When you decide on the home you want to make your own, some of that decision includes concessions, right? The wallpaper has to go. The paint needs to be a brighter color. The kitchen just needs a facelift...

So your offer is accepted and you close on your new house. Hooray!!! You drive right over, and now you are inside looking everywhere and thinking about where everything will go and what changes need to be made. It all sounds reasonable at first, but after week 1 or 2, the jobs start to mount, don't they? Don't dismay!! Since my husband and I are going through this as I write, let me share some tips.

1. While you may have already had jobs lined up before closing, still prioritize your list.-We knew we wanted a new countertop and planned on painting the cabinets in the kitchen, but after being there a few days, we decided to make some other small changes which delayed the painting. Prioritizing what jobs or rooms need attention, you slow yourself down so you can really think things through thereby doing jobs once instead of twice or more.
2. Allow yourself to live in the house for a bit before tackling the jobs you plan.-I learned this as a new empty nester a few years ago. How you initially envision yourself and your family living in the home may actually be different from reality. This isn't to say you don't know yourself or them but as you get more intimate with your new surroundings, everyone in the home will find unique ways to use spaces that neither they nor you may have thought. This may very well impact your renovation plans so allowing yourselves a little time to adjust could save you a lot of time and money.
3. Have grace!-Everyone's excited about the new home and the adventures to be had, right? So include all in the discussions and work to make your house into your new home. Give each a chance to have a piece of themselves and participate, age appropriately, in the areas they will "live" in. Of course bedrooms and some bathrooms will be very personal, but family rooms, game rooms, TV rooms, pool areas and backyards can have fun, unique ideas if you give the family room to be creative.

Most of all, HAVE FUN!! This has been a unique experience for my husband and me because we actually have really taken our time. This isn't my norm because I want it all together NOW, but I've come to be less stressed and have more patience and grace for my husband and, frankly, myself, making this transition more fun and exciting!