The first days after your move can seem exciting and overwhelming, but the key to settling in quickly and easily is taking things one step at a time. These new apartment tips will help you set your priorities and tackle that to-do list little by little.

First things first: Social calls
You might be tempted to get right down to the nitty-gritty of unpacking right after your move, but there are a few social calls you should probably take care of first before you dive head first into this time-consuming task.

If you had moving help from family and friends, one of your first priorities post-move should be thanking these kind individuals. Nothing says, “I appreciate your help carrying my 400-pound armoire up two flights of stairs” quite like a round of pizza and drinks. So be sure to thank your family and friends for their patience, and take a moment to rest and relax with them.

Checking in with your new apartment manager should also be a top priority in the first days after your move. It’s a good idea to get friendly with him so he can learn your name and look out for you and your apartment. The apartment manager may also need to complete an apartment walkthrough with you, checking the condition of your unit and making note of any existing damages in your lease.

Start to unpack
Once you say your thank-yous and check in with apartment community staff, it’s time to start unpacking. Unpacking will help you get settled in and feel more at home, but it’s a good idea to take it easy. Trying to unpack many boxes at once can just leave you feeling overwhelmed and disorganized. Instead of ripping into everything all at once, set priorities for unpacking. Start with your priority box and then work on boxes for the bedroom and kitchen. Get the important stuff squared away first, and leave less important rooms for the next few days.

Discover your neighborhood
With your priority rooms unpacked, you can turn some attention to scoping out your new neighborhood. Make an expedition out into the neighborhood, looking for essential public service posts like the fire station, post office, and police. Also take note of the places you’ll need to frequent on a regular basis, like the grocery store, dry cleaners, bank, library, and restaurants.

One of those important places might be your child’s new school. Get your kids prepared for school by registering them in their new district, finding out where the bus stop is, and educating yourself on school operation times and policies.

You should also begin to think of your medical needs. Now is a good time to look for a new doctor, dentist, and pharmacy. If you have not already, you will need to transfer medical records and prescriptions. Take care of these tasks as soon as you can after your move, and you’ll be prepared if emergencies arise down the line.

Notify everyone you’ve moved
There are a number of service providers and government offices who need to know when you move. Once you get settled in during your first days in your new apartment, make sure you give the proper moving notifications.

If you haven’t already, make sure your insurance companies have all your new information. They need your new address and phone number, as this information affects your policies.

If you moved to a new state, you will also need a new license. Contact the DMV and see what paperwork you’ll need to have to apply for a new license. Make your next phone call to the county tag office and find out how to register your car. In most states you have 30 days to take care of these automotive issues, so you can move these items towards the end of your new apartment “to do” list and concentrate on getting settled first.

By giving yourself a few days to complete all of these tasks, you’ll likely feel less stressed, post-move. Take things one step at a time, and your after-moving chores won’t keep you from enjoying your new place.