Finding the perfect house is a dream come true in itself but once the sale is completed, the movers have left and you have finished unpacking all of your belongings, it is important to turn your dream house into a home. Because, after all, home is where the heart is.
Here are 6 ways to turn your house into a home after moving:
1. Create Calm in the Bedroom
Having one serene, put-together space where you can retreat at the end of the day is essential, especially during those first chaotic weeks in a new home. Roll out the rug, make the bed, set up the nightstands and lamps, hang a mirror and put up some artwork. It may be tempting to jump from one task to another when there’s so much to do, but resist — it’s worth the effort to enjoy a restful bedroom.
2. Take the Time to Get Organized From the Start
Whether you opt to do it yourself or hire a professional closet organizer to help you, taking the time to get a few key areas neat and tidy from the get-go will make life in your new home much more pleasant. Instead of putting things away in your new space as quickly as possible, slow down and think about how you would like your home to be organized, paying special attention to the closets, drawers and garage or storage shed.
3. Fill Your Shelves With Books
Shelves full of books make a house feel cozy and inviting — and if you’re a book lover, there’s nothing better than being able to sit down with a cup of tea and pull a favorite book off the shelf. As you’re unpacking your books, think about how you’d like them to be organized. Perhaps you’d like to sort your books into sections by topic, genre, mood or alphabetically? Whichever method you choose, don’t put off shelving those books: The sooner they’re on the shelves, the quicker you can sit down and read.
4. Invite Family and Friends Over For A Dinner Party
It’s easy to put off cooking a real meal at home in a new space: Getting takeout is so much easier when you don’t know where anything is! But once you’re settled in a bit, getting in the kitchen to cook dinner is actually a great way to feel more at home in your new house. And if you invite a few close friends over to chat while you cook, all the better. Let it be simple and imperfect — and if it’s not all homemade, no big deal. The important thing is to get started. After all, you’re not just cooking, you’re laying down the first memories of good times in your new house.
5. Display Family Photos
It’s hard to put the first holes into pristine walls — but putting up photos is one of the best ways to personalize your new space and make it feel like your own. If you’re feeling unsure about where you ultimately want your family photo wall to go, consider using removable picture hanging hooks or strips instead of a hammer and nails. No one will be able to tell the difference, and you won’t have to fill holes if you decide to move things around in a couple of months.
6. Bring in Houseplants and Flowers
Houseplants quite literally bring a breath of fresh air into the home. And if you’ve moved a long distance, chances are you had to give up your old houseplants before the move. Take note of light conditions in each room, and bring these notes along when you go plant shopping. Be sure to get pots, watering cans, and any other supplies needed to keep your new plant babies healthy and happy. If you own pets, be sure to keep in mind that some types of flowers and plants can be poisonous.
