Making your house feel like a home is difficult at first, especially if you’re living away from your family for the first time or moving into a smaller space than you’re used to. While it might not be as easy as choosing wallpaper or buying furniture, making your house feel like a home is not impossible. With the right attitude and some creative thinking, anyone can turn their house into their home. Having your own place means that you’re free to decorate it however you want. As much as we love our parents and friends, it can be nice to live somewhere where you can choose everything from the flooring up to the light fixtures. That being said, making your house feel like a home isn’t always simple. Here are five ways that will help you get started on turning your house into your home.

Organize

Making your house feel like home often begins with getting rid of the stuff you may not need. You might have collected house-warming gifts or simply have too much stuff that you don’t know what to do with. The best way to make your house feel like a home is to get rid of stuff that doesn’t belong there. If a gift is too big to fit into a drawer, or you just don’t like it, it’s time to get rid of it. You can donate items, sell them, or simply throw them away. Organizing the things that you do have can help your house feel homier. If you have a ton of books but nowhere to put them, it might be time to invest in some bookshelves. It's time to get rid of your stuff if you have too much.

Hang art

One of the best ways to add character to your house is to hang up art. Even if you aren’t an artist, the world is full of inspiring images and pieces of artwork that you can use. For example, you can use maps, paintings, or photographs to create a mood in every room of your house. If you don’t have any wall space left, you can even use a cork board to hang pieces up. Art has the ability to transform a room from drab to fab in a matter of minutes and it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to turn your house into a home.

Light the place up

Lighting up your house is one of the best ways to make it feel more like home. Whether you’re using lamps, candles, or even string lights—lighting up your house can do wonders for making it feel homier. If you’re renting, you don’t want to break the rules. But if you have the option, try to add more lighting to your home. It can help transform it into a much more inviting place.

Add some comfort items

Some of the best ways to make your house homier are the simplest ones. Some of the best ways to make your house feel like a home are as simple as installing some comfort items. Try to install a few personal or sentimental items. You can also install things like a hanging basket or plants, add blankets to your couch, or even paint your walls an accent color. Test it out by adding pieces you love to your home.

Meet your neighbors

After adding interior elements to your home, think about introducing yourself to your neighbors to have some familiar faces around. While it might sound a bit strange, making an effort to meet the people who live near you can do wonders for your house. Meeting your neighbors can help to make your house feel more like a home in several ways. First, it can help you to feel like you belong in your neighborhood. Meeting the people who live nearby can also make your house feel like a safer place.

Conclusion

Making your house feel like a home can be a challenge. But with the right attitude and some creative thinking, anyone can turn their house into a home in no time. The best way to make your house feel like a home is to simply light it up, get rid of unwanted items, meet your neighbors, organize and add your own touches. These five tips can help anyone transform their house into a more welcoming place.

Guest author: Abigail Simmons, Suffolk '23