How to Make Your Second Home Feel More Like Home

When you own a second home, it’s likely that you only spend a small portion of each year there. Whether it’s a summer or winter vacation getaway – or both – the limited time you’re there can make your second home feel like anything but home.

Luckily, you can fix that.

With just a few tweaks, you can make your second home feel every bit as welcoming and comfortable as your primary home. No matter how little time you spend there.

5 Tips to Make Your Second Home More Welcoming

Nobody likes walking into a cold, musty, unfamiliar house. With this in mind, follow these five tips to ensure your second home always provides a warm welcome:

1. Keep duplicates of your favorite items at your second home

If you have shampoo, jeans, pillow, or a book you can’t live without, purchase copies for your vacation home. It sure beats lugging these items back and forth from your primary to your secondary residence. Keeping them at your second home also ensures a touch of the familiar and comfortable is always there when you need it.

2. Install a smart thermostat

One of the biggest drawbacks of having a second home is that it’s nearly always chilly. Especially when you arrive after a long absence. Fortunately, installing a smart thermostat is an easy way to fix this. Options like the Nest learning thermostat can be adjusted remotely. Therefore you can take the chill out of the air a few hours before your plane even touches down.

3. Have someone prep the home for you

If you have a friend or family member in the area, have them prep the home for you. By turning up the thermostat, lighting a candle, and stocking the refrigerator with some essential items, this person can help make your arrival to your second home feel warmer and more welcoming.

4. Hang favorite artwork in your second home

If you find a piece of artwork you love, it can be tempting to squirrel it away to your primary residence, where you’ll see it more. Hang it in your other home. That way you’ll be faced with a welcome reminder every time you unlock the door.

This extends far beyond artwork, too. The second home is a perfect place to put favorite photos, items, and kitchen gadgets since all of these things will increase your enjoyment and comfort while you’re there.

5. Install smart lighting

Smart lighting is a great way to leave the porch light on in anticipation of your big return. Like a smart thermostat, smart lighting can be adjusted remotely and is a fantastic way to ensure your home is ready for your return, whenever you choose to arrive.

Use smart lighting to turn on a porch light, dim the lights in the living room, or even adjust some lamps in the bathrooms and bedrooms. Ideal for anyone who hates coming home to a dark house. Smart lighting is an easy way to make your space more welcoming.

Your Second Home Says “Welcome Home”

Owning a second home is a luxury, and these five smart steps help it feel more luxurious and welcoming every time you arrive.