We are in the midst of packing to move to our new rental in a few days. This will be our 4th rental since we were married in 2008. At first I couldn’t wait to own our home because then I could REALLY begin decorating and making it a home. I really struggled with just waiting until this past year. I read this book and it really changed my outlook on my home.
I suddenly realized I could begin making my home now, why was I waiting to purchase that item or decorate that wall? I finally realized renting is actually awesome because I can live in a variety of homes and figure out which place I like that picture or where I want that pillow.
So while I am unpacking and decorating our new rental this fall I have a list for you to enjoy your home this fall too!
1. Make your bed
Actually, my husband makes the bed every morning. I had asked him one time to make it and it did a way better job than me that I pleaded for him to please take over. So with a grin on his face, he did. But truly, brighten up your home in less than a minute with this task.
2. 10 minute refresh
Clutter causes stress. Period. I’m not talking about kid messes. Order seems to bring a haven to a room. Set a timer, grab a basket, pick a room and figure out how to bring peace and a homey feel that you enjoy to that room. Remove anything that doesn’t seem to fit.
3. Hang those pictures up
Did you know I have not put a wedding picture up on our walls until this move? It’s sad and embarrassing. I am working on it now. So tell me, what pictures have you been meaning to get up but haven’t? Do it this fall. You need those sentimental pictures in the home to admire and show to others when they come in.
4. Begin a one line a day gratitude journal
Before you drop into bed write down one happy moment from the day. Reflection is important and it will make you think on that before you lay down. Go buy a cute journal, grab a pen or crayon and keep it until Christmas. Then recall all those moments on Christmas Day. Who knows? Maybe it will be a habit and you can continue it on 😉
5. Starting is progress
The Nester just wrote about this and it seemed fitting for making you happier at home. What is one little step forward in a project in your home that you can do today or this week? Those small changes will add up.
6. Be Simple
Ask yourself what makes you feel at home in your friend’s home or parent’s home? Find that and try to do it in your own home. You might find it is something really simple, easy and affordable.
7. Cook something
Fall is the time of year to gather in the kitchen with your family and make some apple pies, cookies, pumpkin pies, etc. Dive in and fill your home with all those amazing aromas.
8. Light a candle & Decorate your front door
Go grab your favorite scent and decorate your front door with the latest festive holiday or season. Trust me, you will love it.
These are my go to lately for making my home a happier place and how I bring that homey-feel to it. So how about you friend?
How do you feel happier at home?
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Love these ideas! It’s so true, all of them are small and simple but make such a difference. And I need to hang up my pictures too!!! Oh my gosh, I’ve been in this house for FOUR YEARS and have yet to hang a picture. How bad is that?
I feel your pain, Jessica!
We moved to this farm 10 years ago. The first 3 years, we didn’t have any photos hung up. It was odd, because we had a ton of photos on our walls in our last home. It felt so much more like “home” once we did that task.
I encourage you to set a date and hang those photos. 🙂