Moving is exciting – but also exhausting. Between assembling furniture, tangled cables, and a marathon of boxes, the feeling often remains: “It doesn't really feel like home here yet.” And that's completely normal. Because it usually takes some time until everything has found its place.
But there is a quick, simple, and surprisingly effective way to already feel a bit at home even among boxes: houseplants.
🌿 Plants: The quickest measure against the “not-quite-home-yet” feeling
Even before the last shelf is hung or the kitchen is installed, one or two plants can fundamentally change the atmosphere in a room. They bring life to sterile corners, soothe the eye – and immediately create a feeling of coziness.
The reason: People have been proven to respond positively to nature indoors. Studies show that plants reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase subjective well-being. And that's exactly what you need after moving.
🏠 Why plants make sense right now
1. They are uncomplicated.
No screws, no tools – just place it and let it breathe. Plants work even without a setup plan.
2. They hide the chaos.
A large fern in front of the box wall? It looks much better right away. Plants structure rooms and draw attention to the beautiful.
3. They improve the indoor climate.
New furniture, fresh paint, packing materials – after moving, the air is often full of so-called VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Certain plants can filter these substances and thus ensure fresh air in the new apartment.
4. They make rooms feel cozy – immediately.
Unlike pictures, carpets, or lamps, plants don't need a fixed placement. They have an immediate effect and can simply move later when everything else is in place.
✅ The best plants for those who have just moved
Not every plant copes with moving chaos – but these do:
- Pothos: Undemanding, grows quickly, always looks good
- Snake plant (Sansevieria): Forgives almost everything, even watering breaks
- Spider plant: Easy to care for, air-purifying, and very beginner-friendly
- Monstera: A classic that makes a big impact – ideal for bare corners
These plants can forgive a week of chaos when the watering can gets lost among moving boxes.
💡 Extra tip: Plant first, furniture later
Many people buy plants only at the very end. But the exact opposite can help: Those who start with plants early create small feel-good zones, even if the rest of the apartment is still a construction site.
This not only makes everyday life among moving boxes more pleasant – it also brings structure and positive energy into the room.
Conclusion: Plants are the best decision after moving
If you have just moved and don't quite feel at home yet – simply plant your home a little closer. Whether on the windowsill, in the hallway, or next to the bed: A plant doesn't need a finished room to work wonders.
It provides better air, more peace, and a little piece of nature – exactly what you need most after moving.
The author: Peer-Arne Böttcher
Peer is the founder of AIRY and passionate about the topic of healthy indoor air. For many years, he has been intensively engaged with the scientific foundations and technical possibilities of how our breathing air can be sustainably improved – completely without chemicals, filters, or electricity.
