When you move into an apartment after living in a house, the smaller space often feels like you're not really home. And no matter how short or long you plan to live in this space, your apartment should feel like more than just a place to hang your hat.
So, how can you make your new apartment feel more like a home? Here are five simple ways.
1. Clean It Up
Step one is to clean your new place top to bottom. This step is important whether or not you're a neatfreak. A clean space gives you a chance to really get to know your new apartment with all its nooks and crannies - and you might even find a few fun surprises. And cleaning reduces the feeling that you're living in someone else's environment. You'll get a clean start with a clean apartment.
2. Add Removable Decorations
You can take plenty of decorative steps without violating your lease agreement. First, find out exactly how much you're allowed to change the apartment, including painting walls or changing flooring. Once you have your parameters, look for steps you can take within those limits.
Change window treatments and cabinet hardware, then store the original ones. Add large throw rugs on top of existing flooring. Buy a few plants to liven things up. And be sure to include several lighting options for any mood.
Boring walls are a common apartment complaint, but you can easily brighten up yours. Removable wall stickers, for example, are an easy way to add personality to any space. Hang up your favorite quote, your parents' sage advice, or simply a phrase that makes you smile.
3. Organize Your Stuff
Get your stuff out of boxes and recycle the cartons as soon as possible. But you don't want a huge pile of belongings weighing you down, either. The answer is to create homes for all your things so they look and feel like they also belong here.
Apartments are often short on storage, so plan to get your own multi-use furnishings. Bookshelves, for instance, give you a chance to store items and display decorative objects. Furniture with hidden storage, such as benches or ottomans, can also be a big help. And take advantage of organizational systems to get more out of small storage spaces.
4. Include Sentimental Items
You don't have to fill your apartment with knick-knacks and family heirlooms to make it feel homey. But a few touches of your history will instantly make things feel cozier.
Choose items that have a big impact on your mood rather than a lot of mediocre additions. What works for you is entirely personal - it could be anything from your favorite books on a shelf or your kids' school drawings on the refrigerator to the video game system you played with your siblings.
5. Get Outside
The last step is to explore your apartment. Familiarize yourself with the amenities in your complex, including walking trails, bike paths, common outdoor grilling or entertainment spaces, and gym equipment. Meet a few of your neighbors, even just to chat a little while taking out the garbage. Learn some of your neighbors' pets' names. Or try joining a weekly activity in the common area.
Then get beyond your complex itself. Walk or drive around the neighborhood to learn what restaurants are in the area or where the parks and the library are. Join a local interest group. Try out new coffee shops until you find a favorite. The point is to simply engage positively with the people and shops around you until you feel like it's your neighborhood.
Take the first step toward finding a new place to call home by visiting the luxurious and welcoming properties throughout Louisville available fromMontgomery Realtors today. With a wide variety of options and locations, you're sure to find something to fall in love with.
