How to Instantly Make Your New House Feel Like Home

8 Ways to Make Your New House Feel Like Home

1. Kids & pets come first

If your household includes children or pets, taking care of their needs first will make moving in easier for everyone. Unload the boxes with your kids’ belongings from the moving van first, then help them get started with unpacking and setting up their bedrooms and play area. This will keep them busy so you can focus on the other areas of the house for a while. Set up your pets’ food, water, and bed.

2. Start with the bedroom and bathroom

Most people start setting up the kitchen or living room. It seems like a good idea because it’s your main living space. But we recommend starting with your bedroom. If you have your bed set up complete with bedding, and you have your toothbrush and beauty routine ready for you in the bathroom, your day will end peacefully, no matter how much work you still need to do. You can look forward to climbing into your own comfortable blankets and pillows and drifting off to sleep after a long day of moving and unpacking. It will make the next morning easier, too.

3. Prioritize what’s familiar & comforting

How can you recreate familiar sights and sounds from your last home? Did you have a gurgling aquarium filter that created a soothing sound in the den? Do you have a loudly ticking clock you like in the living room? Set up these things early on. What about things that are a part of your regular routines, like chargers or a spot for keys and bags? Set up anything that will help you stick to your usual routine as much as possible. Do you spend your evenings watching TV? Do you enjoy listening to music as you eat or prepare your meals? Set up your entertainment center. If you’re a book lover, fill your shelves with books.

4. Pep it up with plants

A live green plant or fresh flowers add life to any space. They literally bring fresh air into your home. Foliage provides instant ambiance. If you moved your existing plants to your new house, their familiarity will make it homey. If you have to buy new plants, adding living things to your new space will make it feel more livable and inviting.

5. Adjust the lighting

A new house can feel cold and uninviting, especially if the light fixtures use fluorescent lights or cool LED bulbs. Replace these with warm light bulbs for a homier feel. Add a few extra lamps if the lighting seems insufficient. String lights and battery-powered flameless candles can add a bit of extra brightness and ambience to the room too.

6. Decide what to do with your artwork

Most people suggest you hang artwork right away to make your new house feel like home. But there might be value in holding off. At the very least, unpack it all and lean it against the wall so you have time to figure out the perfect place for each piece.

7. Cook a real meal

It’s tempting to just order in pizza on moving day. Instead, plan ahead and prepare a meal in advance of moving day. Pop it in the freezer, then when you arrive at the new house, transfer it to the oven or slow cooker to reheat as you unpack and settle in. When you cook something familiar to your family, the house will fill with the smells and flavours you love. If you just can’t manage a home-cooked meal during the move, plan to invite friends over to cook dinner and visit in your new home as soon as possible. Hosting those you love will help to make your new house feel like home at a relational level instead of just functionally.

8. Make your front porch inviting

Neighbourhood connection is a big part of feeling at home. Show your neighbours you’re friendly and eager to connect by making your front porch inviting. Put out a nice doormat and set up a few chairs. Spend some time out there to get to know your neighbourhood. Greet your neighbours, wave as they pass by, or invite them over for a drink on the porch.