Settling into a new home can be stressful. Adjusting to an unfamiliar house is especially difficult for children, but the transition can be just as uneasy for adults too. If you’ve only moved a suburb or two, you might find yourself taking a left turn to your old house instead of a right turn to your new one. If you’ve relocated to a new city, getting comfortable with the neighbourhood won’t happen instantly.

It can take a long time to mentally transition from being a guest to being at home. Here are a few tips to help you speed up the process and take a shortcut through the homesickness.

Don’t Delay the Unpacking

Yeah, we know – unpacking all those boxes is a daunting task! But the energy it takes is well worth it if you’re struggling to settle in. Having your familiar homeware, furniture, decorations and other items set up will make the new environment feel less alien… so stop putting it off!

Some Light Renovations

Do you keep thinking about your favourite feature wall from your old home? Or does your new ensuite’s look pale in comparison to your previous bathroom’s style? A quick renovation project could transform the décor of the house and make it more similar to what your family is accustomed to. For example, if your new place has unfamiliar flooring, you could always have it removed and replaced with something more familiar. This is an especially good idea if you have pets or very young children, as they will have the most trouble adjusting to new surfaces.

Play the Host

Inviting guests over for coffee or a dinner party could be an excellent way to rewire your brain to view the house as yours. Plus, seeing the faces of friends who frequented your old house will make it feel more like home. A housewarming party is a great place to start – if you haven’t had one already!

Few people can instantly adjust to living somewhere new, so don’t panic if you feel out of place for a while. With patience and these tips up your sleeve, you’ll be feeling at home in no time.