I really thought I was going to save money by being home all the time. Jokes on me, a whole new world of things I “need” for a house was opened to me. However, since we’re at home for the long haul, I’ve accepted it and found favorite ways to make a rental feel more homey. Really these work for any living situation but rentals are my current lifestyle. Finding ways that don’t include putting nails in the wall proves to be a bit of a challenge.
*Also, I know most people will say to pull out the photos as soon as you move in. You will notice I have never used photos in my apartment tours.
5 Ways to Feel Homey
Deep Clean Away Its History
Alright, hear me out on this one. The first thing I do anywhere I live is do a DEEP clean. Ignorance may be bliss when it comes to knowing what someone did in your home before, but I clean like I know. To me, the most important thing in making your house feel homey is knowing the germs in it are your own. It’s not sexy, fun or easy, but this is the main way I make my house feel homey.
You also have a sort of sense of sweat equity, even in a rental after you do a deep clean. For me, that helps me start to see the place as my “own.”
Eucalyptus Shower
I have talked about a eucalyptus shower before. I am a believer. It was one of the first things I did when I moved into my Chicago place. It’s such an easy way to feel grounded and typically only costs me about $12 for several bunches throughout my bathrooms. I love getting a mix of eucalyptus as well which not only smells great, but looks like a custom bouquet. Anyway, I can’t say enough good about this and it’s NOT just a blogger trend. It’s great for your skin as well and I always get a little mood boost.
Buy a Humidifier
This is the Midwest in me, but my life (and plants) changed for the better when I finally bought a real humidifier. My friend Monique let me dog and housesit for her last winter. During that time she had multiple humidifiers going in her home. It always felt different (good) and my skin LOVED the reprieve in the middle of December. By the age of 30 you should be a believer in humidifiers and I am here to be the peer pressure in your life to say you NEED it. Especially if you’re in a cold climate. Your skin will thank you and your house will feel WONDERFUL!
Find Your Home’s Scent
Although I’ve had a lot of the same furniture, I’ve had a very different feel in every home I’ve lived in. One thing that’s made this possible is scent. When I was in Wichita I originally gravitated towards gardenia, honeysuckle and more floral tones. In Chicago I’ve found myself wanting the comforting scents of leather, tobacco and pine. Of course it changes with the seasons, but thinking about what you want your home to smell like is a sort of “this is who I am” statement you make, intentionally or not.
Candles are one of the BEST things to buy local. Please, please, please look on Instagram or other social media to find a local candlemaker. Etsy has a plethora of handmade candles as well. Even tea lights (I used a local maker in the above) can be locally made so there’s no excuse to buy from Bed, Bath and Bodyworks again!
Find Your Inner Plant Person
Listen I know this is a no-duh statement for people who are 20-35 years old, BUT use this as justification? The best way to make a house feel homey is warming it up with plants. (Need help? Check out my plant guide) When I was headed to Chicago I was at a rest stop in Illinois when I ordered from Plants Delivered. Before I even had moved, I had plants ready and waiting for me!
Bonus: Music! This may just be a weird quirk of mine, but when I start playing my favorite music, no matter where I am, I feel grounded. A little bit of home is always with me when listening to my favorite songs. If you’re finding yourself feeling off, try music!
All of these are what I did during my move to Chicago from Wichita! It was nice to have these “finishing” touches that didn’t break the bank. Moving, even when you think you’re doing it cheaply, is still expensive. I often felt like I was bleeding money. Some sweat equity and a few $20 purchases later, the house is starting to feel homey!
Christina
Lovely! I agree with plants and changes and the deep clean!