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So you’ve survived the move, just – although your back and bank balance are still reeling – and you’re finally in your new home, but what now? The first few days (or even weeks) in a new place can be totally overwhelming, especially if the last of your budget has been swallowed up by moving costs.

While you’re probably desperate to get going and stamp your mark resist the temptation to start knocking down walls in a gung ho fashion; major decisions are best left until you’ve had time to acclimatise. There are slightly less radical ways of settling in and making your new house feel more homely without giving either your walls or your finances a hammering.

If the existing colour scheme happens to be dark purple with black woodwork (or other such horrors) a re-vamp in a light neutral colour is a quick and relatively cheap way of making a house feel liveable, while giving you time to decide what you want to do in the long term. If possible aim to do this before you unpack – it’s a lot easier than working around your furniture.

The kitchen isn’t called the heart of the home for nothing; if it’s adequately equipped (well, has a workable oven at least) get cooking. Home-cooked grub is an instant comforter and enticing cooking smells create an instant homely feel. If the kitchen needs sprucing up but you can’t afford a major overhaul, covering shabby unit doors, with paint or vinyl will give them a new (inexpensive) lease of life. Wall mounted open shelving is a great way of adding some retro style for not very much money. Try Ikea for a range of affordable options.

Flooring can be another expensive area particularly if the whole lot needs replacing. If you can, try at first to work with what you’ve got. Shabby carpets can be covered effectively with some rugs and cushions. If you have floorboards underneath the carpets (and they’re in reasonable condition) consider painting them instead of sanding and varnishing, it’s a lot cheaper and creates a modern contemporary feel. Dulux and Farrow and Ball both stock a wide range of coloured floor paints.

Single central lights are never homely and can make a room feel dingy and more than a tad depressing. Never underestimate the power of soft low lighting as a mood enhancer; dotting some lamps around the place with low wattage high-energy bulbs will create a more intimate and relaxed feel – and won’t cost you the earth. Both Homebase and B&Q have a good selection of lamps and low energy bulbs.

Prioritise unpacking – there’s nothing more dispiriting than tripping over crammed boxes six months in. If the sheer number seems daunting start with one room first, this will provide a calm sanctuary away from the mayhem while you gradually get to grips with unpacking the rest. Fresh flowers and plants can instantly lift a room and make it feel friendlier, check out your local garden centre for special offers.

Putting out personal possessions will immediately make you feel more at home; family photos; pictures; books and records might be relatively small items but amassed generate instant familiarity and a cosy atmosphere. Music is also a great comforter so getting your radio or stereo set up a soon as possible is a must for most.

Once you’ve liberated your stereo there’s no excuse not to get your friends and family around for a house warming party. Not only do you get to show off your new home, having friendly faces around creates an air of normality that should help you to settle in much quicker – enjoy!