Just moved in and feel so overwhelmed!

[Teeteringonthebrink45]

I know this is normal, but please help me / give my head a wobble!
2 weeks ago I finally got the keys and moved into the flat I’ve bought post split with ex partner (I moved out and rented for just over a year). The flat I’ve bought had tenants in so the seller left beds, wardrobes etc but not what I need for me and 2 DC, but good to get started as I had no furniture. One issue is that I got a slightly smaller mortgage approved than I wanted, so have less savings left to do anything and will take some time to build up funds (I want/need to redo fb bathroom as it’s been split into 2 shower rooms, that kind of thing).

anyway, I moved by car single-handedly having had all of our stuff at the former family home over the summer, had the children still off at the time and then I’ve gone back to work and it’s my busiest time of the work year. I am surrounded by bags of stuff, nothing is put away, we don’t have the furniture we need to put things away (no bookcases, shelves, toy storage etc) but I don’t want to panic buy and then waste my money! But until it’s a bit tidy or organised I can’t see the wood for the trees and decide what I need… any suggestions as to how to conquer the overwhelm?

I remember feeling like this when I moved into a house with my 2 DC, many years ago. I had just moved departments at work and nothing felt organised in my life!
I just did one room at a time. I started with the DC rooms, so they felt settled. You will be amazed at what you csn buy from FB marketplace etc. A friend has completely furnished her DS house from second hand furniture and it looks fabulous. Once a couple of rooms are done, you will feel more settled. Good luck

Little and often really does help. Do you function better with a time goal or a task goal? You could spend half an hour a day on it. But that half an hour could be unpacking 2 bags, or it could be spent on marketplace to find something that maybe isn't your forever solution but will do for now so our home can function.

I'd also recommend having another adult to help if possible. Somehow having company makes it a bit more doable.

A big plastic crate for each DC so they can put all their school stuff in one place. It saves the ‘hunt’ for books, pens, PE kit.

Do you have any support OP parents friends, it’s one of those occasions where you should ask for help, if you were a friend of mine I’d come over paint a few rooms help you grab some storage from Facebook marketplace and help with unpacking grab a chippie tea and have some fizz to help you settle in.

Try getting some instant no cost furniture off freecycle etc. So you can get started without having to spend lots.
We moved recently. It is a monumental task. I just spent ages just putting things away anywhere so I could not be surrounded by loose stuff all over the place. So get hold of furniture, shove stuff away, make a room or 2 look nice and then revisit the stuff drawer by drawer or in my case just bloody leave it there forever, out of sight, out of mind.

Best of luck. Do whatever it takes to give yourself space and don't beat yourself up for anything. You're in your new place, it's all upwards from here! Well done!

We rented for a year between places too. Had a load of stuff in storage. Adds to the chaos because some of it's not even really needed but we've got it all back now. 😂

Well done for securing a home for you and DC. You can be very proud of yourself.
We downsized just over a year ago and had bought some furniture from the sellers just to tide us over. As we did rooms up we then offered a sofa to a friend’s son and a suite to BHF charity shop
( worth a look if any locally)

It will all feel overwhelming atm but make some lists. You can buy cheap storage containers from B & M or Home Bargains.
As a PP said aim to do DC rooms first. Surround yourself with familiar items in your lounge and bedroom.

It’s really early days. Throwing yourself into work , although stressful atm, will give you some respite from worrying about your home.
Have some working party weekends with family and friends to do some cleaning/ unpacking.
How about some wall decals for DC rooms until you can decorate?

Have one clear space that you can relax in - if you don’t need one of the shower rooms use that as storage for all those bin bags

@Teeteringonthebrink45 if by some strange coincidence you're anywhere near me, I'm getting rid of 4 small bookcases which you could have for free. I'm not putting them on Facebook as I can't be arsed.

We also have a bunk bed, but it sounds like you're OK for beds.

Where I live we have a local 'FREEBAY' Facebook group. Its brilliant! You could see if your area has one of those and see what you can get for free for now. Just anything for storage, bookcases, ottomans, cupboards etc just so you can tidy up and put stuff away. This way you can at least start to feel your life has a little organisation.

Once you are living there for a while and can see how everything works you can work out properly what you need and replace those items you have picked up for free with things you buy and chose yourself.

When you feel overwhelmed - stop.

You are safe, warm and dry. Your possessions can stay in boxes with no harm done.

You need a nervous system reset before you make any decisions. Take a couple of weeks off and go for a nice walk today.

Oh you’re all so lovely and making me feel a bit weepy!!! I’ve been super practical all along but today it’s just got the better of me, not helped by ex moving some stuff with me today and yelling at me about the bed I just bought for DS (the literal only furniture I’ve bought) and that the children “can’t live like this”. Have also had a video call with my mum this morning and she talked through different options for how to sort out DS’s room (it’s v small and I’m freaking that the cabin bed was a mistake…which ex thinks so), so I’m feeling like I have some great suggestions now and THANK YOU all! I know we will get there, I just want everything sorted now, and I know that’s not possible 😵‍💫

@NoWordForFluffy ooh would be amazing if you are near us but chances are you’re not! SW London…

Bugger, no. Quite a distance from there. Sorry!

Sorry you are feeling overwhelmed OP, honestly you will get through this and make a lovely peaceful home for you and your DC.

Do you have any friends or family who could come over and help you to start organising things?

Don’t beat yourself up just because it’s not all perfect immediately.

Ahh was worth a shot, thank you anyway!

Look on FB marketplace- loads of stuff there, but the good stuff goes pretty quick.
I'm not near SW London, but FB seems to think I should be, so it keeps offering me suggestions from there