How To Feel Right At Home When Away

Have you packed your teddy? 8 Simple ways to make yourself at home and avoid homesickness.

It’s a new year and you’re either about to move into a new place or you may already be getting used to your new home. Not only is it a chance to meet new people and enjoy your independence, it’s also a great opportunity to get creative and really make your room your own.

Here are a few top tips to help you make yourself at home this term.

1. Personalise your space

This is the fun bit. It’s never been easier to create the finishing touches that will make a room yours. There is so much choice these days and you don’t have to spend a fortune. Many leading retail stores, such as Kmart, Ikea and Target now offer a great range of home essentials at really affordable prices.

2. Add a splash of colour

One of the most effective ways to add an injection of colour is to purchase a rug. You can pick them up pretty cheaply, or even hunt a bargain in a charity shop. New bed linen and a few scatter cushions are also simple and affordable ways to bring colour to your room.

3. Lighting

Fairy lights cost just a few dollars, yet can totally transform the mood of your room. You can also use them as a cute way to hang photos; all you need is a few pegs, clips or stick tape. Whilst we certainly wouldn’t recommend lighting real candles in your room (you can’t be too careful with naked flames), you can now create a similar effect with battery-powered versions that look just like the real thing.

4. Flower power

Flowers and plants are a lovely, simple way to bring life and colour to your room. If you’re not feeling particularly green-fingered, opt for a cactus, which requires virtually zero care. Plus, there’s now a great range of ultra-realistic artificial flowers that offer year-round colour and no maintenance whatsoever!

5. Remind yourself of home

It’s never easy leaving home, but you can always take a part of it with you. Framed photos of your family, friends and even pets not only add colour and warmth, they’re a constant reminder of the things that matter most.

6. More sentimental stuff

We’re not joking about the teddy. It can be really comforting to bring with you mementos of your childhood – like your school jersey, special mug or favourite teddy bear.

7. Don’t forget your toothbrush

Adding splashes of design with lights and cushions may be fun, but you’ve also got to put your practical head on when moving into somewhere new. So don’t forget essentials such as dishcloths, toothbrush holders, soap dispensers and hand towels.

8. Your Shop

Unless you happen to own a removal van, there’s only so much stuff you’ll want to take with you. If you don’t have your own crockery, bed linen or towel sets, Your Shop has got you covered. It’s UniLodge’s very own online store, where you’ll find all your home essentials in one place.

So there are our tips to get you started. But search online and you’ll find many more. And just remember: it’s often the people that make a place feel like home. So be sure to share your space with the people that matter most.