Moving into a new home is an exciting time. It’s also a time of adjustment. Getting settled is a process. As much as you love your new house, it might just not feel quite like home. You come home after work and find it difficult to fully unwind and relax. You might feel like you’re a visitor in someone else’s house. You’re just there to eat and sleep after work.

When you buy a house, it should feel like yours. You should feel like you belong as soon as you walk through the door. You should be able to sit back on the sofa at the end of the day and feel completely at ease. While it can take some time for the house to feel like it’s truly yours, there are things that you can do to help speed the process along. Here are some of the essentials that you should have to make your new house feel like a home.

Artwork and Photographs

Bare walls aren’t just boring to look at. They can make your house feel empty, which can have a serious impact on your mood. Research shows that simply looking at art can boost your mood. Find some pieces that you enjoy and hang them up. You can also hang up photos of your family and friends. Surrounding yourself with images you love can help to make your house feel like home.

Houseplants

Bring a little bit of nature indoors with live houseplants. In addition to adding a pop of color, houseplants provide a breath of fresh air. Plants are natural air purifiers. They remove many toxins, bacteria, germs, and dust from the air, making it healthier to breathe. Plants also can improve your mood, making you feel more at ease.

Scented Candles or Diffusers

Did you know that smelling certain scents can have a huge impact on your mood? Some can help you to feel more relaxed (which can be incredibly beneficial at the end of a long, stressful day at work). Others can help you to feel upbeat and energized. You can purchase candles from a local store or make them yourself. Or, you can invest in a diffuser and purchase Young Living Essential oils to use in it. Take some time to smell a few different scents of candles or essential oils to find out which ones you like best.

A Full Bookcase

Whether you have a standalone bookcase or you have one built into the walls of your new home, take the time to fill the shelves. A case full of books can help to make your home feel cozier. At the end of the day, you can make a cup of tea and grab your favorite book from the shelf before relaxing on the sofa. If you don’t have a substantial number of books, you don’t have to go out and buy some just to fill the space on the shelves. Instead, you can add some of your favorite collectible items to help personalize your bookcase even more.

Window Treatments

While your windows help to bring in natural light (and allow you to enjoy the view outside) they also allow others to see inside. Having curtains or blinds can help to provide you with privacy. These window treatments can also help to complete the look of a room. There are several options for curtains, from heavy drapes that block out light to light, airy materials that can soften the look of a space. If you prefer blinds, you also have several options to choose from, including plastic, metal, wood, roller, Roman shades, and horizontal. Choose a type that suits your needs and your personal style.

Your house is more than just a place to eat, shower, and sleep. It should feel like a home. With these essentials, you can help to make your home feel more comfortable and more like it truly belongs to you.