Moving into a rental or short-let? Here’s how to make it feel like home…fast.
Whether you’re relocating for work, study, travel, or a fresh start with the love of your life like me, settling into a new and temporary space can feel strange. You’re grateful for a roof over your head, but something’s missing. Your rental may be short-term, but your peace and comfort don’t have to be. So here are 7 simple tips to make your short-let feel like home.
From short-let apartments to corporate housing, these renter-friendly decorating tips will help transform your space, emotionally and practically, into a home that feels uniquely you.
Why Making a Short-let Feel Like Home Matters
Your surroundings influence your mental and emotional health. Studies show that cozy, personalized spaces reduce stress, boost mood, and help you feel grounded—even if you’re far from everything familiar. So even if it’s not your permanent space, it is worth it to make it yours.
Whether you’re staying a few weeks or a few years, these simple adjustments can bring comfort, calm, and joy.
7 Renter-Friendly Ways to Create a Cozy, Personal Space
1. Bring Familiar Scents & Sounds
Your senses are the fastest way to trigger feelings of home. Creating a sensory atmosphere that reflects your identity and comfort zone is one of the quickest ways to feel grounded in your temporary space. Your environment doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel like you.
- Fill your space with your favorite scented candles or essential oils (lavender for calm, citrus for energy)
- Use a portable speaker to play your favorite worship music or ambient sounds
- Bring a diffuser or scented sachets for hotel rooms or dorms
My Favorites: My favorite scents are Vanilla, Lavender or Citrus!
2. Add Personal Touches (No Damage Required!)
Personal items tell your story—and instantly cozy up your space. They’re more than just decorations; they’re tiny pieces of your identity that bring emotional warmth into even the plainest room. Even in a rental where you can’t paint walls or hang shelves, you can still create a visual atmosphere that reflects your heart and story.
- Personal photos in lightweight frames or taped to the wall with washi tape (yes, you can still print your photos!)
- A favorite blanket, pillow, or mug from home
Budget Hack: Use removable adhesive hooks for decor without damaging the walls.
3. Create a “Comfort Corner” for Daily Unwinding
Even in a small rental, carve out a calming spot just for you. Having a dedicated area for winding down helps train your mind to shift gears. Over time, simply entering this space can trigger a sense of calm and familiarity. Here are a few renter-friendly ideas to create your comfort corner:
- A cozy chair with a side table for morning coffee
- A bean bag with soft lighting for quiet reading
- A floor cushion in a quiet nook for prayer or meditation
Why It Works: Your brain begins to associate this zone with rest and reflection.
4. Add Life with Plants (Real or Faux!)
Greenery makes any space feel fresh, lived-in, and vibrant. There’s something about plants—real or faux—that instantly softens a room and breathes life into it. Even a single potted plant on a windowsill or nightstand can transform a sterile rental into a more inviting, nurturing space
- Snake plants or succulents for low-maintenance care
- Pothos or philodendrons for renters with natural light
- Fresh flowers in a mason jar = instant mood booster
No green thumb? Try realistic fake plants—they brighten up a room just the same.
5. Soften the Lighting
Good lighting doesn’t just illuminate a room, it sets the mood, creates warmth, and makes your space feel intentional and lived in. Soften the mood with:
- Table lamps or warm-toned LED bulbs (2700K–3000K)
- Fairy lights or flameless candles
- Natural light from open windows during the day
Pro Tip: Warm lighting feels more like home than sterile, bright white lights.
6. Cook a Meal That Smells Like Home
Nothing says “home” like the aroma of a familiar dish.
- Cook a comforting meal from your culture
- Brew your favorite tea or coffee the way you like it
- Pick up a snack or treat that brings back memories
No kitchen? Visit a local market for fresh foods that connect you to home.
7. Invite Someone In
People bring life into a space—faster than furniture ever could. When there’s laughter, conversation, and connection in the air, your space will finally feel like a home.
It’s easy to think, “I’ll wait until the place is fully set up before I invite anyone over.” But the truth is, home isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. The presence of people you feel safe with, encouraged by, or even just curious to know. Community brings comfort.
Here are some simple, pressure-free ways to invite others into your space:
- Host a coffee date or Bible study
- Share music, testimonies, or stories
- Invite a neighbor for takeout or a casual meal
Why It Matters: Sharing space and laughter makes your rental feel rooted in love.
Home Is Where You Make It
Your rental may be temporary, but your sense of belonging doesn’t have to be.
By adding personal touches, creating cozy rituals, and inviting connection, you can experience the peace of home—right where you are. You don’t need perfection. Just presence.
How do you make a new space feel like home? Share your tips in the comments below!
I can relate to most of what is here. Awesome post