How To Make Your New House Feel Like “Home”
Moving is stressful, whether it’s around the corner or across the country. Getting settled in and making your new house feel like home is always a priority. No matter how quickly you start the process, though, it takes a while for the new space to feel like it’s yours. Here are some tips for making things feel like “home” a little more quickly.
Sort out the closets and dressers first. Not being able to find your fleecy PJs or a favorite sweater, much less underwear, socks and shoes, will only make things rougher in the morning.
Stick to your routines. Especially if you have kids. If possible, set things up like they were in your old house – coat and/or key hooks, the cereal station, laundry baskets. Keep to bedtimes, and any other routines – like Sunday pancakes or nightly walks.
Make it smell like home. Scent is our strongest sense. It immediately transports us – and can be instantly comforting. So, if your old house smelled like bread, start baking! Or if you have a favorite scented candle, light it up. At the very least, buy some fresh cut flowers. Never underestimate the effect of freesia, lavender or lilies.
Make it sound like home. Your favorite tunes wafting through your new halls will also help make the space feel more familiar. And putting area rugs down on the floor will help kill the hollowness you might be experiencing. Open the windows so you can hear the sounds of your new neighborhood.
Fix up the kid’ rooms before you do the rest of the house. They’re going to be feeling out of sorts, so letting them unpack and set up their rooms will make them feel happier and more secure. Plus, you’ll have a safe place for them to hang while you’re trying to sort everything else out.
Don’t forget the outside! It may seem nuts when you have a million other things to do, but you’ll see. Hang a wreath on the door, plant some flowers in a pot on the porch, set up the patio furniture. You’ll feel more welcome when you come home, and your neighbors will see that you care about your home’s “face”.
Moving is stressful, whether it’s around the corner or across the country. Getting settled in and making your new house feel like home is always a priority. No matter how quickly you start the process, though, it takes a while for the new space to feel like it’s yours. Here are some tips for making things feel like “home” a little more quickly.
Sort out the closets and dressers first. Not being able to find your fleecy PJs or a favorite sweater, much less underwear, socks and shoes, will only make things rougher in the morning.
Stick to your routines. Especially if you have kids. If possible, set things up like they were in your old house – coat and/or key hooks, the cereal station, laundry baskets. Keep to bedtimes, and any other routines – like Sunday pancakes or nightly walks.
Make it smell like home. Scent is our strongest sense. It immediately transports us – and can be instantly comforting. So, if your old house smelled like bread, start baking! Or if you have a favorite scented candle, light it up. At the very least, buy some fresh cut flowers. Never underestimate the effect of freesia, lavender or lilies.
Make it sound like home. Your favorite tunes wafting through your new halls will also help make the space feel more familiar. And putting area rugs down on the floor will help kill the hollowness you might be experiencing. Open the windows so you can hear the sounds of your new neighborhood.
Fix up the kid’ rooms before you do the rest of the house. They’re going to be feeling out of sorts, so letting them unpack and set up their rooms will make them feel happier and more secure. Plus, you’ll have a safe place for them to hang while you’re trying to sort everything else out.
Don’t forget the outside! It may seem nuts when you have a million other things to do, but you’ll see. Hang a wreath on the door, plant some flowers in a pot on the porch, set up the patio furniture. You’ll feel more welcome when you come home, and your neighbors will see that you care about your home’s “face”.
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