What is the difference between a home and a house? The most logical answer would be that a house refers to a building whereas a home refers to a place a person lives in and belongs to.
It sure becomes challenging to define a home when all you’ve done in the last few years was move from one house to another. You may have lived in a crummy little apartment as a new graduated student where you had strange roommates or you may have upgraded to an extravagant condominium with a swimming pool and a fitness center right after that big raise you got at your first job. You may have looked back and wondered was that my home or just a house?
The answers may not come easily. Yes, there is a difference between a house and a home not just in terms of the denotation of the words but also their connotation.
A house has a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, a bedroom and perhaps a garden. Whereas a home has an emotional connotation to the word. It’s a place where we create memories, a place where we grow up and grow old and, above all, it’s a place where we belong.
For some of us, whenever we move, our homes move with us.
Here are five things you can do make every new house “your home”:
- Don’t leave memories behind
Whether old or new, your books, your vintage boxes, your family heirlooms like carpets, rugs and blankets and any other objects that made your home in the past should follow you in the new house. The process of moving these items becomes much easier with the help of removalists instead of trying to cramp everything into a van or in a box.
- Spend more time at home
Making time to actually stay home is another great way to make your house a home. In this day and age where we’re always rushing to head out, make deliberate attempts to stay in the house and spend time with your family and loved ones.
- Keep things neat and in order
Keep your house clean and clutter free. This idea may seem farfetched to some of us who are constantly shopping, but owing fewer possessions makes cleaning, storing and maintaining stuff much easier.
- Invite friends over
After you start staying home make sure you invite visitors over for meals or coffee. Hosting birthday parties or a dinner is another great way to let guests enjoy the ambience and warmth of your home. Warning: They may never want to leave your home!
- Be happy
The last suggestion is linked to the previous one. When your home is a place of laughter and fun, memories definitely stay with you for a long time. Make happy memories at your home and make it your goal to make the stay happy. Be happy and make others happy because that is what matters most.
I believe that if we can all follow these suggestions, everyone will have a home, no matter how big or small it is.
Written by Upashna Rai
