Moving into a new rental can be completely overwhelming, whether it’s a condo, a townhouse, or an apartment. You have a checklist of a million different things to do, from finding furniture to setting up a work-from-home space to getting your finances in order. While you’re trying to get all of your major tasks done, it can be difficult to find space to really make your rental feel like a home. We’re here to give you a few shortcuts so that you always have a comfortable place to come back to at the end of your busy day.

Mementos

One of the easiest things you can do in order to make your place feel like home is to put up a few mementos. This doesn’t need to be a long process––just set out a few pictures or decorative knick-knacks. That way, you can enjoy having them around while you decide where their permanent places should be.

Light

If you haven’t thought a lot about how your lighting situation impacts your mood, moving locations is a good time to start. Overhead lights aren’t known for their ambiance. It can be hard to feel like a place is cozy and homey if you’re surrounded by harsh, sterile lighting. This is an easy fix: plug in a few lamps, or hang some fairy lights if you like them. Your eyes and your vibe will thank you. It seems like such a small thing, but it can make a big difference.

Smell

Unless it’s actively bothering you, you might not be thinking too much about the smell of your new place. Smell has a large impact on us as humans, though. It’s one of the senses which is most strongly connected to memory, and the way people smell is a big part of why we become attracted to them. Part of making your new home feel like home is making sure that it smells good. Even if you’re not dealing with leftover pet odors or another scent problem, it’s worth a few sprays of air freshener to make sure the scent is one you enjoy. This is another one of those little things which could go a long way towards making your rental a home.

Music

Jean-Michel Basquiat once said, “Art is how we decorate space. Music is how we decorate time.” It might seem obvious, but play some tunes while you get unpacked. The familiar sounds of a song you love can fill your new space and turn it into a place that is recognizably home. Besides, nothing breaks in a new rental faster than a little dance party. Just make sure that you’re not playing it loud enough to inspire any noise complaints.

Cleanliness

Nothing is more disheartening than finishing a long day of unpacking, only to find that there’s packaging and other trash strewn across the floor. It really gives your rental that messy, just-moved-in feeling. You might even want to leave it until the next day, and there’s nothing less fun to wake up to. Avoid this by cleaning as you go: keep an open trash bag nearby while you’re unpacking, and make an effort to throw everything away. Then, all that’s left to do is tie it up and put it outside.

Comfort and Softness

Make your bed and throw a few blankets on the couches before you do anything else. You’ll thank yourself, especially after unpacking and getting yourself organized. That way, you’ll be all set for a nice nap or a Netflix session in your new rental. Home is a place where you can flop down in a comfy place without thinking about it.

Plants

A little green is wonderfully easy on the eyes. Plants are a bright visual break in a room that might otherwise be drab. If you unpack your plants first and get them situated near windows and on counters, your space will already begin to look a little bit more cheerful. They’re like little friends who will keep you company while you do the rest of your unpacking. 

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Introducing yourself to your neighbors is a quick way to start feeling comfortable in your new place. It’s nice to be able to start saying hi to people on the street right away and to know a few names and faces. Your neighbors might even offer to help you move in or give you a few tips about the best places to eat and socialize in the neighborhood. Who knows? Maybe you could end up making a new friend.

Best of luck as you make your rental into your home!

Looking for a new rental? Dwellsy can help you out. Check out the Dwellsy blog for more tips and tricks.