4 Ways to Make Your House a Home

By Chuck Fenwick

Have you ever gotten one of those spam emails that say, “The Value of Your Home Has Increased” or something similar? 

I feel like I’ve gotten quite a few of those lately. Why? I have no idea.

But it got me thinking. 

Your home is more than just the physical structure where you keep all of your belongings. Your home is more than just a place to sleep at night. Your home is the people who live there, the culture you create, and a reflection of your priorities. 

Your home is important! And you can increase the value in many ways other than financially. 

Here are four ways you can turn your house into a home.

Prioritize Time at Home

We all experience busy seasons – the ones where we go to work, go home and sleep, and go back to work again. Especially now as we head into a busy season! But is this a year-round experience for you? 

Take a look at your calendar. It’s likely filling up with parties, back to school shopping, fall preparations and more.

Make sure to carve out some time in your calendar to be present at home. Make the people you live with a top priority and not an afterthought. 

Don’t just see your home as a structure you visit to eat, sleep, and repeat. Shift your perspective to see your home as the safe haven and comfort zone it could be for the people who live there.

Focus on Happiness

Happiness is the feeling of joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Pause and reflect on this for a moment. Do you feel joyful, satisfied, and fulfilled by your home? 

If you answered no, what are you going to do to change that? 

If the clutter you’ve accumulated over the years isn’t helping you feel joyful, donate some things to a local shelter. If you are not satisfied with an element of your home, determine what that is and make a plan to change it. If you’re not fulfilled by the time spent in your home, switch up your routine and plan something new at home with the people who live there. 

And remember, home is not the actual shelter you live in, but the people who live there and the feelings you experience. If you don’t feel happiness, you have the power to create a more positive experience.

Create and Emotionally Safe Space

Are the people in your home free to be who they indeed are? Creating an emotionally safe space for the people who live in your home begins with mutual respect for one another. 

Allow yourself and your family space to share their highs and lows without judgment.

Provide support and love one another unconditionally. Fully listen to one another and prioritize open communication with each other.

Invite Jesus Into Your Home

Although this is the final tip, it’s definitely the most important. Make sure Jesus is part of your home life. 

One way you can prioritize Jesus in your home is by being an imitation of Him. Treat others and love others the way Jesus did in His life. 

If you don’t know what that looks like, that’s okay! Start by reading through the book of Mark to learn more about Jesus. Then, read Ephesians to learn what it means to love others well.

Keep Me Updated

I want to know if you implement any of these strategies over the next few weeks. Send me a text and let me know how your home is impacted.