The difference between a house and a home is really quite simple, a house is a structure you live in that provides for your basic needs and safety. A home, however, is a place that provides you mental and emotional support, a place you look forward to being in to get away from the outside world. Do you feel that way about your home?

Let’s look at some of the things that can help in creating the difference between the two, things that not only create a kind of sanctuary for you, but are also easy, free, and within your grasp.

Letting Go: Don’t focus so much on decor, design, and picking the perfect furniture to reflect your personality and interests that can turn your house into a place of stress. It’s more important to not allow that stress to enter your home. It doesn’t have to be a race-trust it will all eventually come together and just let it all happen when it does. Cherish your home in all its different quirky stages. Your mind and wallet will thank you for it in the end.

Make It a Refuge: Do you have a place you go to in your mind that’s a no-stress zone? A place that you sneak away to that just calms you down and clears your mind?  Now wouldn’t it be incredible if that place was your home?  Try taking a few deep breaths before you open the door, or leaving all the negativity outside on the front steps. What can you do to eliminate stress and worry from your house and make it a peaceful, happy place?

Spend Time There: This seems like a no-brainer, right? But it’s not all that easy. How much time do you just spend in your home enjoying it? Do you hang out there and get to know it better? Or do you run out every chance you get? The more time you actually spend in your house, the more you may grow to love it. Even if it’s not your ideal space, you can start to appreciate it and make it work for you.

Share It: Do you share your home with others you love? Do you have friends over for dinner or a movie? Or do you very rarely invite guests over because your house isn’t perfect? The more happiness and laughter that enters your house, the more it is going to feel like a home.

Make Memories: This is a direct result of the previous tip. If you fill your home with people and laughter, you will be making memories all along the way. Filling your house with memories will quickly turn it from a mere dwelling into a home. You may not look back and remember this house for its amazing picture windows, or French doors, or balcony to the pool, but you will remember the birthday party where your best friend baked their first three layer cake and then the dog promptly knocked it off the table resulting in impromptu ice cream cookie sandwiches with candles stuck in them.

What kind of things do you do to turn your house into a home?