The thought of moving into a new home is always full of promise. There’s excitement in unlocking the door for the first time, picturing what each room will look like, and imagining the memories you’ll no doubt make. But while many people see the most stressful part of moving as packing and transporting their possessions, there is also a quiet reality that many ignore. A need to renovate the space to make it more suitable for their style of living.
Despite what they say on TV, homes aren’t always move-in ready. Instead, there are usually quite a few jobs you need to do to fix up the property before it really starts to feel like “home”. The good news is that they don’t need to be major refurbishments. Instead, you can achieve it through a few thoughtful, easy home improvements. Some of which you can finish in a weekend.
Why is it Important to do Small Home Projects Immediately After Moving In?
Often, after you move home, your energy levels dip. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, because it’s usually a result of the mental energy you have expended making dozens of decisions to coordinate the move.
While the idea of tackling big projects can feel like too much immediately after you have moved in, you should take the time to perform simple DIY home projects. Doing this will help you make your spaces more livable and functional, according to your tastes. Many people find it helpful to lean on resources like the Muval moving house guide when tackling the post-move phase. Doing small projects can give your home personality, soul, and warmth, and more importantly, make it feel like yours.
What Easy Home Improvements Can Make an Instant Difference?
When you’re settling into a new property, you’ll no doubt want any improvements or upgrades you make to have an immediate impact on how your home looks and feels.
Here are some easy home improvement ideas that are achievable, affordable, and worth doing right away.
1. Refresh Walls With Paint
One of the easiest improvements you can make to a home is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Doing this can breathe new life into walls that were otherwise drab or dreary, instantly lifting their mood.
In terms of colours, soft neutrals, muted greens, and warm whites tend to bring an immediate sense of vitality to any space. They also make them more versatile, which means you can change their primary function as you see fit.
2. Update Lighting
Having good lighting is crucial for any room because it impacts everything from how it performs and the mood it creates to your overall health and its aesthetics.
Just by replacing your lighting with something new and more modern, you can make your spaces more usable, comfortable, and beautiful. Crucially, you will also improve your visibility, thereby increasing your safety. At the same time, it also reduces eye strain, helps to regulate your sleep, and can even make a small room feel larger.
3. Swap Hardware and Fixtures
Cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and door hardware might be small details. But they can give your new home the impression of being tired and dated.
It might take you a bit of time to replace them all. So, it is a good idea to do this on a room-by-room basis, starting with the ones you use the most. Typically, this might be the kitchen, bathroom, and master bedroom.
4. Create a Feature Wall
A single wall can anchor a room’s aesthetic by giving it serious personality and a strong focal point. For this reason, consider painting an arch or feature wall to give your space a “wow” factor.
Alternatively, create a nook by styling a corner with shelves and artwork. This will add personality without dominating the space.
5. Add Extra Shelving
If you have personal items you want to display, or if your property lacks storage, it is a good idea to install floating shelves.
By doing this, you will be able to showcase your favourite books, sports trophies or academic awards, cherished photographs, and other knick-knacks. Alternatively, you can keep things you use but don’t regularly use. This includes kitchen and bathroom items, as well as other items, such as winter blankets for the living room.
6. Upgrade Soft Furnishings
Cushions, throws, rugs, and curtains can all affect a room’s impression. It is amazing the difference that can be made by the simple act of swapping textiles. For instance, it can make a space appear cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter.
When doing this, you don’t have to over-stretch your finances by purchasing something brand new. Instead, you can often find plenty of suitable pieces at thrift or second-hand furniture stores. Even buying indoor plants from garden centers can make a real difference. They even have some mental health benefits, such as reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mood and focus.
FAQs
Early projects help personalize the space quickly and prevent small issues from being ignored long-term.
Painting walls is often the fastest and most affordable way to transform a room.
Most of these upgrades are DIY-friendly and can be completed without professional contractors.
Lighting should be addressed early, as it affects comfort, safety, and how rooms feel day to day.
Yes, small projects improve livability now and don’t interfere with larger future renovations.
Focus on high-use areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom for the biggest immediate impact.
Floating shelves and simple organizers add storage without altering the home’s structure.
Yes, textiles like rugs, cushions, and curtains can dramatically shift a room’s mood and comfort.
Absolutely—thrifted items, paint, and hardware swaps deliver strong results at low cost.
Many can be completed in a single weekend, even while you’re still unpacking.
