Moving is more than just throwing your stuff in boxes and sending them to a new address. It’s like an emotional rollercoaster. You’re leaving behind familiar faces, your favorite local spots, and the warm comfort of a space you’ve called your own. So even if you’ve unpacked that last box in your new place, it might not even feel like your own home.

But the good news is that you have the power to flip that feeling. The secret? Make the new space your own and really make it reflect you, your needs and your lifestyle. Home improvement following a move doesn’t always require costly makeovers. Sometimes it’s the little changes that  aid the process.

Here are some easy-to-follow ideas for helping make your new house feel very much like your own.

Don’t Cut Costs on Long-Distance Movers 

If you’re moving across the country, hire a reputable national moving company.

Even if you’re just moving over state lines or into a different city, trusty movers will make a world of difference. Movers aren’t one-size-fits-all, so make your choices carefully.

Look for movers who:

• Are licensed and insured to work.
• Have plenty of good reviews from customers.
• Have peace of mind knowing that there is an on-demand moving company that has the ability to move and deliver any specialty items such as fine art pieces, electronics, and heavy furniture.

Professionals such as Coleman Allied long distance movers are known for taking special care of belongings. And trust us, it’s worth the peace of mind. You definitely don’t want to spend your first night at the new place grieving over a broken heirloom or an expensive appliance.

Re-envision Your Space

It is so tempting to arrange your furniture exactly as you did in your old home. But don’t. Every house has a unique layout, lighting, feel and colors, so why not just play around and see what works now?

Some things to consider:

• Notice how light flows through each room.
• Locate corners that are the coziest or the most open.
• Play with the furniture arrangements before you settle on one.

Perhaps your old couch blocked a window or felt cramped. In your new home, you can expand to better flow. Make designated areas— be that a peaceful reading nook, a productive work corner or a space for the family to come together and hang out.

Focus on Home Improvements That Matter Most

Everything feels urgent when you first move in. Trust us, it’s not. Some of them will make a difference, some of them won’t — so focus on the ones that will have the biggest impact on your comfort.

Here’s what to prioritize:

• Lighting: Even the most beautiful room can feel cold and unwelcoming if the lighting is harsh. Trade out harsh overheads for softer bulbs or add another lamp to warm the room up.
• Window treatments: Curtains and shades are useful for privacy and light control.
• Safety checks: Test smoke alarms, replace locks and update any worn-out fixtures.

It’s remarkable how a few small adjustments can make your space feel safe, welcoming and very much like home.

Get Smart About Storage

You likely decluttered before you moved and now is the time to sort through what you brought with you.

To keep your new place neat:

• Organize closets
• Add under-bed storage bins
• Don’t let boxes loiter (the longer they chill, the harder they are to overcome!)

A space clear of clutter instantly feels calming and more inviting. (And let’s face it, few of us like looking at half-unpacked boxes for weeks.)

Use Paint to Set the Mood

Paint is probably the easiest, least expensive way to totally transform a room. The perfect color can entirely change the feeling of a space.

• Do you like your bedroom to feel serene? Opt for soft neutrals or calming blues.
• Trying to lighten up your kitchen’s vibe? Try a warm yellow paint color.

If you’re feeling adventurous, accent walls can lend a touch of personality without overwhelming the space. And the best part is that if you don’t like it, you can easily change it later.

Inject Character with Decor That Speaks to You

Don’t hurry to cover every wall and surface; instead, find items that have meaning and feel like you.

Consider:

• Hanging family photos
• Displaying travel souvenirs
• Framing artwork you love

Moreover, add textures with soft throw blankets, comfy cushions and cozy rugs. These are the sorts of touches that not only make your home looking good, but also feel lived-in and well-cherished. And eventually, they’ll become a part of the new memories you’re making in this home.

Plan for Long-Term Improvement 

You don’t have to do it all at once. Once you have the basics set and you’ve gotten a little more comfortable, start dreaming up some bigger changes.

Create a wish list for home renovations. This can include:

• Remodeling the bathroom or kitchen
• Building a deck or patio
• Installing new flooring 

Rank your projects in terms of how much time, money and effort they’ll take. Going slowly can help you reassess what really will enhance your lifestyle and fit your budget.

Moving and nesting in somewhere new is a process. It doesn’t come overnight and that’s absolutely fine. You don’t have to have the perfect game plan in week one — or in month one.

So just breathe, take it step by step and enjoy. You’ll know you have “arrived” when your new home feels like an extension of who you are and enables you to live the life you want to live.