Putting a personal touch on your apartment is what turns it into a home, instead of just a place to live. To start settling in, unpack your boxes and either recycle them or stow them out of sight. Storing out-of-season clothes in clear plastic storage boxes is a great way to organize your closet, while under-the-bed boxes and over-the-door hooks and shoe bags are other ways to get organized.

Make the most of the space you have, but resist the urge to display many knick knacks. They can make an otherwise tidy space look cluttered, and are difficult to dust around. Add a pop of color with plush throw pillows, funky wall art, or a lampshade that's not the usual white or cream color. Area rugs can brighten up a room - and hide unsightly stains on the carpet.

Photos of family, friends, pets, etc. are the finishing touches to transform a formerly empty apartment into your new home sweet home.