7 ways to make yourself feel more at home
7 ways to make yourself feel more at home after moving into a new house
It takes a while to feel truly at home in a new place. For us, a house doesn’t make a home. So what can help you feel more at home in a place you just moved in to?
When you first move into a new house there’s a feeling of newness that precedes a true sense of comfort. There are many blank walls, boxes and suitcases still waiting to be unpacked and a general feeling of emptiness, without all your art, décor and photographs evoking all your more precious memories.
But now that you have your dream house, the next step is turning it into a home. Here are some ideas to transform any house into a lovely, warm home, even if it’s a rental.
1. Hang Art
There are two types of people when it comes to hanging art in a new house:
- The ones who hang their art almost as soon as they move in;
- Those who live at least a year with empty walls even when they’ve already bought beautiful paintings and/or art pieces.
Whichever you are, consider sticking to the first category. Having your walls decked in beautiful art will bring you an instant feeling of pride in your new home. In addition, it helps instil your individual personality and interests into the new space.
If you need more excuses, just know that researches show that simply looking at art has the power to reduce stress and make you feel happier.
Now is the time to fall in love with it!
2. Display photos of people and moments that bring you joy
Hanging art is one thing, but displaying your photographs is another category. While it’s true that we live in an increasingly digital era, where photographs rarely get developed, try going back to the old days and have some photos printed. Make sure to find or buy new, beautiful photo frames and display the ones that spark the most joy around your home.
It’s a very simple thing to do and yet, the way it will make you feel more at home, is truly magical.
3. Surround yourself with comfort and softness
We’re talking about decoration, but also comfort here. Of course, a blanket has a specific use of warming you, but it can go a long way when it comes to decorate a room and make it look more peaceful and inviting.
If you suffer from anxiety, consider buying a weighted blanket. This type of blanket places a gentle amount of pressure on your body, which will help you feel calmer and safer.
4. Build your own spa
Get your favourite scents out! Everyone has scents that appeal to them and, in some cases, that evoke pleasant memories and feelings. It’s time to strategically scatter your aromatherapy diffusers, candles and fairy lights around your new house. Make it smell of something that makes you comfortable, like lavender or wood.
5. Start making new memories
Nothing will make you feel safer and happier than being surrounded by those you love. By inviting friends and family for dinner or to a house warming party at your new place you’re not only spending precious time with them, but also – and this is key – making new memories in a place that, so far, has none.
6. Adopt a pet
Home is where the heart is. Home is a place you love filled with people – and/or pets – you love!
If you are already thinking of owning a pet before moving to your new home, consider taking the leap now. Don’t adopt a pet just to make yourself feel better though; owning a pet is a lot of responsibility. However, if you’re ready for it, visit your local shelter and fall in love with a furry friend. There are few things that make a house feel more like a home than being greeted by a pet who’s over the moon to see you open the door.
7. Hygge it up!
This strange word is pronounced hoo-ga and it’s a Danish word that although lacks a direct translation, refers to feelings of cosyness taken especially from the home. The Danish are the unofficial experts on how to feel warm and cosy. They’re also frequently on the top of the World Happiness Report on the happiest countries, so you should definitely trust the advice of Meik Wiking, founder of The Happiness Research Institute and author of The Little Book of Hygge.
Reading this book is our last advice for you. It will give you a lot of ideas to make you feel more comfortable in your new home by sharing décor inspiration, ideas for little daily rituals to incorporate in your life, amongst other pieces of advice you’ll be happy to have read.
A house or an apartment, bought or rent, should be more than a place you go to sleep to after work. It should be your safe place, your sanctuary.
We hope this list will help you feel more at home and fall more deeply in love with your new house.
For more info, please get in touch with INS Real Estate.
