For a travel nurse, constantly moving can make it challenging to feel at home. However, with a few personal touches, any temporary living space can become cozy and inviting.

1. Invest in Cozy Essentials

It may sound odd but, investing in new bedding and throw blankets can work wonders. Imagine ending a long shift and coming home to bed with the plushest blankets and pillows. Throw blankets add a touch of warmth and style, plus they just might be the number essential to creating a cozy space.

Photos are also essential to creating a personalized cozy area. Printing out some of your favorite pictures and framing them can be incredibly comforting, inexpensive, and they provide a sense of familiarity no matter where you are located.

Scents have a powerful impact on our mood and sense of well-being. Fun fact: Your sense of smell is the most linked to memory, more so than any of your senses. So, if you have a specific smell that reminds you of home, make sure to grab those candles or diffusors scents.

2. Find Your Spots

Finding your new local coffee shop, grocery store, gas station, or favorite restaurant is key. Having a favorite spot for morning coffee can make your new neighborhood feel more familiar. Similarly, knowing where to get groceries ensures the ability to cook some favorite meals. Even something as simple as finding the gas station in the area that is the best can make a huge difference in feeling at home. And of course, you’ve got to try to food in the area. One of the fastest ways to meet new people in a new place outside of work is to become a regular at a coffee shop or restaurant!

3. Make Time for Your Hobbies

Whether it’s a playing musical instruments, experimenting with art supplies, working out, gardening, making time and space for your hobbies will bring you joy! Along with finding your hobbies, find people who enjoy what you enjoy, and the easiest way to do that is by checking out Facebook groups. There is a Facebook community for everything and most of the time, it’s the easiest way to find events or places that feature your favorite things in a new area!

Adjusting to a new living situation every few months is part of the adventure of being a travel nurse. By taking the time to personalize the space and create a sense of comfort and familiarity, each new place can feel like home.

Hopefully, these tips help in feeling more at home in the next assignment. Safe travels and happy nursing!