There’s a special kind of quiet that comes after the last box is carried through the door — equal parts relief and a little wobbliness. The first weekend in a new place is where the house stops being just a collection of rooms and begins to feel like home. I like to treat those first days as gentle, practical work: small wins that make a big difference to how a space feels and how I feel in it.

Start with the essentials kit

Before anything else, I make an essentials kit and keep it nearby. This saves small panics on day one when you can’t find a kettle or that one favourite mug. My essentials kit always includes:

  • Phone chargers and a power strip
  • A box cutter/scissors and tape
  • Basic toiletries: toothbrush, soap, shampoo, toilet roll
  • A few plates, bowls, cutlery and one pot or pan
  • Tea bags or coffee, and a kettle or portable burner
  • A lamp or bedside light and spare bulbs
  • Basic tools: screwdriver, hammer, measuring tape

    • Having these on hand means I can make a cuppa, get cleaned up, and tackle small fixes without hunting through a dozen boxes.

    Unpack by zones, not by boxes

    I avoid the temptation to unpack randomly. Instead, I unpack by functional zones: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and a living area. Focusing on one zone at a time creates visible progress and helps the place feel organised sooner.

  • Kitchen: unpack the essentials first (plates, cutlery, kettle, a saucepan). Clear a section of the counter for meal prep.
  • Bedroom: set up the bed. Clean sheets and a made bed do more to make a room feel lived-in than anything else.
  • Bathroom: hang towels, unpack toiletries, and check the plumbing and hot water.
  • Living area: arrange a chair or a throw on the sofa, and set up a lamp. Don’t worry about art yet — comfort over perfection.

    • Handle the practical must-dos straight away

    There are a few practicalities I tackle in the first 48 hours. They aren’t glamorous, but they make living here easier and safer.

  • Locate the fuse box, water shut-off valve and main gas valve. It’s a good idea to label them if they aren’t already.
  • Test smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.
  • Check locks on external doors and windows. If a change of locks makes you sleep better, schedule it early — it’s worth the cost for peace of mind.
  • Register your address for postal services and update essential accounts (bank, GP, utilities) — I do this on my phone while I have a cup of tea.

    • Create a cosy sleep environment

    After a long day of moving, good sleep is everything. I never underestimate the power of a comfy, calming bedroom.

  • Put up blackout curtains or an eye mask if there’s streetlight.
  • Layer the bed with a soft duvet and a couple of extra pillows.
  • Place a small basket or tray on the bedside table for glasses, phone and a book.
  • Use a gentle bedside lamp (a Philips Hue or simple IKEA lamp works well) rather than blinding overhead lights.

    • Making the bed and dimming the lights signals to your brain that this is a place to rest.

    Make the kitchen usable and inviting

    Even if you don’t feel like cooking, having a few comforting, easy food options makes the new place feel hospitable. During my first weekend I focus on three things: accessible food, a clean space, and a little ritual that feels like home.

  • Unpack and arrange the items you'll use daily on a single shelf or a drawer.
  • Clean countertops and wipe out the fridge — moving dust accumulates.
  • Prepare a simple, nourishing meal: a one-pan dinner, a salad, or a tray bake. I love a sheet-pan roasted veg + chickpeas tossed with olive oil, lemon and herbs — easy, minimal washing up and fills the kitchen with a lovely scent.

    • For snacks and breakfasts, I usually keep oats, greek yoghurt, fruit and a jar of jam on hand. A fresh loaf and butter feel indulgent and grounding in new surroundings.

    Add small comforts, not big projects

    The first weekend isn’t the time for major redecorating. Instead, I do small, intentional things that change the atmosphere without overwhelming me or my schedule.

  • Lay down a rug in the living area or by the bed — it makes footsteps softer and the room instantly warmer.
  • Bring out a favourite throw or cushion from the moving box. Familiar textiles provide comfort and colour.
  • Light a candle or use a simple diffuser (I like a lavender scent for evening calm). If you use candles, never leave them unattended.
  • Place a plant or simple vase of flowers on a table. Even a small pothos or a few stems from the grocery store add life.

    • Set up one small creative or mindful ritual

    Rituals help anchor us in a new place. I pick one small thing to do every evening that helps the space feel mine.

  • Make a tea and sit by the window for five minutes, noticing the view.
  • Write a short list of three things I want to do there that week — simple, achievable tasks.
  • Sketch the layout of the room in a notebook or take a few photographs. The act of noticing the details helps me feel connected.

    • These tiny habits build familiarity. Over time they form a gentle rhythm that turns a house into a home.

    Introduce yourself to your neighbourhood

    Home is about more than four walls. Even a short walk around the block helps you feel rooted.

  • Find the nearest shop, post box and bus stop. I note these down on my phone so I don’t waste time later.
  • Say hello to neighbours if it feels natural — a quick introduction can make future interactions easier.
  • Scout a local coffee shop or park where you might go to read, sketch or simply breathe.

    • On my first walk in a new area I like to pay attention to small delights: a row of tidy gardens, a favourite bakery, or a tree-lined street that could become a regular route.

    Keep a small moving journal

    I always bring a little notebook when I move. Inside I jot down what I did each day, what worked, and what I want to change. It’s useful for practical follow-ups — changing lightbulbs, installing shelves — and it becomes a time capsule of the move itself.

    Invite someone over for a simple visit

    If you’re up for it, having one friend or family member pop by for tea within the first week helps a new place feel loved and less strange. Don’t aim for a dinner party — keep it low pressure: tea, a simple tray of biscuits or a slice of cake, and a few minutes to sit and chat.

    Hosting reminds me that a home is a place for connection, even if it’s just with one person to begin with.

    If you’re reading this on Restoring Daisy (hello — I’m so glad you’re here), remember that making a home is not a race. Small, considered actions done over a weekend can turn a house into somewhere you feel steadier and more at ease. Tackle the practical first, layer in comforts, lean on simple rituals, and let the rest come in time.