For every bit of me that’s itching to travel, to pack things up and head out for some grand new adventure, there’s a part of me that really likes to be at home.
It’s not that I have to be in my own home exactly, but I like to feel settled. If my things have a spot–even if it’s just a corner to prop a book I’m reading–I feel comforted by extension. When I travel I like if it’s to a place that I can ease into. I like to unpack my bag, rest my toothbrush on a shelf, hang my towel up to dry. Stay awhile.
This month, I wrote a piece for The Neighborhood about the first thing that I do when I move into a new place. The piece is really about settling into a new home, but I think the ideas work as well for places that are less permanent.
Here’s the one thing (or two) that can make wherever I am feel a little bit more like home.
14 Comments
An excellent tip! For me the first things I unpack are a kettle, mugs and teabags and make sure I get the kettle on immediately. After that unpacking seems a whole lot easier and your house feels a little bit more like home 🙂
I constantly go through phases of wanderlust.. but as you said, there is something so comforting and wonderful about just being or feeling 'at home'.
My mom ALWAYS insisted on making my bed before she left! She'd leave me to an entire life in boxes, a barren room with bare walls, an empty fridge – but never ever an unmade bed. It's a tip I, too, have now instilled as habit.
I've moved a lot. A.Lot. And you and afternibbin are right: bed first, kettle- mug-plate second. If I have those, then everything else falls into place so much more easily.
P.S.: I can't decide if the lovely, velvety grey leaves in the top photo are actual leaves, or a very nice linen bun cover. hmmmmm…..
Very cute piece and a great idea. I love the idea of putting the linens in a separate box that is tidy and labeled – a bit of calm in a sea of moving chaos.
I used to be up for an adventure every free weekend or evening, but after getting married and having my own homespace, coming home is my favorite.
I LOVE to travel – but it´s always a bliss to return home and feel that special scent that´s in our home only. 🙂
What wonderful tips Erin. Beautiful photographs as always. You have a beautiful way of prop styling!
This is such a lovely idea. The boy and I are getting ready to move into our very first house (and out of a rather terrible apartment), so I need all the help I can get 😛
Except for trips to visit my parents and a trip to New Orleans for a wedding, I haven't traveled anywhere in more than ten years. I want to, though, as soon as I finish grad school; I want to see as much of the world as I can. And I think you've got the right idea about staying awhile in the places that you travel to; then you'll be able to visit not only tourist traps but also locals' favorites. I read a book by Alice Steinbach called Without Reservations, where she spent several weeks a time in England, France, and Italy; she lived in each place for a long time so that she could see what the culture was really like.
Making the bed is so important. And then find the toilet paper and then make some tea. Ready to unpack.
Same here; I love to travel but I always look forward being home again reading books
I do the same, I learned from a friend years ago. I was so overwhelmed, but she just came to help and the first thing she did was making my bed. And it felt so much better immediately!
Juels up there has a point with the tea, too 🙂
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