How to Feel at Home in Your New Apartment

Moving to a new rental apartment can be exciting, but also stressful. Of course, everyone’s experience is different. You might feel like you don’t belong in your new space, or that you have to adjust to a new lifestyle. If you’re lucky, your adjustment period will end once you finish unpacking. But if you’re anything like most of us, it will probably take weeks or months until you start feeling at home.

But don’t worry, there are some simple ways to make your new place feel more like home. Here are some tips to help you settle in and enjoy your new apartment.

1. Personalize your space. One of the easiest ways to make your new apartment feel cozier and more comfortable is adding some personal touches. You can hang some photos of your family and friends, display some souvenirs from your travels, or decorate with your favorite colors and patterns. You can also bring some plants or flowers to brighten up your space and purify the air — aloe vera is great for that. Personalizing your space will make it more inviting and also reflect your personality.

 

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2. Organize your belongings. Organizing your belongings to create a sense of order is another way to make your new rental apartment feel more like home. Plus, it will make your new space more functional and less cluttered. You can use storage boxes, baskets, shelves, or hooks to store your items and keep them accessible. Labeling your boxes or drawers can also make it easier to find what you need.

3. Make it smell good. A pleasant smell can make a big difference in how you feel about your new apartment. You can use candles, diffusers or incense to create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. If you’re into baking, you can also get some cookies or bread in the oven. Brewing coffee or tea is also a great way to fill your apartment with a delicious aroma. Making your apartment smell good will make it cozier and homier.

 

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4. Meet your neighbors. One of the first things to do after moving into a new apartment is meet your neighbors — and hopefully make some friends. This way you’ll feel more connected and supported in your new environment. You can introduce yourself when you see them in the hallway or elevator, or invite the ones you click with over for a drink or a snack. If this seems a bit too much for you, just make sure you stay open to any opportunities to connect and get together with them and say “hello” with a friendly smile on your face. You can also join some community events or activities, such as a book club, a yoga class, or a potluck dinner.

5. Have fun. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy your new apartment! You can host a housewarming party, plan a movie night, play some games or listen to some music (Not too loud, though. You want the neighbors to like you, remember?). You can also explore your neighborhood and discover some new places, such as cafes, restaurants, parks or shops. This way you’ll feel more at ease in your new apartment and surroundings.

 

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How to settle into a new city

If you are moving to a new city, adjusting will take some extra effort, but we’re here to help. Here’s how to get to know your new city or neighborhood:

Explore. Take long walks around the neighborhood and other interesting areas in the city. Ditch your phone occasionally and try to get to a place without a map. While it may be more challenging, you will remember the routes more easily. Plus, you’ll memorize places and landmarks that will help you familiarize yourself with your new city.

Eat like a local, shop like a local. For grocery shopping, check out the local farmers’ market, smaller shops and bakeries to discover the local and seasonal produce. While it may cost a bit more, think of it as an investment in your wellbeing — not only will you get healthier, better-quality food, but it will also make you feel better and healthier. Plus, you’ll get more familiar with your new environment.

 

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Try the same approach when you eat out. Don’t shy away from eating by yourself in a small restaurant or cafe, especially if it’s run by a family. Chances are you will be greeted by a friendly smile and a warm voice recommending the daily special. Becoming a regular will make you feel more at home — oh, the joy of hearing someone familiar call your name and ask you how your day’s been!

Say ‘yes’ — one of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to say ‘yes’ to the opportunities that arise. This could be a great way for you to make friends faster and feel more comfortable in a new city or new neighborhood. Once you settle into this mindset, you’ll notice more opportunities to socialize or even get invited to events, gatherings or other occasions that are perfect for meeting people. If you’re more of an introvert, stepping out of your comfort zone will be totally worth it. That’s where life happens. So, pick one or two events that fit your mood and go for it.

Remember that moving is a big change, and it might take some time to adjust. But with some creativity and effort you can make that happen faster than you think.