Moving into a new home can be an exciting but strange time in your life. You’re not alone if you feel like your new house isn’t quite yours yet. Adding your personality to the home can help you acclimate and warm up to your new life. And doing so doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money or time. Instead, use the suggestions below to spruce up your home with minimal effort and money.

Add fresh plants

Head to a local garden store and choose bouquets of your favorite flowers and pots with lush greenery. Natural pops of color can make any room feel more inviting, especially if you haven’t had the chance to buy all the furniture you need. Plants can draw attention to central areas or fill in empty spaces. Plus, flowers make for a great conversation starter with guests.

Accent a few walls

While you may not be used to the layout of your new home yet, an accent wall can help you solidify the flow of an area and add layers of your personality. There are a few avenues to choose from when it comes to accent walls: you can paint them, use wallpaper, or add texture and depth with wood pieces. 

Change old hardware

The faucets, handles, knobs, and other pieces of hardware that come with your home might not work with your style. Go to a home improvement store and spend time looking at different finishes and styles that speak to you. Additionally, consider features like hands free faucet sensors that can go a long way toward helping you feel comfortable in your new place.

Clean with your favorite products

Everyone’s home has a distinct smell. Typically, your home will take on the scent of the cleaning products you use. Most people don’t recognize their home’s scent, but if the smell of your new home feels strange and unfamiliar, clean it from top to bottom and you’ll notice how much more familiar and cozy every room feels.

Customize your storage

Finding a place for your belongings is a big step you can take to make your new place feel like home. From hooks by the front door to self-closing drawers and under-bed storage, think through each room in your home and how you can make it more functional. 

Hang a photo wall

Print your favorite photos of your family, friends, and pets to hang together on the wall going up the stairs, in the dining room, or down a hallway. Pick frames that match your color scheme or choose all black and white frames if you’re unsure what colors your new home will have.

Paint the front door and add house numbers

Impress your guests by painting the door a fun color and swapping out potentially rusty house numbers with a set of clean, sleek, and readable numbers. Be sure to review your HOA rules first if you’re a part of one. If your existing door doesn’t feel like you, buy a door that has windows, a screen, or other additions that make it feel more inviting. For example, Dutch doors have become popular for the ability to bring in fresh air and sunlight and greet people without having to step outside while keeping children and pets safe. And if you’ve moved to a location with lots of bugs, a second screen door isn’t a bad idea.

Spruce up an outdoor space

It’s important to clear out a space in your yard or porch for chatting and relaxing, especially if you’re moving in during the spring, summer, or fall. Invest in a high-quality set of outdoor chairs, set up a fire pit, or install a porch swing. This can encourage you to spend time getting fresh air and decompressing from your big move. Plus, it’s a great way to chat with neighbors passing by and have a safe social distancing location to enjoy a few drinks and snacks with them.

By making these changes, you can turn your new house into a home quickly and easily.