Step 1: Assess Your Furniture

Before you start planning for your next move, take the time to evaluate your furniture and decide what’s worth bringing into your new space.

Take Inventory: Make a list of all your furniture, noting its condition, size, and functionality.
Ask Key Questions: Does this piece suit the layout and style of the new house or when you don’t know where you are moving into yet, what is the offering of rentals in the new location? Is it meaningful, practical, or adaptable?
Refresh and Repurpose: Consider reupholstering a chair, repainting a cabinet, or refinishing a table to better suit your new environment.
Let Go of the Rest: Sell, donate, or recycle items that no longer serve your needs or align with your vision.

Pro Tip: Measure your furniture and the dimensions of your new space to ensure everything fits before moving day.

Step 2: Define Your Style and Goals

A new home is a fresh start, so take this opportunity to refine your style and create a cohesive vision for your space.

Reflect on the Past: What worked well in your previous home? What didn’t?
Set the Mood: Decide how you want your new home to feel—cozy and inviting, sleek and modern, or perhaps an eclectic blend of styles.
Blend Old and New: Think about how your existing pieces can work with new items to achieve your vision.
Gather Inspiration: Use Pinterest, Instagram, or magazines to create a mood board that captures your dream space.

Pro Tip: Define three to five style words (e.g., minimal, rustic, vibrant) to guide your design choices.

Step 3: Identify What Makes Your House a Home

This step is the heart of creating a space that feels personal, familiar, and uniquely yours. For me personally a few things are really important to make it feel like ours. My space needs to be light, we lived in a dark house once and it didn’t work for us at all. We have a French style massive buffet cupboard, that for me needs to be able to be a centre piece of the house. Its glass doors make it that I can display my Delft blue porcelain as well as the pretty asian pieces we picked up during the years. It makes me happy to see especially the Delft blue ones as they remind me of the Netherlands. I have a very good friend who has a wall with photographs and framed newspaper articles of their interesting family history that make it home for them. It remind them of the journey they and their family has made. Which I found so inspiring.

Sentimental Pieces: Incorporate items that hold meaning—heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or cherished gifts.
Comforting Details: Think about what brings you joy and comfort daily, such as a cozy throw, a favorite chair, or a specific scent.
Memories on Display: Use family photos, art, or handmade crafts to tell your story and make your space feel personal.
Daily Routines: Arrange your space to support your lifestyle. Create a cozy reading nook, a welcoming dining area for family meals, or a bright corner for your morning coffee.

Pro Tip: The small, meaningful details are what make a house feel like home—prioritize them during your move.

Step 4: Measure, Plan, and Play

When you figure out where you are moving to, its time to figure out how your furniture and decor will fit into the new space.

Measure Everything: Get the dimensions of each room and compare them with your furniture. Consider the location of windows, doors, and built-ins.
Plan Layouts: Sketch rough floor plans or use online tools to experiment with furniture arrangements.
Identify Gaps: Do you need extra storage, a new rug, or updated lighting? Make a list of any missing items.
Repurpose Creatively: Think outside the box—can an old cabinet become a bar cart? Could a side table work as a nightstand? And there is nothing that a fresh layer of paint can’t fix.

Pro Tip: Be flexible. The layout that works on paper might need adjustments once you’re in the space.

Step 5: Create a Floor Plan and Sample Board

This is where your vision comes together to create a cohesive and intentional design.

Draft a Floor Plan: Finalize where each piece of furniture will go and share it with movers to streamline the setup.
Build a Mood Board: Combine photos of your furniture, paint samples and rug samples with inspiration images to guide your design.
Layer in Finishing Touches: Add rugs, cushions, plants, and accessories to bring your space to life.
Refine Your Vision: Adjust your layout and decor as you settle into the space.

Pro Tip: Your mood board is your anchor—it helps you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.

Conclusion: Familiar Yet Fresh

Moving is more than a physical journey; it’s a chance to reimagine your space and rediscover what makes a house a home. By focusing on personal touches, thoughtful planning, and intentional design, you can create a space that feels familiar and fresh all at once.

Whether you’re moving across countries or just to a new neighborhood, these five steps will help you settle in, stress less, and turn your house into a home that feels uniquely yours.

Ready to start your journey? Let’s make your house a home—together.

5 Steps to Ensure Your Home Feels Like Home When You’re Moving as an Expat

Moving house isn’t just about finding a new place to live—it’s about creating a space that truly feels like home. As an expat, this can be even more challenging. A new house often comes with unfamiliar layouts, unique challenges, and a different personality.

Here’s my tried-and-true 5-step method to help you reimagine your space, turn challenges into opportunities, and ensure your new house feels like home—no matter where you are in the world.