Now that your cross country moving companies have departed, you're fully unpacked and you're getting used to life in your new abode, sooner or later you may want to undertake your first remodeling project. Of course, while finding the perfect furniture setup or color scheme is important for your home, making your house more energy efficient could save you money in the long run. Here are three quick and easy projects you can consider before winter that could put money back into your pocket.

1. Improve Your Windows. If your home doesn't have energy-efficient windows, you could be losing hundreds in heating and cooling costs as air escapes to the outdoors. TLC suggests investing in energy-efficient windows that can help you save money throughout the time you live in your home, which are eligible for tax credits from the federal government. Additionally, you can use these windows in tandem with window treatments and curtains to improve your house's insulation.

2. Invest In Energy-Efficient Appliances. The kitchen is an important communal spot in your home, and your appliances will see plenty of action over the course of the holiday season. An Energy Star-certified refrigerator or stove could help you reduce your monthly utility costs and your home's carbon footprint.

3. Install A Programmable Thermostat. If you happen to leave your heat on when you leave the house this winter, you could be spending hundreds to warm a house with no one inside. A programmable thermostat will help you control your home's heating system and have it turn on and off at specific times of the day when you need it most, reports U.S. News & World Report.

The excitement of hiring cross country moving companies and settling into your new home can be a wonderful experience, but after you've been unpacking for a few days, it's time to get out and explore. While you may have done some initial surveying of your new community when you were shopping for a house, taking a drive with the family to explore your town could be a wonderful way to spend one of the first weekend afternoons in your new abode. Here are a few places you should keep your eyes peeled for.

Make Note Of Your Town's Services

While you may already know where your kids' schools, the town hall and the grocery store are, drive around a bit to find places like the post office, the hardware store, gas stations, pharmacies and other services your family may need.

Look Into Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

If your family is fond of taking nature walks or trips to the beach, consider visiting your town hall and finding out about state and local parks that may be in the area. This could help you come up with a variety of day trips that will allow you explore your new community.

Sign Up For Your Local Paper

There's no better way to get the pulse of your new town than by ordering a subscription to your local newspaper. Find out where you can sign up for one in your town and you'll instantly be able to stay abreast of community issues, upcoming events and anything else that's going on around you.

With all of the preparations that come with cross country moving, one concern that may get lost in the shuffle is your dog's adjustment time to his or her new home. Canines have a hard time understanding the sudden changes that happen over the course of the moving process, but there are ways that you can speed up the transition into your new home.

1. Take a trip to the vet. Before it's time to leave your current home, one major step you should take is visiting your vet for an animal wellness check. In addition to receiving a clean bill of health, PetsWelcome.com suggests picking up a copy of your dog's relevant health and vaccination history to have everything that your new city or state requires for dog ownership.

2. Create a pet travel kit. Whether you're driving across the country or putting your pooch on a plane, there are a few items he or she should have for the ride. A selection of treats, a familiar blanket, toys, brushes, water and food will keep your pooch happy during the trip.

3. Update your dog's ID tags. Because the adjustment period to a new home could cause your dog additional stress, it's vital that your dog's ID tags are updated, suggests Paw-Rescue.org. Make sure to include your new address and a cell phone number so animal control or neighbors can contact you quickly if your dog ever becomes lost.

As the mercury drops and the weather turns from seasonable to unreasonable, you and the little ones may be indoors after school or on weekends. Once your cross country moving company has left you to your own devices, you may be looking for fun activities to keep you and the kids occupied in your new home. Here are a few to consider.

Build a Fort

LilSugar.com recommends building a fort during your days inside. All you need are some blankets, chairs or other tall furniture and pillows. The kids will love playing architects, and after, you can all enjoy snacks in the fort as you read a story or just hang out.

Create a Story

Let your kids use their imaginations and indulge their creative sides by creating their own story books. Provide them with paper, markers or other coloring utensils, a hole punch and some yarn to bind the pages together. After, you can have story time when everyone gets to read and present their books. Don't be afraid to get in on the action and fabricate your own fable!

Conduct a Shape Scavenger Hunt

Challenge your little ones to a shape scavenger hunt. All you have to do is print out the shape sheet from TheMotherHuddle.com, which has a variety of different shapes, and your kids will have to go throughout the house and find each shape in the furniture, fixtures and decorations. If you're looking to improve their literacy skills, you can make them write down each object and shape they find.

With all of the driving, unpacking and decorating that cross country moving requires, you and your family may be ready to bask in the sun and stretch your legs once you're done. Fortunately, your new San Antonio, Texas locale has great places to get your fix of vitamin D outside. Here are a few that you may want to check out.

Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden brings an Eastern-infused serenity to the southern city. You and the family can take pleasant strolls on their stone walkways and bridges through displays of vibrant flowers. The only background noise to your conversation will be splashing from their 60-foot waterfall that flows into a crystalline pond filled with koi fish.

Mission Trail

San Antonio is renowned for its various missions peppered throughout the city that tell the tale of the Lone Star State's origins. These well-preserved rock structures are worth taking a tour of, and there's no better way to see them than via bicycle. The Mission Trail, according to TripAdvisor.com, begins at the Alamo and goes along the San Antonio River. Biking the route will afford you the chance to see at least five missions.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

Whether you're a horticulture enthusiast or just want to get a taste of the exotic, you'll definitely want to check out the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Tour the $6.9 million Lucile Halsell Conservatory, which houses plants from ecosystems that range from desserts to lagoons to tropical rainforests. You're sure to love the diverse selection in the Sensory Garden, the Rose Garden and the Kumamoto En Garden as well.

A Mediterranean design scheme can give your home an exotic flair that's elegant yet not over-the-top. Your guests will be wowed when they step into your living space and feel like they're transported to the Tuscan coast. Here are a few ways for incorporating this effect once your cross country moving company has left.

1. Colors

The walls and ceiling aren't meant to make a bold statement, but serve as a serene backdrop. According to Janet Brooks Design, Mediterranean color schemes usually incorporate light blue can be complemented with terra cotta, lavender and yellow tones.

2. Floors and Walls

Your floors as well as the backsplash on your kitchen wall should feature tile. While standard square tiles will do, feel free to go with varying shapes and a hardwood inlay. You may want to put down short-haired rugs that have earthy tones. Tapestries with similar hues and designs will also look good. Hanging up a mirror or two with gold-colored frames will give your room added light and depth.

3. Furniture

For furniture, go for ornate wooden pieces that have curved legs and arms. A deep mahogany or a dark-stained oak will work best. Check your local antique stores for wooden pieces. For couches and plush chairs, an off-white cream color will complement the woodwork and a salmon or light pink fabric will work well with the light blue walls.

You aren't the only one who needs a new physician you can rely on after you undergo a lengthy cross country moving venture. Your four-legged friend will also need someone for routine checkups and medical treatment. Here are four tips for finding a quality veterinarian.

Ask Around

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recommends talking to fellow dog owners who have the same pet care standards as you. While you may not know many people in your new town, you can make acquaintances by going to the local dog park or search on MeetUp.com for group events. You can also contact the local animal shelter for suggestions as well as breeders in the area.

Make Sure He or She is Qualified

The HSUS also suggests looking for a veterinarian who's a member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). In order to become a member, veterinarians need to meet the AAHA's requirements for having quality care, facilities and medical equipment.

Check What the Veterinarian Does On-Site

According to Guide2DogTraining.com, some veterinary offices do lab work, X-rays, ultrasounds and other services on-site, while other places outsource them. There's nothing wrong with outsourcing, but it can cost you extra money.

Inspect the Facility

Before you make a commitment to a veterinarian, you should tour the facilities. Check if the areas are clean and orderly. Not only is a sterile environment safer for your pooch, but it says a lot about the professionalism of your chosen vet.

After the long cross country moving process, you'll love walking through the front door of your new home if you're greeted with fresh and stimulating scents. Ditch the synthetic chemicals and stick to an all-natural solution with these three methods for infusing natural aromas into your abode.

Houseplants

House plants are aesthetically appealing and they give off great smells. TLC recommends Sweet Asylum, which comes in tiny white-petaled clusters with yellow in the middle and has a pungent scent that's sure to permeate your home. It's also extremely easy to grow and the neutral tones will go well with whatever color scheme you choose.

Another strongly fragranced flower that the source recommends is Sweet Pea. These plants range from yellow to pink to white and the flowers blossom to be about 2 inches wide. If you live in a cooler climate, they'll survive just fine, but they don't do as well in the harsh summer heat.

Citrus Skins

After you peel that orange or clementine, don't throw away the skin. Instead, Care2.com notes that you can put them in boiling water on the stove to create a fresh aroma in your kitchen or add them to your vacuum bag for a pleasant scent while you clean.

Essential Oils

Go to your local herbalist or health food store and buy some essential oils. Care2.com suggests diluting them with water and using them as a natural spray for your home. Your living room will smell terrific with a hint of lavender or sandalwood in the air.

Cross country moving may leave you feeling like you're in foreign territory, but you can start to make your new community feel more like home by getting involved and meeting other residents. A great way to forge friendships and come into contact with your new hometown locals is to attend fun community events. Here are a few tips for finding out about local happenings in your area.

Newspaper

Most towns or counties have their own newspapers that serve to keep everyone in the community informed about current happenings, whether it's an upcoming event or a new building project. Find out about any regional publications that you can get delivered to your home (many times they're free!). There are usually press releases inside or an announcements section.

Town Hall Website

You should also consult the official website of your new town. These sites are usually run by the local government, and they're regularly updated to keep citizens informed about what's going on. Just search the name of your new hometown on Google and it should be one of the first options to come up.

Bulletin Boards

While community bulletin boards aren't as heavily relied on as they used to be in the budding age of technology, they're still used in many small towns. Look for flyer announcements on community boards at businesses that function as meeting places, whether it's a recreational center or a downtown cafe.

You may not have had the time to maintain the healthiest diet as you and your family underwent your cross country moving venture, but after you're all settled in, it's a good idea to stock your new fridge with fresh fruits and vegetables. Here are a few venues that you may want to check out in order to get great produce for affordable prices.

Farmer's Markets

Eating locally sourced food is a rising trend, and most towns have started their own farmer's markets where nearby vendors come to sell their crops. Not only will you have a slew of the freshest fruit and vegetable options, but you'll be able to meet the people responsible for growing your food and know that your money's going to a worthwhile small business. Farmer's markets are also a great way to meet fellow health enthusiasts in your community.

Orchards

There's no better way to guarantee the freshness and quality of your fruits and vegetables than by picking them yourself! Find local farms and orchards in your area and ask if they allow public picking. Usually, you have to pay by how much you pick, but doing it yourself is affordable and it'll give you and the little ones a chance to get some fresh air and exercise.

Community Supported Agriculture

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) projects involve paying a monthly price to receive a fresh shipment of fruits and vegetables from a local farm, usually on a week-by-week basis. CSAs are a great way for you to get involved in a health-oriented community that prizes supporting local businesses.