Settling Into a New Home
By: Meaghan Flokstra
Published on: November 4th, 2024
Moving into a new place is fun and exciting, but beginning this new chapter can also be stressful. As with any major life changes, there is an adjustment period, so it might take a while for your new place to feel like your home.
Settling into your new place might look a bit different depending on whether you own it yourself or are renting it from someone else. Renters should check their lease before making any changes to their units. Either way, there are lots of ways to help you feel comfortable and at ease in your home.
Cleaning
Before moving to a new place, it’s essential to make sure that it’s clean. This process can be tiring, but knowing that your home is fully clean will make it much easier to relax in the long run. If possible, it’s best to clean your new home before moving in and unpacking since furniture can make it hard to access certain areas. Dust and dirt can fall down while you’re cleaning, so start high (for example, ceilings and the tops of tall appliances) and work your way downward, washing the floors last.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in making your space feel like it’s yours. Lighter colours work well if you want to make a space feel more open and spacious, while darker colours tend to make rooms feel smaller and cosier. If you have children, consider letting them choose the wall colours for their own bedroom to help them feel excited about moving and give them a sense of independence.
Decor
Decorating a new place can be one of the most fun parts of moving, and personalising your space will help it feel more like it’s yours. Start off by prioritising items that are practical and suit your immediate needs. You can always add items that are less urgent over time. If you’re working on a tight budget, check out thrift stores and garage sales for more affordable home decor.
Scents
People often associate smells with certain memories. If there are smells that you already associate with home, introducing them into your new place can make it feel more familiar. You can also choose any other scents that you enjoy and find calming. Some ways to incorporate new scents into your home include candles, diffusers, and fresh or dried flowers.
Safety
Feeling safe is one of the most important factors in being able to relax in a new home. When you move in, be sure to check that various safety features in your home are working properly, such as your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Purchase a fire extinguisher if you don’t already have one, and check its expiration date. Preparing an emergency plan is also key for ensuring that everyone in your home is safe and knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Explore the Area
Familiarising yourself with the areas surrounding your home can help you feel more prepared for any unexpected needs that pop up. Search for the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, and convenience stores. You can also look for various public spaces to unwind in, such as parks and libraries. If you plan on taking public transit, make a note of bus stops, subway stations, etc. that are within walking distance.
Neighbours
Getting to know your neighbours is a great way to feel like you’re at home in your new area. Neighbours can also have a lot of useful firsthand knowledge and advice about the neighbourhood. A friendly relationship with neighbours creates opportunities for socialising and provides a sense of community.
Moving is a long process, and settling into your new place won’t happen all in one day. However, those first few weeks and months where everything still feels new can also be the most exciting. Give yourself time to adjust, and try to focus on enjoying new spaces and experiences. Before long, going back to your new place will feel like coming home.