10 Tips for Making a New Apartment Feel Like Home

Written by Greystar

Edited by Greystar

For Residents October 6, 2025

Moving into a new apartment is a fresh start, but it can also leave you feeling a little unsettled. Even after the boxes are unpacked and the utilities are set up, it can take time before your space feels truly like home. Fortunately, there are several easy ways you can speed up the transition and create a living space that’s warm, welcoming, and unmistakably yours.

These 10 tips are here to help you settle in, personalize your space, and feel at home faster.

1. Start with the Familiar

Nothing helps you feel grounded like being surrounded by familiar sights and objects. As you unpack, prioritize the personal items that hold value: your favorite blanket, framed photos, the mug you always reach for, or the same scented candle you burned in your last place. These small touches offer comfort and continuity.

2. Personalize Your Decor

Blank walls and neutral tones are the perfect space for personal touches! If permitted in your lease, use renter-friendly tools like removable wallpaper, adhesive hanging strips, or washi tape frames to make the space feel uniquely yours. You can also hang framed photos or artwork to help bring your space to life.

Here are a few other ideas to get you started:

Incorporate your favorite colors through pillows, rugs, or art.
Mix sentimental items with new finds to blend the past and present.
Add some plants to fill your home with life.

Beautiful Muscari flowers and shelf with books on table near window in room

3. Layer in Soft Lighting

Overhead lighting often feels too harsh, especially at night. Warm, layered lighting instantly makes a space feel cozy and lived in.

Use a mix of table lamps, floor lamps, and string lights, and swap out bulbs for warm-toned, soft-glow LED options. You can even add a dimmable plug-in switch to control ambiance without wiring.

Lighting not only affects mood but helps create zones within your home—from reading corners to workspaces.

4. Establish Your Daily Routine

One of the fastest ways to feel settled is by reintroducing structure and rhythm. Even simple habits like making coffee in the same mug each morning or winding down with a book before bed can anchor your day. Some tips include:

Designating a “coffee corner” or breakfast nook.
Keep morning and evening routines consistent.
Replicate rituals from your previous home to reestablish comfort.

Exciting book. Pleasant morning for a pensioner with a book and her loving husband with a newspaper

5. Create Comfort Zones

A home that supports multiple moods and activities feels more complete. Even in a small apartment, you can set up distinct “zones” for different parts of your life.

Zone	Include
Reading Nook	Cozy chair, small side table, blanket, soft lighting
Work Station	Desk or table, noise-canceling headphones, good lighting
Wellness Corner	Yoga mat, mirror, calming scents, a few plants
Sleep Sanctuary	Blackout curtains, breathable sheets, relaxing audio device

These zones don’t require separate rooms — just a little intentionality with layout and function.

Slim young woman doing yoga at home. Stool assisted warrior asana. In a living room. She is wearing pink pants. Looking at the ceiling.

6. Use Scent and Sound to Your Advantage

Our brains link scent and sound closely with emotion. Bring comforting sensory cues into your space to help it feel instantly more like home:

Use the same laundry detergent, dish soap, or candles from your previous home.
Build a “home” playlist for while you unpack or clean.
Add ambient noise like a fan, white noise machine, or soft music.
Use scent diffusers, with zero open flames or smoke, to add calm or energy to your space.

7. Stay Organized from the Start

A clutter-free space is not only easier to navigate, but it also helps you feel more in control. Take time to organize as you unpack rather than stuffing items into drawers to “figure it out later." Even small apartments can feel spacious with thoughtful organization. Some pro tips include:

Using labeled bins, baskets, and drawer dividers to simplify storage.
Creating a "drop zone" near the door for keys, bags, and shoes.
Keeping surfaces clear in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom.

8. Connect With the Community

Feeling at home isn’t just about what’s inside your apartment, it’s also about feeling connected to your building and neighborhood. Say hello to neighbors in the hallway or elevator and check out your apartment amenities like the lounge, pool, or gym. You can also explore the area to find your favorite coffee shop, park, or grocery store.

Check if your property offers resident events, volunteer opportunities, or online forums to help you meet others.

9. Add Touches of Nature

Bringing a bit of the outdoors inside can help reduce stress and enhance mood, both of which contribute to a deeper sense of “home.” You should consider:

Adding low-maintenance houseplants like pothos, snake plants, or succulents.
Using natural textures like jute, rattan, or wood in your decor.
Keeping fresh flowers in the kitchen or bathroom to liven up the space.

If you have a patio or balcony, set up a small garden or cozy seating area to enjoy fresh air year-round.

10. Give Yourself Time

It’s okay if your apartment doesn’t feel perfect on day one. Feeling truly at home is a process. Give yourself time to get to know your space, build new routines, and let the energy of the apartment evolve naturally. Be sure to:

Leave some blank spaces for future inspiration.
Be patient with finding the right furniture or layout.
Celebrate small wins like hanging your first piece of art or cooking your first meal.

Move-In Essentials Checklist: What You’ll Want for a Cozy, Functional Apartment

Make your apartment feel like home with these must-haves. Each category includes items that are affordable, renter-friendly, and easy to personalize based on your style and space.

Category	Must-Have Items	Why It Helps
Lighting	- Floor lamp or table lamp - Warm-toned LED bulbs - Clip-on or plug-in sconces	Adds layered lighting, softens harsh overhead lights, and creates cozy ambiance
Comfort	- Throw pillows and blanket - Plush or woven area rug - Slippers or soft robe	Enhances coziness and warmth in key relaxation zones like the living room or bedroom
Decor	- Framed personal photos or art - Wall-safe adhesive hanging strips or hooks - Candles or string lights - Low-maintenance plants	Brings personality and familiarity to your space without damaging walls or surfaces
Storage	- Woven or plastic bins for closets or shelves - Floating shelves (if allowed) - Drawer organizers and dividers - Over-the-door hooks	Helps keep everything tidy and accessible, especially in small spaces with limited built-in storage
Sensory Touches	- Essential oil diffuser or scented candles - Favorite laundry detergent or dish soap - Bluetooth speaker or sound machine - Cozy textiles (curtains, bedspread)	Engages your senses to create a comforting atmosphere that feels familiar and relaxing
Renter Must-Haves	- Tool kit or multi-tool - Step stool - Cleaning supplies starter set - Extension cords and power strips	Covers the basics for move-in day, quick fixes, and getting settled efficiently

Find Your Future Home With Greystar

Settling into a new apartment doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right touches, routines, and a little creativity, you'll feel at home in no time. Whether you’re moving across town or starting fresh in a new city, your apartment should feel comforting, functional, and uniquely personal.

If you’re still searching for a space to make your own, browse Greystar apartments designed to support your lifestyle from day one.

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