Settling into your new home

Take a look through our top ten tips to make the transition to your new abode a smooth one.

Party like it's 1999 (for one night). If your house-warming is likely to get messy, have it before moving day so your precious cream couch will be saved from red wine stains. PS. Don’t forget to invite the neighbours.
Start a new tradition. You could plant a native tree, commission a new painting or pick out some special photos of your whanau to be framed. This way your hallway will be brimming with (your) personality in no time.
Create your own space. Just because the last owners had matching lazy-boys next to their chintz-covered coffee table doesn’t mean you have to do so as well. Buck the trend and get creative. It’s your house now after all!
Draw up a rough map of how you visualise each room. Otherwise kind friends helping you with the furniture will get sick of your constant calls for 'bit to the left' or 'let's try it this way'.
Tackle the big jobs first. This is easier said than done, if you're the type to put up paintings, photos and knick-knacks first to make a new abode feel like home.
Go bargain hunting for some swanky new goods to make you feel house-proud. You don't want to blow your budget now you have a mortgage, so check out sights like consumer.org.nz for comprehensive comparisons between different brands; and trademe.co.nz for furniture.
Buy some home decorating magazines and get inspired. If there are major renovations that look like they could cause a big disruption, get them done before you move in.
Go room by room if you're committed to a 'do-up'. Even if your budget is extremely tight, leave some money to consult the experts for the jobs you know you can’t handle. The Consumers’ Institute has put together a site called consumerbuild.org.nz that you might find handy.
Add value on the cheap:
•   Rather than lining furniture along the walls, try placing a piece or two on an angle.
•   Lift the mood with some sophisticated lighting.
•   Create a sense of space by using one or two larger, eye-catching accessories.
• Use a sheer fabric to hide shabby views.
Re-establish old routines as soon as you can. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Maybe it's time you put your feet up and watched a bit of your favourite TV show again.