6 Ways to Make Your New Home Feel Cozy and Safe

As exciting as moving into a new house or apartment is, it usually takes some time for people to adjust and actually start feeling comfortable. Even after you unpack and decorate, there’s still that feeling of new and unknown that tends to stick around for some time. However, with some effort and a couple of smart additions, you can make the transition much easier. So, if you could use a couple of tips on how to turn your new place into a home, here are six suggestions you should consider. 

Clean it thoroughly

Before you start decorating your home, make sure to clean it as thoroughly as you can. This includes using disinfectants, bug sprays (just in case), baking soda, and whatever else you usually use for cleaning. It’s an especially important step if somebody else had lived in the place you’re moving into. This way, you’d feel like you’re actually getting a fresh start, both literally and metaphorically. Plus, it’s also a good way to actually get to know every corner of your new home.

Decorate with items from your previous home

Assuming that you’ve had a home before, whether it was your childhood home or the place before the current one, you probably have some idea of what made it feel homey. Of course, you can never recreate that feeling completely, but you can add to your new home a few items that remind you of your old home. It can be anything from a couple of family photos to a few gorgeous vintage rugs that bring you back to your carefree childhood days whenever you step on them. Having such items and carrying them with you can make any new place feel a bit more like home right away. 

Get a pet

If you’re moving into a new place on your own, you might feel uneasy precisely because you are alone. Therefore, you should consider getting a pet. Of course, a dog is definitely the most engaging choice, but it’s not the only one. If your new home is a bit smaller, or if you don’t have that much free time, you can opt for something easier to take care of, like a cat or a parrot. A pet is bound to make you feel cozier because you would have somebody to talk to and share this new experience with. Not to mention that most pets are also great “alarms” when something seems off. And there are few things that make a home as welcoming as a being greeted by somebody who is happy to see you. 

Install alarms

Speaking of alarms, if the new place in question is a house, you should definitely have a good security system. There are many different types of alarms on the market, some of which can also be controlled remotely. Additionally, if you combine your alarm system with good lighting fixtures and a few security cameras that you can access via your phone, your home is much less likely to become a target for burglars.

Secure the doors

This might sound surprising, but more than a third of all burglars actually enter homes through the front door. So, make sure your front door is not the easiest point of entry. The frames should be strong, the hinges should be well protected, and your lock should not be easy to pick. With that in mind, you should also consider upgrading your lock system – you could opt for some of the quality smart locks, and you should also install a deadbolt. Moreover, if you have any sliding glass doors, make sure they cannot be forced open or broken – at least not without you knowing about it. 

Add some extra light

Lighting is very often overlooked, but it can make a huge difference. The thing is, you’re not going to feel very cozy in a home that has bad or fluorescent lighting. So, opt for brighter lights, and let in as much natural light as you can in order to make your home livelier. Spice it up with some decorative lighting, like string lights and candles, which can instantly make your home cozier. You can also install dimmers, so you can control the brightness of the lights and set the right atmosphere for whatever you’re doing. Finally, don’t forget to light up your exterior as well, and not just because of the visual effect but to deter burglars as well. 

 

Making your home feel safer and cozier can take some time. However, there are things you can do to warm up the atmosphere in your home and actually make it feel like one faster. So, consider the listed ideas, apply them to your new place, and it’s bound to feel like home in no time.

* Guest Post by Sienna Penfold