New home, new start: the checklist for your interior

Whether you're moving out on your own for the first time or taking the plunge into a larger or smaller home, moving is stressful, chaotic, and hectic. Arguing with your partner about moving that ugly cabinet, or that glass coffee table that's falling down the stairs or hitting a nail, for example, is all part of the experience.
That's why we thought it was time to give you some help, at least in the area of ​​interior design.

In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to consider when it comes to interior design during your move. This will ensure you're well-prepared for your move and won't forget anything when furnishing your new home. Finally, you can also download this checklist if you subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the article.

Why a checklist?

A good start is half the battle, and that's especially true for a move. But how do you begin? With thorough preparation, of course. By thinking ahead about what needs to be done, you'll save yourself a lot of stress.

What's more, a checklist helps you save money. You get an overview of what you really need, avoid duplicate purchases, and save last-minute trips to the hardware store.

In short: peace of mind and peace of mind in your home.

Common mistakes when furnishing a new home

Moving is often a rollercoaster: you're so eager to get everything done quickly. But in that rush, many (permanent) mistakes are made. Below are the most common mistakes – so you can avoid them:

Buying furniture too quickly

It might seem smart to order a new sofa or dining table right away, but it's often too early. You first need to get a feel for the space: what are the acoustics like, where will the light fall, where do you want to sit? Many people buy something they like based on their gut feeling, only to realize after a few weeks that it doesn't really fit how they use the space.

Not taking into account the incidence of light

Daylight has a huge impact on ambiance, color, and function. Without testing how sunlight falls at different times of day, you risk making the wrong choices for window treatments, lighting, or even wall colors.

No consistent color or style plan

Pinterest is full of inspiration, but without a concrete color palette or style guide, your home can quickly become cluttered. A mishmash of styles feels cluttered. Tip: choose one dominant style (e.g., Scandinavian, Japanese, or industrial) and build around it. Add at most one accent style.

No attention to finishing (such as moldings)

Finishing makes the difference between "just moved in" and "finished." Think of smooth transitions between walls and ceilings, beautiful skirting boards, or subtle moldings. Such details add character to your interior and create a more luxurious look without the need for major renovations.

Work in phases

Your home doesn't have to be Pinterest-perfect in a single weekend. In fact, by working in phases, you'll make better choices and avoid impulse regret.

Start with the basics: furniture, lighting, window treatments, and storage. Only then add ambiance: wall decor, plants, textiles, fragrances, and of course, finishing touches like our flexible moldings (wink wink), skirting boards, and details like mirrors.

This way, you can build a stylish, functional, and personal home step by step. Take your time, because Rome wasn't built in a day.

Not wanting everything at once

It's understandable that you want to settle in as quickly as possible, but forcing yourself to decide everything at once often leads to chaos (and a waste of money). Focus first on what's functionally necessary: ​​where will you sleep, where will you sit, how will you cook?

First basic functionality, then atmosphere

Think in layers. Start with a solid foundation: lighting, furniture, window treatments, and storage. Then add ambiance with wall art, plants, textiles, scents, and yes, finishing touches like moldings or skirting boards. This way, you create tranquility and space for personal choices, step by step.

General & planning

A good start is truly half the battle. In this phase, you'll map out your living needs, set a budget, and create a mood board or style guide. Also important: take accurate measurements! There's nothing more frustrating than furniture that doesn't quite fit or a door that won't open.

• Budget determination per room

• Choice of style (color palette, materials, atmosphere)

• Measurements of rooms, windows and doors

• Planning of deliveries and installations

Living room

The place where you relax, entertain, and often spend most of your time. Think carefully about the layout and the atmosphere you want to create. Lighting, window treatments, and finishing touches make all the difference.

• Floor selection and protection

• Window coverings and lighting controls

• Lighting (basic, mood, functional)

• Furniture: sofa, coffee table, cupboard, TV cabinet

• Decorative moldings, skirting boards and wall/ceiling finishing
  
  

Kitchen

Whether you're renovating a kitchen or installing it yourself, the design requires smart choices. Think about ample storage space, logical work routes, and materials that complement your interior design style.

• Kitchen appliances and layout

• Wall and floor finishing

• Storage options: drawers, cabinets, shelves

• Lighting above worktop

• Consistency in color and materials
  
  

Bedroom

Your bedroom is your recharging station. It's all about comfort, tranquility, and a smart layout. Ensure ample storage and a soothing color palette.

• Bed and mattress (dimensions, quality)

• Blackout window coverings

• Cabinet or storage system

• Night lights / mood lighting

• Color, textiles and personal accents

Bathroom

Small but mighty: the bathroom deserves just as much attention as the rest of your home. Practicality and style can go hand in hand.

• Mirrors (at the correct height and size)

• Sufficient storage space

• Wall and floor material (water-resistant and beautiful)

• Lighting at the mirror

• Accessories for atmosphere and convenience

Hall & corridors

The hallway is the first thing you see when you enter and the last thing you see before you leave. Often overlooked, but here you can create a great atmosphere with minimal effort.

• Coat rack or wall hooks

• Shoe rack or cupboard

• Lighting and mirror

• Atmospheric elements (colours, scent, decoration)

• Wall finish and any decorative moldings

Are you ready?

Moving doesn't have to be chaotic. With the right preparation (and a practical checklist), you'll stay organized, make better choices, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you've just received the keys or are already in the midst of moving stress, this interior design checklist will help you transform your house into a true home, step by step.

Whether you're in the planning phase or already unpacking moving boxes, this list will give you peace of mind, clarity, and control.

🧭 General & Planning

Budget determined per room

Style choice (for the color palette, materials, atmosphere, etc.)

Dimensions known of all walls, windows, doors, ceiling height

Mood board or style guide created

Deliveries and installations scheduled

Job schedule drawn up (when to paint, lay flooring, etc.)

Priority list made: what first, what can later?

🛋 Living room

Floor chosen and laid

Window coverings hung

Basic lighting installed (ceiling lamp, spotlights)

Mood lighting added (table lamps, dimmers)

Furniture selected: sofa, coffee table, TV cabinet, cupboard

Accessories added (cushions, art, plants, wall decoration)

Decorative moldings

🍳 Kitchen

Kitchen appliances installed (oven, refrigerator, hob)

Logical work layout (cooking – rinsing – cooling) arranged

Storage options provided (cabinets, drawers, shelves)

Worktop lighting installed

Floor and walls finished (e.g. tiling)

Consistency in materials and colors checked

🛏 Bedroom

Bed placed (correct size, good mattress)

Bedside tables and/or bedside lighting added

Blackout curtains

Closet or clothes storage installed

Colors and textiles coordinated with tranquility and comfort

Wall decoration or personal accents added

🚿 Bathroom

Mirror hung at the correct height

Storage options (cabinets, shelves)

Towels

Bath mats

Floor and walls finished with water-resistant finish

Lighting above mirror and ceiling

Accessories added (towel hooks, soap dispenser, fragrance)

💻 Home office

Office

Ergonomic office chair installed

Good lighting (daylight + desk lamp)

Power outlets and cable management

Laptop stand or monitor at eye level

Storage space provided (chest of drawers, wall shelf, archive box)

Low-noise zone with wall panels, for example

Decorate with soothing elements (plants, art, color)

🚪 Hall & Corridors

Coat rack or wall hooks

Shoe cupboard or rack placed

Mirror hung for departure and arrival times

Lighting for both atmosphere and safety

Decorative elements (colours, scent, wall finish)

Decorative moldings or other wall decoration

Conclusion

That's it! You're now better prepared than 90% of people moving. This checklist will not only help you make practical choices but also help you consider the style, finish, and ambiance of your new home more consciously.

Remember: a house is never "finished in one go." Give yourself the space to build an interior that truly suits you in phases.

Print this page and use the checklist to prepare yourself for your move.