Moving into a house isn’t enough to make it feel like home.  Even after you put the keys on your keychain, boxes are unloaded and furniture is set up, sometimes there is a lingering, awkward sense of living in someone else’s space.  Follow this advice to help you happily settle in and make your house feel more like your home.

Unpack, ASAP.  If you didn’t finish unboxing all your goodies yet, that should be your first priority.  You should surround yourself with some familiar items, even if much of what you’re planning to decorate with will be new.  As The Guardian explains, mixing in reminders of your prior life will help your new digs feel like home.  Arrange some plants, set out your lamps and hang familiar artwork on your walls.  Even if you rearrange later, seeing items you are used to will bring comfort.  And if you have a pet, make sure your furry friend is all set up, pronto!  Familiar objects and scents are even more important to your four-legged family members.  

Do some chores.  It may be surprising, but putting a little labor into a place can make it feel more like home.  Some professionals recommend making your bed and doing some cleaning.  Good Housekeeping suggests arranging closets.  Doing a little extra organizing feels great and adds efficiency.  And don’t underestimate the power of a good meal!  Round things out with a steak on the grill and a bottle of wine, perfect for relaxing after a full day of cleaning and organizing.

Mix and mismatch.  Southern Living points out matching everything throughout your new house can make it feel too much like a showroom.  Don’t buy all new things, don’t buy what you do buy entirely from one store, and mix up your decor so the rooms don’t all feel the same.  Steer clear of a monochromatic look, even though it can be easy to work with and is a popular concept.  Simple color schemes tend to become boring quickly, so add some color!  And some experts suggest adding a little clutter, too.  Those personal items that are unique to you can take that impersonal edge off your new house.  

Atmosphere matters.  Adding some ambience to your new house might help it feel more like home.  Select candles in favorite scents, put on some music, set out a few vases of cut flowers, and pull out a favorite blanket.  Up the coziness factor with an electric fireplace.  It’s a great way to prepare your home now for when winter arrives.  Even if you won’t use it for a few months, now is the easier time of year for installation and updating. 

Another suggestion is to add layers and texture throughout your rooms.  Offset the smoothness of a sofa with throw pillows in chunky knits and textured window coverings.  Include some raw materials such as wood and woven baskets.  Round all that out by baking your favorite homemade muffins and set them out in a fabulous bowl.  You’ll be surprised at what an impact a warm atmosphere can have!

Add your touch.  Consider making some additional upgrades for a more personal touch throughout your home.  For instance, one idea is to install all new doorknobs.  It’s surprising how much doorknobs can change the look of a house, and it’s a relatively simple and inexpensive way to make the house more your own.  

Make sure everything’s well-maintained.  Of course, your new house won’t stay so great if you don’t take care of it.  Before you sink a lot of time into decorating your space, spend some time making sure everything is up to code and in good working order.  For example, check for any leaks that you didn’t notice when you purchased the home and address those issues first.  Also, take a look around outside and focus on any potential problems, such as clogged drain spouts or messy gutters.  And if you have an HVAC unit, make sure it’s clean and operational, complete with a new air filter to cut down on dust and indoor allergens.

From house to home.  With some well-thought decisions, you can make your new house feel like home.  Unpack your old things and mix them with new items.  Do some housework and amp up the atmosphere, adding your own personal touch. Your house will be home sweet home in no time.
-Andy Hughes

If I can help in anyway Please don’t hesitate to ask! I hope you love your new home!!