Moving to a new place can be an exciting, but also daunting experience. You might find yourself asking, “How long will it take for this place to feel like home?” The answer is different for everyone, but there are some things you can do to help make the transition easier.
While some say it takes an average of 6 months for a place to feel like home, it depends on a few factors. Your emotions about the move and the effort that you put into adjusting are huge indicators of how long it will take a place to feel like home.
Making a new space your own is all about taking steps to create a sense of familiarity and comfort in your environment. Here are some tips on making your new home feel more familiar.
Set up your new place quickly to reduce the time it takes to adjust
The first step in making your new place your home is by setting up your space quickly. Start with the basics such as unpacking boxes and furniture, then move on to decorations that make the space feel cozy and inviting.
This doesn’t have to be done all at once; instead focus on completing one room at a time until everything is set up just the way you want it.
Doing this will help create familiarity and comfort in your surroundings while also giving you an opportunity to express yourself through decorating, making the space your own.
Relocations, whether miles away or a transition to a different place in the same area, come with obstacles.
Transitions to a new house or apartment bring big adjustments and takes time to get used to, but feeling settled is easier when the amount of time you spend unpacking at the beginning is high to help you get settled in faster.
Have boundary discussions to help it feel more like home
Something else consider is creating boundaries between your living space and other people’s living spaces, as it’s an important way to make your home feel more like yours.
When you move into a shared space, such as an apartment building or a new house with roommates that you’re renting with, try to find ways to make the space uniquely yours.
This could involve setting up furniture in different ways or decorating with items that reflect your personality. Even small changes can help make the space feel more personal and inviting for you.
Without these conversations, you could be miserable locking into a rental agreement you don’t like in an unfamiliar area where you never felt like it was the great place you hoped for despite being there long enough that things should have clicked.
I know that may seem far fetched, but small emotions have a way of snowballing when bottled up, and you can avoid such a depressing situation by being proactive at the beginning.
Engage with your neighborhood
A large part of making a place feel like home is to get used to and appreciate the area. And one of the best ways to get comfortable with your new area is by exploring it!
Check out local attractions such as parks, restaurants, or stores that are within walking (or even biking) distance from your house.
This allows you to get familiar with the area and its offerings while also getting exercise at the same time.
Learning about the culture and history of the area will help you better understand and appreciate where you live, which can make it your home sooner rather than later.
If possible, try to meet some of the people living in your neighborhood so that you can start building relationships and friendships with them.
This will go a long way toward helping you feel connected and at home in your new environment.
Getting involved in local activities or clubs can also help you meet people who share similar interests, which can foster further connections with the area over time.
Connect and make friends with people around you
Building relationships with those around you is key for creating a sense of community in your new place.
Start by introducing yourself to your neighbors, attending local events, or getting involved in volunteer work within the area.
Joining online groups related to your interests (like sports teams or book clubs) can also be helpful for connecting with others while you get adjusted to a new schedule.
Doing these things will not only give you companionship but also provide opportunities for learning, growth, and belonging—all components needed for feeling at home in any place!
Create a routine
Creating a routine is one of the best ways to get settled into a new environment quickly as it gives you consistency that keeps new things (like a new job, for instance) from being too overwhelming.
Routines help us feel comfortable because they provide structure and stability in our lives which helps us build familiarity with our surroundings.
Start by establishing small habits such as waking up at the same time every morning or cooking dinner consistently.
Try incorporating activities such as reading or playing music into your routine so that it feels more enjoyable and less like work – this will help make it easier for you to stick with it over time!
You got this! Remember that how long it takes to feel at home can vary
Conclusion: Moving from your old home to a new place can take awhile to get used to, but there are steps that you can take to make it easier!
Setting up your space quickly, exploring what’s around, and creating a routine are all great ways to start feeling more at home in no time.
Remember that everyone moves differently; take things slow if needed so that you don’t become overwhelmed by the process.
It’s okay to give yourself grace and time to get settled in. 3-4 months may seem like a long time, but some things take time even with intentionality (especially things like living in a new city and making new friends).
With these tips in mind, your new place will be home sweet home in no time.