5 Ways to Make your New House a Home for Less

Getting settled into a new home involves making it look like your own and there are a few simple cost-effective solutions to help speed up the process.

So you’re moving into your new place, but it doesn’t feel like home yet. If it’s feeling sterile and cold, or your old furniture just looks out of place, there are financial solutions that can help fund a little styling flair to create your new home.

Here are five low-cost ideas to turn a house into a home, quickly.

1. Declutter and assess before the move

When you’re moving house, furniture and decor doesn’t always transition well. If you’ve downsized, bulky furniture will make the space feel small while not decorating with enough pieces in a larger home can make it feel cavernous.

Sell, donate or repurpose the items that no longer work. Make a wish list of what’s going to fit the dimensions and vibe of your new place and shop around.

Interior stylist, Alison Avery says decluttering before you move is always worth the effort.

“Your future self will thank you! Less to move equals a faster and cheaper removal,” she said.

2. Set a budget and stick to it

Most movers budget up to $5000 for home-related purchases, and those items can add up fast. Selling and repurposing old items can help, and Interest Free products can reduce the overwhelm by giving you more time to pay, which means you’ll be enjoying your new home sooner.

With products like the Latitude GO Mastercard® credit card, you can shop in places like Harvey Norman®, Domayne® and Joyce Mayne® and enjoy your furniture and decor now, with six months Interest Free on everyday purchases of $250 of more, selected in the Latitude app within 30 days. Or partner with any one of Harvey Norman’s hundreds of retailers and get up to 60 months Interest Free*.

3. Measure and order items as soon as possible

If you know you’ll need new furniture, plan ahead. Consider that some items can take many weeks to arrive, especially with pandemic delays.

Alison advises taking a tape measure to house inspections. Know the measurements of key furniture items such as your sofa and dining table and check in advance whether they’re going to fit.

“If cashflow is tight at the time of your removal, consider options such as Interest Free payment solutions so you can manage your finances and still enjoy the appliances or furniture that you need to live comfortably in your new home,” Ms Avery suggested.

4. Style your home

There’s no faster way to stamp your style on a property than by hanging your art and personal photos. Inexpensive prints are available from department stores or make your own if you’re creatively inclined. Ms Avery also advised hanging curtains.

“Even if you go with budget ones, soft furnishings add texture and homeliness to any room, and they also help maintain more comfortable temperatures in the room.”

5. Create a sense of ‘hygge’

The Danish concept of ‘hygge’ or cosiness can increase your mood and sense of wellbeing at home. Indoor plants, candles and piles of books add character and warmth.

Lamps, rather than overhead lights, cast a warm glow over the room, and even some strategically placed fairy lights can add a touch of magic. These items aren’t necessarily expensive but add that ‘home’ feel straight away.

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