It always takes a while for a new house to feel like home after moving in. It’s empty, impersonal and cluttered with moving boxes. You have to get used to a new layout and a new view outside your window. But, with some simple planning and designing, your new space can feel more like the familiar and comforting place you want to come home to everyday.
Tips Before Buying a Home
- Deep Clean Everything. Before you arrange your furniture and put up any decorations, give your house a thorough clean. Even if the previous homeowners cleaned their house well before you bought it, giving it a once-over with your own cleaning techniques will help it feel much more comfortable. You’re bound to find dust, dirt and grim in some forgotten places. Use these tips by The Spruce if you don’t know where to start.
- Tackle Easy Maintenance Tasks. Next, take care of simple tasks that are necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of your home. For example, you may want to install ceiling fans, wrap exposed pipes with insulation and replace air filters. Check for moisture stains and repair any leaking pipes immediately. You also should replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Don’t hesitate to hire a general contractor if you ever need extra help with your maintenance projects. If you need to make any major renovations, make sure it fits in your budget first. Consider that the average price for renovating or repairing a home in San Diego, California, can cost you anywhere from $8,866 to $22,000.
- Make a Plan for Unpacking. When it’s time to start unpacking all your boxes, make a plan for which rooms or closets to start with. Get one room finished first, like your bedroom, where you can escape the temporary clutter and disorganization of the rest of your home. Apartment Therapy suggests unpacking your kitchen fairly early on since this helps you clear away tons of moving boxes. The bathroom is one of the simplest rooms to setup and will instantly feel like your own space with your familiar shower curtain and towels.
- Get Decorating Right Away. Don’t leave decorating your new space last on your list. Adding personal touches are inexpensive and will do wonders to make your space feel like home. For example, Invitation Homes shared the idea of framing a craft or piece of artwork that you or one of your kids made. Bring nature inside with potted plants or a vase of fresh flowers. Add mirrors throughout your home to make your rooms appear larger and give your walls a subject of interest. Area rugs can add comfort and warmth to any room. Accent pieces placed on furniture can make your home feel fun and inviting as well. For example, bold couch cushions and matching candles in your living room can give the space a sense of balance.
- Set Up an Outdoor Living Area. You’ll get accustomed to your house’s new location more quickly if you spend a lot of time outside. So, set up an outdoor space with patio furniture, potted plants, and simple decorations. A portable fire pit is a great way to get your family outside year-round, especially if you’re moving in the early spring when the days are cooler. Incorporate some atmospheric lighting into your porch as well. Even if the inside of your house is a mess from moving, you’ll have a comfortable outdoor space to relax in. While you’re outside, go for a walk in your neighborhood to explore your new community and meet neighbors.
Contact Maureen Martin Today at (619) 857-7191
Your new house may feel strange for a while. But, a little work will quickly make it feel like a comforting place to come home to. Take the time to organize your belongings and add personal design touches to make your space feel warm and welcoming. Surround yourself with memorable items from your old home and other things that make you feel good. One day, you’ll realize that your place suddenly feels like the home you always dreamed of.
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