You shouldn’t wear sunglasses in your new home

Here’s the truth: you don’t really see a place until it’s yours. By then, it’s too late to admit the layout doesn’t flow like it did in the glossy photos. And those small frictions? Way more annoying to fix once you’ve moved in.

As an interior designer, I walk into every space with two voices in my head: one dreaming of finishes and fabrics, the other ruthlessly noticing every layout flaw, awkward hinge, or aggressive downlight. You can love a space and still see what needs to change. In fact, you should.

Here’s what I recommend checking before you move a single box in.

First, check all the installed light fixtures. Are they warm or cool-toned? Can you change the bulbs, or are they integrated LEDs? A bathroom lit with cold, blue-ish light will feel awful first thing in the morning and clash with the rest of the house. A mixture of warm and cold lights is a definite no-no in a stylish, functioning home. 

Then, take stock of the natural light. What direction are your windows facing? I once lived in a place with huge south-facing windows and had to wear sunglasses inside during the afternoon while being way too warm to concentrate on work. It was blinding. Beautiful, but blinding. So yes, that golden glow in listing photos? It’s not always that livable in practice. 

Turn on every light switch. See what it controls. Does the switch by the front door actually turn on anything useful? Are there enough outlets where you need them? Especially in bedrooms: can both sides of the bed access a plug without an extension cord snaking across the room?

Also, look for outlets in the kitchen and living room. You don’t want to realize too late that there’s nowhere to plug in your kettle unless you block a drawer.

Open every door and cabinet. Watch how they swing. Do they bump into each other? Into walls? Can you fully open your closet door without hitting the bed? You’d be shocked how many layouts are supposed to be spacious until you actually try to live in them.

Flow: walk through your day, room by room

This part is about imagining your routine in the space. Where do you put your bag when you walk in? Where’s the spot to drop keys and mail? Can you walk from the bed to the bathroom in the dark without tripping over something?

Try to place your furniture in your mind. If you’re living with someone else, whether it’s your elderly parents, kids or pets, think through how you both move through the space. Are there bottlenecks? Will the space feel like home for each of its inhabitants?

Look down. Are the floorboards in decent shape? Any buckling or major scratches? Once you move in, these become much harder to repair, and easier to ignore until they quietly drive you nuts.

Look closely at skirting boards, wall outlets, and tiles. Are things aligned properly? Do they look like they’ve just been slapped together to pass inspection? If something feels off, it probably is. And trust me, you don’t want to be staring at crooked tile lines every single time you brush your teeth.

Sometimes the layout you fell in love with in photos doesn’t match the one you’re standing in. Maybe a wall is closer than you remembered, or a corner that looked open is oddly tight. Double-check room dimensions, including ceiling heights, and make sure your furniture will actually fit where you imagined it.

Yes, moving is overwhelming, but this little window before your things arrive and your life fills the space is your chance to really see it. To notice the harsh light, the door that swings a little too far, the outlet that’s oddly missing exactly where you need it.

It’s not about being picky, it’s about setting yourself up to live well. And once you’ve done that walk-through with clear eyes and a bit of imagination, you get to move in with confidence.