7 Ways to Make Your Senior Apartment Feel Like Home

Creating a cozy senior apartment: tips for making your new space feel like home

Senior woman watering her cactus and succulents

Moving into a new space gives you the opportunity to design an environment you love. Recreate a familiar ambience or use this transition to create a new idea of home. The possibilities are endless. These ideas can help you get started.

#1 Arrange your space like home

Even if your new home is smaller than what you’re used to, you can still mirror the layout so it feels familiar. Bring your favorite pieces of furniture and arrange them in your new apartment like they were before. For example, place your nightstand on the same side of the bed, or situate the couch and chair as they previously were. You can do this with décor as well, displaying artwork in similar ways.

#2 Mix the old with the new

Having the same furniture and decorations will bring a homey feeling, but it’s also fun to pepper in some new items. Use your move as an excuse to play the role of interior decorator, updating décor or adding in a few new items.

Outfitting your new apartment with sentimental items, beloved artwork and comfy furniture will help make it feel familiar. New pieces like wall hangings, a plush comforter or a modern coffee table can add sparkle to this new chapter in your life.

#3 Have fun with photos

Photos of family and friends are a great way to make your new home feel welcoming. If you already have framed photos, be sure to include them, or go through old photo books and frame new selections. Create a photo collage or purchase a digital photo frame to rotate through hundreds of photos automatically. Drop a hint to your kids or grandkids that this would make a perfect housewarming gift.

#4 Think green

Houseplants add color and vibrancy to your space. They’re also good for your health. Studies show that houseplants help purify the air, boost your mood, lower blood pressure and anxiety, and give a sense of accomplishment when tending to them. Purchase plants or pot some of your own for a fun project.

#5 Give yourself a housewarming gift

Even positive changes can be stressful, and moving likely isn’t at the top of your list of things you love to do. Reward yourself for making this transition with a purchase that brings you joy. Whether it’s a piece of new furniture or décor, a nice bottle of wine or decadent chocolate, be kind to yourself with a special indulgence. You deserve it.

#6 Create a gratitude board

According to research, showing and expressing gratitude contributes to better health and mood, resilience, and more fulfilling relationships.

Buy a whiteboard and create something unique. Put your gratitude board in a place where you’ll see it frequently. Every day, add something positive that came with this move. For instance, maybe you have more time to focus on hobbies since daily details like cooking, cleaning and maintenance are taken care of. Perhaps you’re experiencing more peace of mind living in a safe, supportive community where neighbors and staff are always nearby. It doesn’t have to be huge. Gratitude can be as small as feeling thankful for the view of the flower garden outside your window.

#7 Connect with others

What really makes a house feel like home is an array of experiences and memories with others.

At Holiday by Atria, our residents love meeting new people. Most say their neighbors become like family. Your neighbors are great people to count on for a laugh, or to lend a hand when you need one. When you see someone, say hello or introduce yourself.

Check your community’s event calendar for fun ways to make friends. Join a walking club or take part in fitness classes. Play games. Join group outings.

Make sure to reach out to those residents who’ve volunteered to help new neighbors like you feel at home. They’re available to help and introduce you to other residents, make you feel welcome during mealtimes, and show you around the community. They can answer your questions, and they’re always up for a chat.

Let us help you plan your move

We’re here to make your move as smooth as possible. Holiday employees can provide checklists, floor plans and other helpful things. We can connect you with a moving company that will coordinate your entire transition, pack and move your items, and unpack them in your new apartment.

This is a big change, but it’s also an exciting one. We’ll help you see that and embrace it. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a supportive community of friends that feel like family. Contact us with any questions.

Learn more about Holiday by Atria. Find a location near you and schedule a tour today.

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