How to make your house a home
Stepping into a new home feels strange. If it’s in a foreign country, thousands of miles from familiar turf, the sensation is even more alien. The transformation from house to home can take months, or even years, to complete, but you can take simple first steps from day one.
1. Pack with care
Setting up a new home starts when you pack up the one you’re leaving. When moving abroad, always use a reputable International Removals firm like PSS Removals to ensure that the contents of your home, including treasured family heirlooms and breakables, arrive at their destination on time and in tip-top condition.
2. Get your clothes sorted
There’s nothing more frustrating than rifling through boxes to find your favourite jeans. Rather than waiting to find the perfect furniture, buy a cheap hanging rail and chest of drawers and get your clothes neatly stored away.
3. Dress the beds
They say wherever you lay your hat is your home. But most would agree that your favourite crisp bed linen and a soft pillow has the edge over headgear when it comes to producing that comforting, homely vibe. Make your bed inviting and dive in!
4. Brew a cuppa
Hang your cups on the mug tree, flick the kettle switch and fill your home with the smell of freshly brewed coffee! Your first coffee break after moving in is a pivotal moment – relax and pat yourself on the back for finally being in your new home.
5. Tackle the kids’ rooms
If you have children, their rooms take priority. The toll of moving and homesickness can be hard on the kids, so it’s important to surround them with their favourite things quickly. Happy kids means less-stressed parents!
6. Create the right ambiance
Get the lighting right, add your music system and play your favourite tunes, introduce house plants and appealing touches like scented candles and fresh flowers – a few atmospheric tweaks will make you feel more settled.
7. Add familiar touches
Your location may have changed, but if there were things that ‘worked’ in your old home, such as coat hooks by the front door, then recreate them. Do what you can to preserve your family routines in your new life abroad.
8. Freshen up the walls
Don’t deliberate colour schemes or ponder wallpaper, just freshen up the walls with a slick of white or neutral paint. Before you hang pictures permanently, lean them against walls to decide where they fit best.
Take it slowly – and enjoy the process
Making your house a home is a lot of fun – once you have the first stage covered, enjoy the process and take your time. If you’re planning to take root for a while, there’s no rush, so let your home evolve and reflect your new experiences.
Sponsored article from PSS International Removals
About PSS: PSS International Removals is a 33 year-old family business, which specialises in delivering a friendly, professional and ‘stress free’ overseas move. PSS only handles international removals, they really do live & breathe for their work, with each member of staff being professionally trained in export procedures. Their reputation is everything to them and they take great care with shipping the things that turn a property abroad into a home. For expats trying to deal with the highs and lows of dramatic life change, a smooth and hassle free move helps them start their new life positively.
