How to make a new house feel like home

The last boxes have disappeared and everything’s found a place, but your new house still doesn’t feel like home. Don’t panic – there are a few simple things which can help you settle in. Following these tips will help you to feel more at home in your new place.

Get cleaning

Giving the place the once-over yourself will help you to get to know the nooks and crannies.

Display personal effects

Make it a priority to put up photos, plants and ornaments. Being surrounded by familiar things will help you to feel comfortable and will help your new house to feel more homely.

Get to know the area

Pull on your shoes and go for a walk around your neighbourhood. Even if you think you know the area well, you’re bound to view it differently as a resident, and might even discover a new park or café!

Embrace the community

Say hello to your new neighbours and get to know what’s on in your local area. Join the local gym, volunteer at an event or sign up to a society – you’re bound to make some new friends and will become acquainted with your new community more quickly.

Familiar smells

Fill the house with familiar smells, whether it’s by lighting your favourite candle, making coffee or starting dinner in the slow cooker. It might be you need to air the house first if the previous inhabitant moved out a little while ago.

Put your feet up

Make time to relax, whether by curling up with a book or watching a film. Spending time doing everyday things in your new place will stop you associating it with the stress of unpacking and help you to think of it as somewhere you enjoy spending time!

Start making memories

Invite friends and family over to see your new house. Even if there are still a few boxes around, a mini housewarming will definitely help you to see the house as yours – and will create some memories to treasure.

Give it time

Be patient! You probably won’t feel settled for a few days or even weeks, and might even miss your old house initially. Before long, though, your new house will start to feel like home, and you won’t be able to imagine living anywhere else!