10 Things to Make it a Home
The boxes are stacked, the echoes are loud, and you officially have the keys to your new Cardel home.
Moving is a whirlwind, and while we’ve been building homes for 50 years, we know the "home" part doesn’t actually start until you're settled in. To help you skip the "I forgot we needed that" phase, here are 10 things you’ll actually want on day one—ranging from the purely practical to the "I deserve this" upgrades.
1. Window coverings (before the neighbors get a show)
Privacy is priority number one. Whether it’s sleek blinds or those floor-to-ceiling curtains you’ve been pinning for months, get them up early. It makes the space feel finished and ensures your first night’s sleep isn't interrupted by the 6:00 AM sun.\
2. The "measure twice" couch
This is the command center for movie marathons and Sunday naps. Our only piece of veteran advice? Measure your hallways and doorframes. There is nothing more heartbreaking than a beautiful sectional that won't fit through the front door.
3. A mattress worth the hype
You’re going to be exhausted after move-in week. Don't punish yourself with a 10-year-old lumpy mattress. Invest in good bedding and a foundation that makes you actually want to go to bed at 9:00 PM. Future you will thank current you.
4. A dining table that can do both
Sure, it’s for Sunday dinner, but let’s be real: it’s also your new "office," the kids' homework station, and the place where mail piles up. Pick a table that’s sturdy enough for real life and big enough for the people you love.
5. The "adult" towel upgrade
There is a specific kind of joy in throwing out your mismatched, scratchy college towels and replacing them with plush, spa-level sets. It’s a small luxury that makes your new bathroom feel like a sanctuary rather than just a room with a shower.
6. A toolkit (because a butter knife isn't a screwdriver)
You’re going to be hanging photos, tightening furniture legs, and opening boxes. Keep a small kit—hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, and a level—within arm’s reach. You don't want to be digging through "Kitchen Box #4" looking for a Phillips head.
7. Storage that actually works
The "honeymoon phase" of a new home ends the moment clutter takes over. Grab some baskets for the mudroom or bins for the pantry early on. If everything has a home from day one, you won't be "organizing" for the next six months.
8. A little bit of greenery
If you’re not a "plant person," start small with a Snake Plant or a Pothos. They’re nearly impossible to kill and they instantly cut through that "new house" sterility, making the air cleaner and the vibes better.
9. Art that means something
Don't rush to fill every wall with generic prints. Take your time. Hang the family photos, the weird art you found on vacation, or that one painting you love even though it doesn't "match" the rug. Your home should tell your story, not a catalog’s.
10. Real peace of mind
Whether it’s a smart doorbell or just making sure your outdoor lighting is set on a timer, getting your security sorted early lets you truly exhale. You’ve worked hard for this place—it’s worth protecting.
Welcome to the Cardel family. We’re beyond excited for you to start this chapter.
If you are still early in your search, or thinking about where to put down roots next, you can learn more about Cardel and the places we build across Alberta, Ontario, Colorado, and Florida.
Happy decorating!