How to Make Your First Place Feel Like Home, According to Our Editors

02.09.2024 - 16:03 / thespruce.com

Moving out on your own for the first time is a mixture of emotions: excitement about having your own space—whether shared with roommates or not—and naturally, a bit of apprehension.

But one of the best ways to manage those emotions is to make sure your new place is a reflection of you and makes you feel comfortable and at home.

From making sure you're surrounded by decor that reminds you of friends and family, to adding a bit of your favorite paint color, there are plenty of things you can do to make your space feel like home—and our editors are here to share their own experience and best tips to make it easier for you.

«Most apartments get the landlord special, and that includes the cheapest, most commonly available light fixtures, therefore, your light fixtures won't match and your lightbulbs will come in an array of types—think LED, soft white, daylight. I like to tackle this early on in the moving process. I collected all my light bulbs, tested them and replaced all the generic flush mount fixtures for easy keeping. This investment made all the difference, and I made sure to add two additional sources of light in each room via lamps. Ambient lighting is everything—from cold to cozy with the flick of your switch!» —Jamie Abarca, Senior Editorial Project Manager

«There wasn't even an extra inch of space in the living room, a.k.a. my bedroom (there were three of us in a two-bedroom apartment), so I went all-out decorating on the walls. I hung shelves to display travel souvenirs and favorite books, and I made a massive gallery wall above my bed with postcards, polaroids, $5 vintage prints, and collages.» —Jenny Hughes, Associate Editorial Director

«I care about my past just as much as my present, and so I included