It takes a while for most people to adjust and feel at home in a new environment or house.
Sure, you might have done the unboxing, arranged the utensils, and even stayed in the house for a couple of days. However, you can’t seem to get rid of that “new” feeling—that feeling that you’re not quite at home yet, and there is still something missing.
Maybe you’ve tried explaining this feeling to your friends and relatives, but they can’t seem to understand you.
Don’t worry, we feel you.
We understand that just living in a house isn’t enough to make it feel like home. Homes are unique places that give us a sense of peace, coziness, familiarity, and safety.
We’d even go further to say that a person’s home can tell us more about their personality and style. Yes, our homes are extensions of who we are.
Sure, we can grow to feel at home in a new environment. But how long will that take? Weeks, months, and at times, even years.
How then can you make a new home feel like home? Read on to find out.
We have some exciting ideas that are worth your time.
1. Clean up
“Really? That’s it? After all that hype, this is what we had to tell you?”
Relax, there is more to cleanliness than what meets the eye.
How do you feel when you put on clean clothes or go to bed and sleep in freshly cleaned sheets?
Nice and cozy, right?
That’s exactly what we’re talking about. That is why cleaning your new home is the first step to making it feel like home. Clean homes make us feel safe and comfortable.
Also, just the act of regularly cleaning your new house is enough for you to establish a bond with it.
The more we invest our time into something, the more we get attached to it.
Speaking of clean environments, would you like to own a home in one of the best communities? Check out these Woodhaven homes.
2. Improve the indoor air
After you’ve cleaned your house, it’s now time to improve the indoor air.
For those who own air conditioners or furnaces, take the time to replace the filters and clean the ducts and vents. Otherwise, all the effort you put in will be in vain.
Next, we’d advise you to invest in some air fresheners. Go for the scent that pleases you the most—one that puts you at ease and one that you’ll identify with your home.
You can also go for some DIY scented candles or do some home cooking and baking from time to time. I think we all agree that the smell of homemade food gives us a pleasant feeling of home.
3. Some art, please
Empty walls are boring.
Empty walls might look clean, but there has to be something “custom” on them (even if it’s just fresh paint).
When we say “art,” we’re not telling you to go get Monalisa’s picture or spend thousands of dollars on some fancy exotic artwork. The best form of art is that which you make with your own two hands.
Make art that resonates with something within you. The internet is filled with so many ideas that can give you some inspiration.
If you don’t have the time to make them, go and buy them from your favorite gift shop. Look for something nice you can hang on the wall or place on your coffee table.
Art can reduce stress and spark feelings of happiness within us.
Also, when we take the time to decorate something, we’re subconsciously declaring ownership over it.
4. Display your family and childhood items
Those precious memories should not stay hidden (especially since this is your home we’re talking about).
For most people (even us), the place where we spent most of our childhood will forever remain the “ultimate home.”
The place where we made our fondest memories and built the strongest bonds with those we love the most.
The physical setting might be different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t add some items that will give us that warm fuzzy feeling in our chests.
It can be anything that reminds you of the good old days. Family photos, that nice old furniture, your old records and music box, or even the old toys and dolls you used to play with as a child.
Those items will make your new home feel like your childhood home in no time.
5. Go green and adopt a pet
Plants and pets have always been symbols of life and love. They can really help with that random feeling of loneliness (especially if you’re living alone).
You don’t have to go with Orchids. There are a lot of low maintenance houseplants you can get and take care of them efficiently. We’re all part of nature, and being around some plants will put you at ease. Not to mention all the free, clean, and natural oxygen you’ll be getting. This is a treat, especially for those who live in urban centers and big cities.
You can also decide to buy yourself some roses every week and display them on your dining table or sitting room.
Pets are symbols of love, and sharing your home with one of them is an honor beyond honors.
Caring for a pet indeed takes effort. However, just knowing you have a companion to go back home is a therapeutic experience on its own.
Adopt a pet if you have the money, time, and love for one. You won’t regret it.
