Home Sweet Home
It did not take us long to realize what it was... our people! We loved Austin, but leaving our friends and family behind made it feel impossible to call Austin home. I found it strange that I lived in a place my parents had never even seen!
This was a hard adjustment, and one we are still working through, but we were able to get to a point where now Austin feels like home. I've put together this post in hopes of helping those of you that are still looking to make a new place feel like home. Maybe you are just moving into your dorm, went away to college, moved to a new state, or bought a new place. I hope these tips help you out -
I t's the little things
This is something that is different for everyone, but makes a HUGE difference! Each individual will have their own 'little thing' that warms a space up & has some significance to them.
Bryan & I found that candles (specifically fall scented) remind us of Michigan & our childhood homes. My parents always have candles lit around the house, so this was an easy solution for us. We've found when we come home & light a candle our space instantly feels cozier. We are both able to take a breath & relax a bit after a long day. It also creates a warm welcome when we have guests over!
To make things extra cozy there are a few other things we do - keep lots of pillows & blankets around - always have coffee - hang lights in all of the rooms - always have music playing or netflix on in the background!
To make things extra cozy there are a few other things we do - keep lots of pillows & blankets around - always have coffee - hang lights in all of the rooms - always have music playing or netflix on in the background!
Another 'little thing' we like to do is decorate our space with items that are significant to us. For me that is my vintage camera collection, photos, and family items/gifts. I love thrifting & finding unique pieces to decorate our space with! For Bryan that means having his Plymouth, MI book & memories/diploma from Central Michigan University proudly displayed to remind us of home.
Become a Regular / Live Local
It is no surprise that there is a lot to do in Austin. It is often easy to get lost in all of the different activities going on around us, but we have found comfort in our new, favorite 'local' spots. It gives us a sense of home & helps us to truly feel like locals/regulars.
Home extends outside your physical space & it is important to find places you fit in & feel at home at even when you are out and about! For us this is the Muller Farmers Market. We go every Sunday with Scrappy to take him on a walk, meet with local makers, and just get out of the house. There is always live music, amazing food, great people & somewhere to sit & relax!
Visiting this spot weekly has helped us to feel like part of the community around us & has contributed heavily to making Austin feel like home. Bryan & I also made a pact to try a new coffee shop every Sunday. This has helped us explore different parts of Austin we wouldn't have gone to before, plus a good coffee shop & conversation should always make you feel at home!
Find Your People
Lastly, and to me most importantly, find your people! It is nearly impossible to make a place feel like home if you do not have anyone to share it with. After settling in Bryan & I met some amazing people! It was not long before they were coming over for game nights, netflix marathons, or dinner. Sharing the space we worked so hard on with people we love was the final step in calling it HOME!
While it does take time to build genuine relationships it was so much easier to build those after inviting friends into our home & sharing memories there with them.
Had we continued to mingle with friends outside of our apartment they wouldn't have grown to feel like family. Now I know I have people I can call when I just want to sit around, or talk for a while. I don't feel the pressure to need to plan an entire day of activities.
Opening your home to others & being a host/hostess is the final step to making your new place truly feel like home. For us it is no longer just the place we sleep, but where we invite friends, share laughs & make memories! It also feels great knowing friends feel comfortable coming over when they want to get away.
While my advice is rather simple it really does help. I wish you all the best in your new homes throughout life & hope these little tips help you settle in :)
- check out my YouTube Channel (Hailey Polidori) for an apartment tour coming soon!! -
xoxo,
Hailey
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