7 Ways To Help You Settle Into Your New Home Quickly
Even if you moved with the best of intentions, adjusting to a new home can feel like stepping off the plane in a foreign country. The good news is that it’s not impossible to master any transition in life providing you’re aware of the phases: reacting, exploring and living well in the “new” old. Of course, while you may not be able to completely control your feelings, there are some easy home maintenance tasks and inexpensive decorating tips to help you feel settled into your new home as quickly as possible.
- Refinish Your Hardwood Floors: You need not hire a pro to make your hardwood floors look like they were just installed. What seems like a complicated project can be done in a single afternoon, two if you have a lot of surface space. Head to the hardware store to rent a buffer if you don’t already own one. Next, clean your floors before buffing — use sandpaper in the corners where the machine won’t reach. Let the dust settle for about 10 minutes before dry-tacking the floor. Use a paintbrush to apply the finish to the perimeter before using a long-handled roller to apply the product to the remainder of the room. Wait about three hours before moving the furniture back in.
2. Create A Backyard Oasis: If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, make it a relaxing oasis by planting a living fence (a fence made of living trees and shrubs) using evergreens and plants that stay green year-round. Spread some fresh mulch to give life to flowerbeds — edge them for elevated aesthetic appeal.
- Install Detachable Toilet Seats: Nothing’s more unsettling than a dirty toilet seat — especially if you’re moving into a new home. Detachable models are great because you can clean under the hinges where dirt, grime and mildew tend to harbor. Even better, a seat will only set you back about $20.
- Play With Paint Finishes: Even if you moved into a home with freshly painted walls, consider adding a finish on an accent wall in the entryway, your child’s bedroom, or any other room that needs a boost. Some techniques to consider include stenciling, color washing, sponging, rag-rolling and dragging.
- Add Paper Accents: You need not wallpaper an entire room to make an impact. You can also use it inside cabinets, on a headboard, wardrobe drawer, desk or any flat, smooth surface.
- Install Lighting Fixtures: Whether you have a favorite chandelier from your old home or you went out and bought new lights, installing fixtures is an extremely easy way to add ambiance to a room. Just make sure you turn off the circuit breaker associated with the light first.
- Download An App: There are an abundance of really great apps to help you setup your new home from picture placement to paint colors to layouts — even tracking inventory of all your goods. The best part about using an app is you can prevent making costly or time consuming mistakes by creating a visual plan first.
One of the best ways to quickly settle into a new home is to adopt the same routine as you did in your previous abode. For example, keep the family planning calendar on the fridge, continue to leave your car keys in a dish near the entryway. Playing off the senses can help, too, so hang up that old cuckoo clock and burn the same juniper scented candles at dinner time to promote a sense of familiarity.
BY: Natalie Jones
Photo Credit: Pixabay