. Ask if your moving company recycles boxes. Offer them through a free classified ad online or in your local newspaper. Call other moving companies to locate a recycling program.

Purge:

Designate a place to put things you want out of the house with separate piles for stuff to store, sell, donate or discard.

Customize your space:

Set up your home with an eye to your family's needs. Many homes, for example, have a formal dining room, but few families eat formal meals these days. you may prefer to use the space for an office, a playroom or homework area.

Accept help:

When new neighbors come by to say hello and offer help, take them up on it, both to bond and because every bit of help gets you closer to completion. Don't be afraid to ask for aid holding a ladder, carrying out boxes, organizing the kitchen or driving a load to the dump.

Get established:

*Find restaurants and shops

*Join a neighborhood organization

*Meet the doctors

*Beat the rush- If you move in the summer, get a jump on the schools' mass registration in August by calling or dropping in to deliver your children's records and fill out paper work in advance

*Break the ice- Don't wait for others to make the first move. Throw a bbq, brunch or party for neighbors or have people over to watch the football game.

Before long, this new place will seem like home, but the memories of your first days and weeks and how your settled in will remain vivid.

To view the full article, visit What to do after the movers leave