You took on the challenge of searching for a new home. You completed all the paperwork. You successfully packed your entire life into boxes.
Now that you’re finished with the grunt work, you’re ready to start enjoying your new space. It can take time to adjust to a fresh environment, but with a few simple tricks, you’ll feel at home before you know it.
Read on for six easy ways to make your new place feel like home!
#1 Find Your Vision
Your new home is a blank canvas. As exciting as it is to have infinite decorating possibilities, it can also feel overwhelming. If you aren’t sure where to start, it’s easier to put your design plan together on paper before you start painting walls and purchasing furniture.
Need some inspiration? Check out the following tips to get your creative juices flowing:
- Tune-in to your favorite real estate show
- Subscribe to a few home improvement magazines
- Make a collage
- Use meditation to help you visualize
#2 A Fresh Coat of Paint can Work Wonders
When you purchased your home, it probably came painted in a neutral color. There’s nothing wrong with a tasteful beige, but non-descript colors can feel impersonal. Painting is relatively inexpensive, doesn’t require many tools, and you can knock out a few rooms in a weekend.
If you don’t want to commit to painting an entire room, accent walls are a great way to add flare and personality.
#3 Plan on Tackling Bigger Projects
No matter how much you love your new home, there’s bound to be a few home improvement projects you want to take on. Big-ticket items like renovating your kitchen or installing an in-ground pool aren’t things you can accomplish on moving day, but they are things you can plan for long-term.
Sometimes it can be wise to take out a loan to finance renovations and repairs, since you’ll likely see a return on your investment when it comes time to sell. Moving out of your new place is the last thing on your mind after you move-in, but it’s always smart to look towards the future.
Taking out a personal loan, refinancing your mortgage, applying for VA loans that allow you to tap into your home’s equity, or applying for HELOCs are all good ways to fund your new project.
#4 You Spend ⅓ of Your Life Sleeping…
Turning your bed into a sanctuary is a quick and easy way to make your new place feel luxurious. You (hopefully) spend 8 hours a night in bed, so it makes sense to invest in making it as comfortable as possible.
Consider splurging on:
- High thread count linen sheets
- A fluffy down comforter
- Decorative throw pillows
- A heated mattress pad for winter nights
Pro Tip: Even if your stuff is still in boxes, making your bed will help your space feel more orderly and put together. It’s a small step that will make your bedroom feel less chaotic during the unpacking process.
#5 Don’t Forget Your Dog (or Cat)
Your four-legged roommates need to adjust to your new space just as much as you do. Pets enjoy habit and routine, and moving can make them feel anxious. You’ll have a hard time adjusting if your fur babies aren’t happy, so it’s important to carve out time to focus on your pets.
Below are few tips for making your pets feel at home in their new environment:
- Set up their space right away
- Stick to a walking and feeding schedule
- Give them lots of love
- Research reputable vets in the neighborhood
#6 Set the Mood
Sometimes all it takes to make your new space feel cozy is a few simple touches. Candles, fuzzy blankets, and bright lighting are excellent ways to add ambiance and warmth. Adding personal elements like photos of your loved ones and memorabilia from your travels can make your home feel like it’s truly yours. Scent plays a major role in triggering memory, so adding a scented diffuser can also contribute to your homely atmosphere.
Start Settling In
If you keep the tips above in mind, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll start to feel like you’ve lived in your new place forever. There’s no better feeling than coming home at the end of the day to a space you love. It’s time to start settling in