Tidy up living room after long-distance moving overlay

Moving Into an Apartment? Decorating Ideas to Make the Space Useful and Cheerful

Posted in Moving Essentials,Planning the Move on September 5, 2022

If you are moving into an apartment, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of decorating. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some great ideas to make your new space both useful and cheerful.

If you’re moving into a new apartment with the help of cross-country movers, figuring out what you need to rent isn’t the only thing you should worry about. There are also a few decorating ideas to keep in mind to make the space pleasing in every way. However, the options can seem endless. How do you make your home feel like your own? Check out these tips for stylish and functional decorating in any apartment. Whether you’re looking to add some color or just want to make the most of your space, these ideas will help you create a comfortable and stylish home.

Moving Into an Apartment Should Start With Decluttering

When you have an apartment move-in ahead of you, it can be tempting just to pack up everything you own and bring it with you. Or simply contact the first long-distance movers that come to mind, and invest in cross-country moving services without deciding what to keep first. After all, bringing more stuff when you’re moving cross country means you’ll have more home comfort, right? Wrong. In reality, occupying a new place is the perfect opportunity to declutter your belongings, downsize for the move, and start fresh. There are a few reasons why this is a good idea.

It Will Save You Time and Money

Organizing the packing process and taking care of all of your belongings can be a time-consuming and expensive process. By decluttering your possessions before you move, you can save yourself both time and money, especially if you’re paying for packing services. If you manage to sell some of your possessions, it may even save you some money to move, which you can add to the relocation budget.

You’ll Have Less to Unpack and Organize

Settling in a new place is already a lot of work, especially if you’re planning on moving across the country to a new state. Why make it harder on yourself by bringing along more stuff than you need? By decluttering thoroughly, you’ll have fewer things to unpack after you arrive at your new place.

You Can Start Fresh in Your New Home

Relocation to a new home is a fresh start. Why not make the most of it by decluttering your belongings and starting with a clean slate? This way, you can fill your new space with only the things you love and use regularly.

It Will Be Easier to Find Things

If your home is cluttered, it can be hard to find things when you need them. By decluttering before you move, you can make sure that your new place is organized and easy to navigate. That will save you time and frustration in the long run and ensure you have a stress-free move later on.

You’ll Have More Space

One of the biggest benefits of decluttering before you move is that you’ll have more space in your new home, and you won’t have to leave a lot of things in a storage unit. This can be especially beneficial if you’re downsizing to a smaller place. With fewer belongings to worry about, you’ll be able to enjoy your new space to the fullest.

Bring Only the Appropriately Scaled Furniture

If you’re making a new apartment checklist for what to bring, you should keep your visions of huge and comfortable sofas and beds for future residences. Large furniture may not fit in your condo, and too-small or too-large furniture may throw the room’s balance off, making your decorating efforts look shoddy.

Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

Multifunctional furniture is a great way to save space, and it’s one of the ultimate small apartment ideas. There are many pieces of furniture that can serve more than one purpose. A couch can be used as a bed, a table can be used as a desk, and a chair can be used as a step stool. By using multifunctional furniture, you can save a lot of space in your apartment.

Additionally, there are many pieces of furniture on the market designed to be used for storage. A coffee table can be used to store books, a dresser can be used to store clothes, and a nightstand can be used to store a lamp and alarm clock. Finally, another great way to save space is to use furniture that can be folded or stored away when not in use.

Watch the video below in order to get some ideas on which furniture pieces to buy.

There Are a Few Ways You Can Create Storage Space for All of Your Stuff

There are a few questions you should ask yourself while organizing the move. Should you bring a piece of furniture that is cute or one that has a lot of storage space? You should choose the latter. If you need some more creative storage ideas, you should also search for a bed with storage built-in or underneath, where you can place bins, baskets, or boxes that can serve as beautiful accents. Some sofas even have a sort of shelving on the sides for arranging and displaying novels, magazines, toys, trinkets, and more.

Floating Shelves Will Give You More Space

You can use something called floating shelves in order to display a collection of Christmas ornaments you’re proud of or any sentimental items. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra storage space to your home, consider installing rotating shelves. They are a great way to make use of otherwise wasted space, and they can help you keep your home organized and tidy while adding a distinctive aesthetic.

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Take Advantage of Nooks

One great way to take advantage of nooks when decorating is to use them as storage space. By utilizing the empty space in a nook, you can create additional storage for things like clothes, linens, non-perishable food items, or any other kitchen items packed for relocation. This is especially useful in small apartments where space is limited.

Another way to take advantage of nooks is to use them as a place to put plants or other decorations. Nooks that get plenty of natural light are ideal for housing potted plants, and they can really brighten up a space. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider using fake plants instead. They’ll still add some life to your apartment without requiring any upkeep.

Nooks can also be a great place to add some extra seating. If you have a nook that’s large enough, you could add a small couch or chair. This is perfect for reading, relaxing, or even entertaining guests. Just be sure not to overcrowd the space, as this will defeat the purpose of having a nook in the first place.

Finally, nooks can simply be left as is and used as additional space for things like bicycles or other sports equipment. If you have a lot of stuff that you need to store but don’t necessarily want on display, nooks are a great solution. Just be sure to keep the area tidy so that it doesn’t become an eyesore.

You Should Utilize Vertical Spaces Around the Apartment

Making use of vertical space in a small residence is a wise move, especially for the purpose of storing tiny goods that would otherwise clutter up spaces. Vertical space is something often overlooked in small abodes, but there are plenty of ways to utilize it! Get creative and hang things from the ceiling, or put up shelves to store knick-knacks and other items. You can even use tension rods to create a divider between two rooms or add some privacy to your bedroom.

Windows Can Also Be a Good Place for Storing Items

Windows in our homes illuminate our living areas, and thanks to them, small spaces appear larger due to natural light. But they can also consume space in walls that might otherwise be used for storage. Consider installing shelving or racks over windows to keep pots and pans and other dishes accessible, maximizing both lighting and storage space.

Open kitchen cabinet and items
Floating shelves are an excellent solution, even for larger spaces

A Bit of Decoration Can Make an Apartment Feel Like a Home

Decorating doesn’t have to involve anything fancy. Even simple things like hanging pictures or putting out flowers can help give a space some personality. Of course, everyone’s taste is different, so it’s important to choose items that reflect your own style. But with a little effort, it’s easy to turn a bland apartment into a cozy and inviting home. Here are some decorating ideas:

  • One way to add some character to an apartment is with wall art. Hang up paintings, posters, or even photos to give the space a personal touch. Another option is to put shelves on the walls and fill them with knick-knacks, books you’ve packed in your previous home, or other trinkets. This can help create a more homey feel, and it’s also a great way to display some pricey fragile items or other personal things.
  • If you’re allowed to, another way to decorate is by painting the walls. This can be a great way to really make a space your own. Choose colors that reflect your personality and style, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You can always paint over it if you don’t like the results.
  • Another idea that can help you make a new space feel more like home is to add some plants. They can brighten up the living area and make it feel more inviting. Choose low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for, and be sure to put them in pots that compliment your décor. Besides the decorative value, plants are also very good for your health, according to some studies published by Texas A&M AgriLife Research.
  • Finally, don’t forget the little things. Throw blankets and pillows can make a space more comfortable, and candles can add a warm and inviting ambiance. These sorts of details can go a long way in making an apartment feel like a home.

Some Items and Materials Will Make Your Apartment Energy Efficient

Some items and materials that can make your apartment energy efficient are as follows:

  • Double-paned windows help to keep heat in during the winter and cooler air in during the summer. This can help to reduce your overall energy usage and costs.
  • Weather stripping helps to seal off any cracks or gaps around doors and windows. This can also help to reduce your energy usage and costs.
  • Energy-efficient light bulbs use less energy than traditional light bulbs. This can help to save you money on your energy bill each month.
  • A programmable thermostat can help you to better control the temperature in your home. This can help to reduce your energy usage and costs.
  • Adding insulation to your walls, attic, and floors can help to keep heat in during the winter and cooler air in during the summer. This can also help to reduce your energy usage and costs.

By following these simple tips, you can make your apartment more energy efficient and save money each month on your energy bill.

Smartphone in bathroom
Smart homes are also energy efficient, so you can utilize some smart devices to reduce electricity bills in your condo, too

How Much Does It Cost to Move an Apartment Cross Country

When it comes to moving an apartment cross-country, several key factors influence the cost of the move. Firstly, the distance between your current apartment and your new destination is a major determining factor. Longer distances typically result in higher costs due to increased fuel, labor, and time requirements.

Secondly, the size of your apartment and the volume of belongings you’re moving play a significant role. Apartments with more rooms or larger living spaces tend to have more items to move, which can increase the overall cost. The type of furniture and possessions you have, as well as whether you choose to bring all your belongings or downsize, will also affect the cost.

Additionally, the time of year can also influence pricing. Moving during peak seasons or on weekends may result in higher costs due to increased demand for moving services.  To get an accurate estimate of how much it will cost to move your apartment cross-country, it’s best to request a quote and get a clear picture of the total cost and make informed decisions when planning your cross-country move.

Take Your Time, and You Will Easily Make Apartment Feel Like Home

There are many ways to make an apartment feel like home, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. With a little creativity and effort, anyone can turn a rented space into a cozy and inviting abode. Decorating can be a lot of fun. There are a variety of ways to make your place feel like home, and it’s up to you to decide what works best for you.

Some people prefer to keep things minimalist and simple, while others like to decorate every room with their own unique touch. Whichever route you choose, just be sure to have fun with it while using some of the best long-distance moving tips out there.

Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience.

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