Hi friends, it’s Michaela! I’m back to share practical tips for making a new house or apartment feel like home soon after you move in. I recently relocated from California to Michigan and settled into my first apartment here. Between unpacking, decorating, and adjusting to a very different climate, I learned a few things that helped me feel comfortable fast.
As a designer, I usually recommend furnishing in stages so a space feels collected and lived-in rather than rushed or matchy-matchy. That advice was tested when I moved with only dishes, a bed, and bedding. I needed many basics—a couch, dining table, chairs, a desk, patio furniture, and a more modern light fixture—so it was easy to feel overwhelmed. To avoid rushing and to make the apartment feel like home even before everything was in place, I focused on a few high-impact areas. Here are the steps I took that you can try too.
1. Complete the bathroom first.
Bathrooms are small and manageable, and finishing one room gives you a satisfying sense of accomplishment. When my bathroom was organized and pleasant, my mornings felt smoother and the rest of the day followed better. I picked up towels, a floor mat, guest soaps, a small tray for toiletries, and used a vintage cabinet for extra towel storage. Having this space finished made a big difference in how settled I felt.
2. Pick up a few candles.
Candles are an easy way to change the atmosphere. Lighting a couple of favorite-scented candles helped mask the new-home smell—fresh paint, new carpets—and made the space feel inviting. Scent is a powerful and immediate way to make a place feel like yours.
3. Fresh flowers.
Fresh blooms brighten any room and lift your mood. A simple bouquet on a table or counter makes a home feel cared for and welcoming.
4. Get comfortable bedding and pillows.
Sleeping in bedding you love helps you rest better and feel nurtured at the end of a long day of unpacking. I brought my favorite bedding with me, and knowing I could crawl into a cozy bed made the transition much easier.
5. Keep cleaning supplies and a tool kit handy.
Having cleaning essentials and a basic tool kit ready saves time and stress. You’ll inevitably need both, whether for quick touch-ups or small assembly tasks.
6. Create vignettes with favorite accessories.
Even without larger furniture in place, arranging a few cherished items into small vignettes can make rooms feel intentional. A framed print, a favorite cookbook, a decorative box, or a small tray grouped on a shelf or counter gives the impression of thoughtfully curated spaces and makes corners feel complete.
7. Add quotes or verses that inspire you.
Placing an encouraging quote or verse where you’ll see it daily—on a chalkboard, shelf, or framed print—can boost your mood and help you feel grounded as you settle in.
If you recently moved, what tips helped you feel more at home while unpacking and decorating?
I’d love to hear your ideas!
~Michaela
interior design website / services / portfolio
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Note: Michaela and her friend are hosting a Bloom Workshop in September for creative women who want to learn about blogging, photography, interior design, and styling. It’s a hands-on event that many find inspiring.
Want more ideas for being happier at home? Check out Love the Home You Have for practical inspiration.