Moving Checklist, Month Two: How to Organize and Decorate Like a Pro

After a month in your new place, it’s actually starting to feel like home. The boxes are (mostly) gone, the frames are hung, and you can finally remember where you put your keys. Now it’s time to start making your home feel like “you.”

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Small decor upgrades that go a long way

Not everything needs to be a big to-do. These small tweaks can add up to a major transformation.

• Decide if any rooms need a fresh coat of paint now that you can see them with all your stuff unpacked.
• Layer in decorative accents to flesh out home décor.
• Upgrade your kitchen cabinet hardware.
• Swap out your old shower curtain for a fresh look.
• Frame your bathroom mirror with decorative molding.
• Introduce some soft lighting under your cabinets with easy-to-install puck lights.

Pro tip

Pick a dry day to paint. You’re more likely to get drips when it’s humid or raining out.

Organizing 101

During move-in month, your stuff tends to find its way to the most convenient resting place — think coat on the back of the chair instead of a coat rack. Now that you have some time to catch your breath, take stock of what areas could benefit from some organization.  

• Store things where you use them most often.
• If you have to devote counter space to storing food, use matching containers for visual appeal.
• Buy a few catchall dishes to house jewelry and other knickknacks.
• Store kitchen items like cutting boards and cooking sheets vertically to save on space.
• Use hanging clips on your shower curtain rod to hold toiletries.
• Add over-the-door hanging racks in closets and bathrooms.
• Use a stick-on cord keeper on kitchen appliances to keep plugs from cluttering your counters.

Pro tip

Follow the one-hand rule: If you need both hands to put something away, it probably won’t get put away very often.

Easy ways to boost your curb appeal

First impressions are everything. Try these inexpensive upgrades to wow your new neighbors.

• Paint the front door for a fresh look. 
• Brighten up your home’s exterior with window flower boxes.
• Install new house numbers outside to match your style. 
• Replace your old mailbox. 
• Add window shutters for some symmetry in the front of your home.
• Hang string lights over the patio.

Pro tip

Rent a pressure washer to give your driveway, siding, and walkways a deep clean. 

Get the most out of your garage and shed

Organization is the name of the game when it comes to your garage and shed. Try these hack for optimizing your space.

• Add sturdy racks to your garage ceiling to store seasonal items like camping equipment and holiday decorations.
• Think vertically in your garage. Use pegboards, shelves, and cabinets to maximize the space available.
• Install adjustable shelving in the shed to accommodate different sizes of outdoor tools and garden supplies.
• Use open shelving for quicker access to everyday items.
• Hang long-handled items like rakes and brooms on the wall.

Did you know?

A garage door replacement has the highest return on investment of any project. You can expect to recoup 94% of the cost when you sell your home.

Celebrate the first fall in your new home

Fall is here, but does your new home pass the fall vibe check? Now is the time to clean out your gutters, light up the firepit, and fill your home with some cozy fall-scented candles. 

• Service your heating system.
• Put away the outdoor summer furniture and set up the firepit.
• Rake your yard.
• Break out the fall decor.
• Find and seal any gaps in your home.

What’s next?

After two months in your new home, you’ve hopefully found a permanent home for all of your belongings, and even come up with some novel solutions to storage challenges. With the basics covered, it’s time to turn your attention to some of the bigger projects on your list. Check out our month three checklist for more inspiration!