9 Simple Steps to Make Your New Apartment Feel Like Home

That first night in a new apartment can feel more temporary than you expected, even when you picked the unit yourself. The boxes are stacked in the living room, the walls are blank, and the place doesn’t feel like yours yet. The good news is that a few small changes can shift the feeling quickly. Whether you’re unpacking a one-bedroom in Chicago, IL, moving into a high-rise unit in Atlanta, GA, or settling into a rental near the park in Denver, CO, the processes look similar. Start with a few practical tasks, then build toward the details that reflect your taste. Here are the simple steps to make your new apartment feel like home in an order that works for most renters. 1. Do a walkthrough before you unpack You’ve probably already done your apartment walkthrough before signing the lease, but before furniture goes in, it’s helpful to walk through every room and note the apartment’s condition as you’re moving in. Take dated photos of anything that looks worn, damaged, or unfinished, such as scuffed walls, stained carpet, or a cracked tile. Many leases include a move-in checklist, so check whether yours does and whether there is a deadline to submit it. This step also helps you feel m...