Making a Place a Home

Moving into a new place is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Once the boxes are inside, the real work begins: unpacking, organizing, decorating, and making your home safe and comfortable for your family. Here’s a detailed guide to help you turn any house or apartment into your home.

Unpacking & Getting Settled

• Line your shelves: If cabinets or shelves are bare, put down shelf liner first. It protects the surface and adds a nice touch.

• Unpack in order: Start with clothes (especially if you’re starting a new job) — then move to the kitchen, since eating at home saves money and makes life easier.

• Garage or shed first: Store away keepsakes or rarely used items to free up space inside.

• Take breaks: Those first days are overwhelming! Don’t feel guilty about eating out to regroup.
  
  

Letting Go & Organizing

Moving is the perfect time to let go of what you don’t need. As you put items away, decide what stays, what can be sold, and what should be donated.

• Sell clothes online: ThredUp lets you request a free clean-out kit. They’ll sell qualified items and donate the rest — at no cost to you.

• Donate locally: Goodwill, Salvation Army, or St. Vincent de Paul are all great options.

• Sell in person: Stores like Plato’s Closet buy gently used name-brand clothes. Collectibles (like baseball or Pokémon cards) may be worth cash at comic shops or Half Price Books.

If organizing feels overwhelming, check out The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up. It’s a simple, powerful approach to letting go and only keeping what sparks joy.

💡 Tip: Don’t wait until everything is unpacked — organize as you go so you’re not doubling your work.

Organizing Your Home (Check Out My Images Below!)

A good system makes it easier to find things and helps your family work together. Inspiration can be found all over Pinterest.

Closets & Clothes

• Organize by style or color.

• Use totes, crates, or rolling clothes in drawers to maximize space.

• Update dresser labels as kids grow out of sizes.

Shoes, Jewelry & Accessories

• Use over-the-door shoe racks or under-bed storage.

• Organize jewelry with drawer organizers (add masking tape if you have toddlers).
  
  

Everyday Essentials

• Spices: Spice rack organizer

• Cookware: Pan organizer

• Medicines: Store in a toolbox—always out of kids’ reach.

• Toys: Try bookshelves, shoe racks, or labeled Dollar Tree buckets.

• Photos: Use Google Photos for digital storage, albums for prints.

Safety First

If you have little ones, babyproofing is essential:

• Install door knob covers, deadbolt locks (if applicable), door level lock (if applicable), cabinet locks, plug covers, edge padding, anti-tip straps, and furniture brackets.

• Keep blind cords tied up or install cordless blinds.

• Close toilet lids and keep small items like paperclips in zip bags.

For emergencies:

• Practice fire, tornado, earthquake, and intruder drills.

• Keep emergency numbers handy:

  • 911

  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

  • Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453

  • Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

• Stock a first aid kit. Check out Nemours Kids Health for safety tips.
  
  

For kids:

• Teach them your address, phone numbers, and how to dial emergency numbers.

• Review stranger danger basics. Here’s a helpful video.

• Consider ordering a free Child Safe Kit to record your child’s vital details, and explore resources like Experian’s child identity theft tips, Equifax, and TransUnion.
  
  

Maintaining Your Home

Keep your home in top shape with an annual inspection. Many local companies offer “Annual Maintenance Plans” to spot issues before they become major repairs.

Enjoy Your Home

More than anything, enjoy the process of making your space your own. It’s a mix of organization, creativity, and care. And once you’ve settled in, check out my guide Keeping Up With Life for tips on balancing it all after the move.

Check out the Home Checklist – a complete, room-by-room guide to stocking and setting up your home. From bathroom basics and kitchen essentials to cleaning supplies, tools, and even fun extras, this printable checklist helps you stay organized while making sure you don’t forget anything important. Use it to track what you already have and what you still need, whether you’re moving in, starting fresh, or just getting better organized.