
It takes me a while to feel at home in a new location. Even after the moving boxes have been unpacked and the refrigerator and pantry have been stocked with food, it’s still difficult to feel at home. This feeling can last for weeks or months, depending on how long it has been since the move. Sometimes it doesn’t go away at all.
It is a huge difference to live in a place you rely on for necessities like a bed or a bathroom and feel at home there. This is especially true for rentals. It can be hard to settle in a place you don’t plan on staying for more than a few years or where your taste and style are not represented. However, a feeling of home is about perception. It is possible to create warmth and personality regardless of where you live.
Hygge (pronounced hooga) is a Danish term that has gained popularity in the U.S. It is a term that describes a feeling of warmth and comfort and a particular environment or situation. It is more about how you can make your home feel homey. You are the only one who knows what makes you happy, safe, and warm. However, brainstorming about these things and developing ways to make your home feel like home is the first step towards creating a house. These are just a few ideas to help you get started.
Hang art
- My friends are always amazed at how quickly they hang art when they move into new homes. I say this as someone who has lived in her current home for over a year and a half and still has a dozen or so waiting-to-be-dealt-with framed prints and paintings leaning against a wall in the spare bedroom. There are real benefits to choosing the former and decorating your walls with art sooner than later.
- Studies show that just looking at art can decrease stress and make one happy. Apart from the fact that it gives us a lot of pleasure to look at beautiful things, art can also help instil our individuality and interests in the house. Even I, an art-hanging procrastinator from way back, always make sure to hang a few select pieces immediately upon move-in, namely any paintings my mom had done for me and an abstract ink drawing of the solar system my husband pulled me when we first started dating. You will feel more at home if you surround yourself with positive things.
Keep items that bring back memories of your childhood home.
Most of us consider our childhood home or apartment to be the best representation of ” home “. It’s where we felt first loved and safe. Although you cannot recreate the feel of your childhood home, you can keep some items close to you that will remind you. You might have a piece of furniture that is special, a music box from your childhood bedroom, or even some old board games. These items carry the warmth of their origins and have an uncanny ability to comfort those who see them. You can find a few things that bring back childhood warmth in your home and add them to your living space to create a sense of comfort no matter where you are.
Could you keep it clean?
Do you know how fresh sheets make your bed feel the best? It’s difficult to feel entirely at ease in a space that is dirty or cluttered. You must first complete your home clean if you want to make it feel cosy. You are what you make of your physical space. If you’re going to feel at home and relaxed, it is essential to maintain a comfortable room that you can snuggle into. Make it a habit of regularly washing your sheets and towels, keeping your floors and other surfaces clean, as well as clearing out clutter before it becomes too much.
Adopt a pet
Adopting a pet from a local shelter is a great way to feel loved and at home. Pets make us happier and more healthy. Even the simple act of rubbing a cat’s head or licking a dog’s neck can help reduce stress and blood pressure and give us a sense of support. Although caring for a pet is a huge responsibility, it makes a house feel homier than being welcomed by someone excited to meet you as you enter the door. Consider taking on the responsibility of caring for an animal if you have the money and time.
Softness surrounds you
My last apartment was an old, scratchy couch that I bought secondhand at a thrift shop. Although it was comfortable and fit its purpose, it quickly became my favourite spot to relax and nap. A warm blanket can make any space feel more welcoming and peaceful. It’s possible to find a cosy blanket for any budget. If you are suffering from anxiety or stress, consider purchasing a weighted blanket. These popular bedding accessories apply gentle pressure to your body to help you relax and feel calmer.
Go green
Like animals and art, flowers and plants are well-recognized for their ability to affect our moods and reduce stress positively. We can instil a sense of hygge by adding greenery and flowers to our homes. You don’t need to be a professional gardener to grow something like an orchid or ficus. Many houseplants can be grown in a more manageable manner, which will ensure that your home is thriving. You can either plant herbs in mason containers in front of your kitchen window or buy fresh flowers every week to display on your dining room table. Or, you can choose one of the many low maintenance houseplants that are strong enough to withstand the days (or even weeks) when you forget to water.
Add extra light
Insufficient lighting or fluorescent lighting can make a home feel less welcoming. Warm temperature lighting shades such as yellow or white should be used to promote relaxation. Add additional lighting as needed. You can instantly make any space feel cosier by adding string lights, lamps or a flameless candle to a lantern. Install dimmers if you can adjust the lighting intensity in a room according to your mood or the time of the day. You can also add warmth and cosiness by using candles in an area. However, you should make sure that they are extinguished when you leave.
Take the spa home
You want your home to feel warm and inviting. Here are some ideas from the spa. For a quick boost of spa-like homeyness, you can incorporate aromatherapy diffusers and candles into your home. If you do it correctly, you might never want to leave.
An apartment or house should not be a place where you can crash at night. Simple design details can create a feeling of warmth in space and transmit that feeling to others. You can surround yourself with things that make you feel good, whether in a dorm or a rental. You can instil a sense of happiness and hygge by having more items around you that make it feel like your home.