There is nothing more exhilarating than the thought of moving into a new place. After all, a fresh start could be just what you need to bring back some perspective in your life. However, all the glamor of moving may eventually wear off once you realize how difficult it is to settle in and turn a new apartment into a home.
When looking for a new apartment, your budget, personal preferences, and location will obviously have a big factor in your final decision. So once you find a good place that can satisfy your needs, your next step is to look inward. What are some ways you can cozy up in a new apartment? Here are our favorite tips for helping you get settled down.
Unpack Everything Immediately
Moving is an incredibly stressful process. You may be tempted to put off unpacking and getting rid of all those boxes until the very last minute. However, the mental load of seeing your belongings still packed away in boxes around your home can have an impact on how comfortable you are in your new place.
Taking the extra time to unpack as soon as you can help you “claim” the space and visualize your ideal setup in your new apartment.
Put On Some Music
It’s time to let loose! Music is known to help reduce stress and you definitely get plenty of that when you are moving into a new home. Working to the tune of your favorite songs can also be a great way to inspire you to get physical, so put on your favorite playlist before you start unpacking.
Get Some Real Furniture
If you are moving into an apartment, then it is likely that you are just renting the place out for an indefinite period of time. With this in mind, it can be tempting to just live off of cheap furniture. But relying on plastic tables and chairs to get you by can make your apartment seem like a dull and uninviting space.
You do not need to go overboard – consider going to a thrift store or looking for secondhand furniture online. If you do not want to deal with moving your new furniture after you are done with your lease, then you could just sell it off and profit. It’s a win-win situation!
Consider Introducing New Lighting
Lighting is such an understated aspect of making a space feel cozy and comfortable. It’s not just about where the light bulbs are located, or the type that’s been installed. It’s also about arranging your furniture so that you can make the most out of natural lighting, introducing different kinds of lights to make parts of the room more inviting.
Bring a Memento Along
Whether it’s a bunch of knick-knacks or photos of your family and friends, a little reminder of your safe space and your favorite people can brighten any space. Try sticking a few pictures on the fridge or shopping for frames you can hang on the wall.
Secure Your Home
One potential reason why we don’t immediately feel comfortable in a new place is that we do not know how safe we really are. To help relieve these fears, go around the unit right before you move in. Check all the doors and windows for any potential security issues. Look through all the nooks and crannies for hidden cameras. Buy curtains or blinds for your windows.
Clean Up the Place
Don’t jump straight into decorating! Just because the place is empty doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have small, lingering traces of its past tenants. If you want to get a fresh start, bust out your disinfectants and cleaning equipment. This activity is also a great way to familiarize yourself with your apartment.
Once you are done unpacking, we also strongly recommend getting rid of or hiding away everything unrelated to your home. This includes all the boxes you used for moving in, canisters of paint, power cords and extension wires, office supplies, and more. Stow away all the unnecessary items so that you can make space for the ones that actually show off your taste and personality.
Make Your Home Smell Nice
There is a strong association between human memory and scent. If you need to fast-track feeling warm and cozy in your new home, the trick is to make it smell like one. You have tons of options: browse through candles, room spray, incense, or humidifiers to get the perfect scent and delivery.
Try Cooking Dinner
There’s something magical about cooking in a new space. Knowing that you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients at your own pace can greatly contribute to making your apartment feel more like home. If you are extroverted and excited to show off your new place to your friends, you could even host a party and have people over!
