A new, empty house can be daunting. It's also an opportunity.

If you temper your excitement of moving into a new house with a bit of patience, you can truly make this home your own. Take some time to explore, investigate all the nooks and crannies, and use these tips for your first few days of settling in.

Clean Up

Take advantage of being in an empty house. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to clean from top to bottom.

    •    Refrigerator
    •    Oven and burners
    •    Microwave
    •    Dishwasher
    •    Disposal
    •    Carpet
    •    Closets
    •    Bathrooms
    •    Attic
    •    Basement
    •    Garage
    •    Patio
    •    Tile and grout
    •    Ceiling and wall fixtures
   
Fix Up

Take this opportunity to get your home in tip-top shape. It’s easier to do some of these things without a house full of furniture.

    •    Install new batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
    •    Repair cracks in the walls, ceiling, or floor
    •    Paint or wallpaper
    •    Lay new carpet
    •    Repair tiles and grout
    •    Lubricate door hinges
    •    Clean and lubricate drawer tracks
    •    Lay shelf paper
    •    Check electrical outlets

Soften the Transition

Consider some of the following to make the transition easier.

    •    Determine ahead of time how you want to arrange your furniture
    •    Ask a friend or relative to watch the kids, or—
    •    Plan tasks for the kids to involve them in the move
    •    Consider leaving pets with a friend or relative—or perhaps in a kennel
    •    Explore the benefits of staying in your favorite hotel during the move
    •    Check your old mailbox now and then
    •    Locate your police and fire stations
    •    Contact your new veterinarian
    •    Explore new shopping centers, grocery, and drug stores
    •    Locate your hospital
   
Tend to the Details

Since your address has changed, notify important parties of your new contact information.

    •    Post office
    •    Bank accounts
    •    Credit cards and loans
    •    Insurance policies
    •    Mobile phone
    •    Drivers license and auto registration
    •    Voter registration
    •    Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
    •    Professional memberships
    •    Schools and alumni organizations
    •    Employers
    •    Health care providers
    •    Friends and family

Smell the Roses

Here are some tips for enjoying your new castle.

    •    Unpack a little at a time
    •    Remind yourself that it’s okay to have fun and unwind
    •    Open the doors, and let in the fresh air
    •    Play your favorite music
    •    Introduce yourself to your new neighbors
    •    Take yourself out to dinner
    •    Light a candle and relax

[main image: Jupiterimages | Pixland | Thinkstock]