There are always so many things on the to-do list when you first move into a new home. With the UK property market as chaotic as it has been in recent years, finding somewhere that feels right on a budget that you can afford is an uphill struggle. But you don’t want to leave it too long before you start putting your own personal touches on your new house. Here are some of the quickest ways that you can make it feel like home.
Get Unpacked Quickly
There are always going to be boxes and suitcases that get left until last when it comes to unpacking. But until those items are stowed away and dealt with, it is not going to feel like you have really committed to settling in. Don’t stop at the box that has the kettle in. Try to make sure that you and your family have every box emptied as quickly as you can.
Put Your Own Stamp On The Interior Decoration
When you buy a new house, you are going to be stepping into someone else’s interior design decisions. The colour of the paint, the wallpaper, the carpeting…the chances are that you will have thought about everything that you want to change when you were first looking around the property. But it can feel like a big step to actually change it, especially if you are doing it yourself. So why not get a professional to do it? Look for painters and decorators near you who can listen to what you want and get the job done quickly. Platforms like MyBuilder allow you to post exactly what you want from the job and browse pitches and reviews from local painters and decorators. You can then get started turning your house into your dream home.
Meet The Neighbours
It is not always easy to put yourself out there and introduce yourself to someone new. Meeting the neighbours comes so naturally to some people, while others need a bit more of a nudge. But knowing who is living next door or across the street to you does make a big difference and helps you to feel safe and secure in your new neighbourhood. It might not be a friendship that lasts a lifetime, but they might be people who can take a package for you if you are not going to be in.
Don’t Neglect The Exterior
Understandably, a lot of people focus on the interior of the home when they first move in. But it is important to remember how big a part the exterior has to play. Now that a lot of us are back working in the office at least some of the time, think about what would make your new house feel like home when you arrive back at the end of a long day. If the paintwork on the front door and windowsills has cracked, give it a colourful new coat. Think about installing a security light above the front door. A hanging flower basket is a lovely easy addition, and there is so much that you could do with your front garden space.