Moving into a new place can be exciting, but let’s be honest—it can feel pretty strange. Bare walls and echoing rooms make us feel like strangers in our own home.
If you’ve just unpacked and you’re wondering how to feel at home sooner rather than later, you’re not alone. I was right there with you earlier this year. Through trial, error, and a lot of internet research, I found some simple steps you can take that make a new house feel like home much faster. Some of these tips are common sense, but be prepared, there are some surprising ways to transform your space from house to homey.
1. Start With Scent
Smell ties straight into memory. Think about the smell of your favorite coffee, cookies, or flowers. A home with a familiar scent feels comforting the moment you walk in.
Set up a candle, diffuser, or even simmer a pot of cinnamon on the stove. Make it your signature smell. When the air greets you with something warm and familiar, you instantly make yourself at home.
2. Fix the Lighting
Most new houses and apartments come with harsh overhead lights. That “LED white” glow makes spaces feel like an office instead of an abode. Swap bulbs for warm tones, or add lamps in the living room and bedroom. Even a string of soft fairy lights can change the mood.
Lighting is one of the cheapest and fastest ways to set the emotional tone in a room. Warm light says, “relax, you belong here.”
3. Carve Out a Flop Zone
Every home needs at least one spot where you can collapse after a long day. It might be a sofa you can sprawl across, or a chair with a blanket draped over it. This “flop zone” tells your body that you don’t need to be formal here.
Don’t overthink it. Put comfort first. Once you have a go-to seat that hugs you back, your house feels more like a retreat.
4. Unpack Essentials First
Many people accidentally wait weeks before unpacking after the move and wonder why they don’t like their new home yet. You don’t need to tackle every box on day one, but you should pull out the basics: your dishes, your bedding, your towels, and the clothes you wear most. While getting settled, it’s also wise to consider protecting your new investment by checking out home insurance, ensuring peace of mind as you start making your space feel like home.
When I moved from New York to New Jersey, this tip saved me. I’ll be honest, the move itself was daunting. But I hired Zip To Zip Moving Company, and they handled the heavy lifting with care. They even set up my bed and kitchen boxes first, so I could sleep and cook right away. Having the essentials ready changed everything. By the first night, I could already feel at home.
If you’re moving in the Northeast and don’t want to drown in boxes, I’d recommend Zip To Zip. Their moving services made the whole transition stress-free, so I could focus on giving my new house the right vibe.
5. Layer Textures for Warmth
Bare walls and smooth floors can make a space echo. Add rugs, throws, pillows, curtains, or anything else with texture. Textiles soften a room and absorb sound, which is why they instantly make spaces feel warm.
You don’t need to spend a fortune. A rug in the living room, a blanket on the couch, or curtains that let in soft light will do the trick. Texture creates comfort at eye level and touch level.
6. Add Life With Plants or Pets
Greenery breathes life into a house. Even one hardy plant by the window can change the energy. If you’re ready for more responsibility, a pet doubles the effect.
When you walk in and see life, it’s a signal that the space is cared for and alive. Suddenly, your house feels less empty.
7. Mix Personal and Quirky
Hotel rooms are clean and stylish, but they never feel like home because everything is generic. Put your quirks on display: photos, travel souvenirs, thrifted finds, or even that weird knick-knack you love.
These little pieces remind you of your story. Every time you glance at them, you feel ownership of the space.
8. Create Small Rituals
Your home habits are more important than your furniture. Start micro-traditions that happen only in your house. Light a candle at dinner. Play jazz on Sunday mornings. Order pizza every Friday.
These rituals ground you. They mark time. And soon, you’ll look forward to them as the moments that make your house feel like home.
9. Host People
Don’t wait until your home is “finished.” Invite a friend for coffee or have a casual dinner. When laughter fills your rooms, the walls stop echoing.
It doesn’t matter if there are still boxes in the hallway. The act of sharing your space accelerates the bonding process and creates new memories in your new space.
10. Make Comfort the Rule
Remember that your home is for you, not for Instagram. Choose the soft couch, not just the stylish one. Keep cozy slippers by the door. Hang art you actually like, even if it’s not “on trend.”
When every corner is designed around your comfort, you don’t need to convince yourself to relax. That’s when your place truly feels homey.
Bonus Tip
Use professional movers. Like I mentioned earlier, Zip To Zip Moving made my move pretty easy. I went with full packing and unpacking services so I could focus on saying goodbyes and making my new house feel homey.
So let the pros do the hard work and enjoy the adventure of configuring your space in a way that’s uniquely you.