Struggling to ‘deck the halls’ as a travel nurse? Bouncing from one assignment to another can be an exciting adventure. But sometimes, it can leave you feeling a little uprooted, especially during the holiday season. The good news is, with a touch of rental-friendly decor, you can turn your temporary travel nurse housing into a warm, inviting space that feels like home!
How to Make Travel Nurse Housing Feel Like Home
It’s easy to get caught in the mindset of: “It’s temporary. I don’t need to decorate.”
That’s fine — but even the simplest rental-friendly decor can make all the difference, helping you feel at home wherever your next assignment takes you:
Bring a Piece of Home
Make your new travel nurse housing feel like home by packing a few cherished items from your own space. Pack a small yet special piece of home with you, like a:
- Favorite throw blanket or pillow
- Picture frame with friends and family
- Scrapbook
- Treasured piece of art
These personal touches can serve as a comforting reminder of your roots. They not only add a ‘homey’ touch to your space but also a spark of your unique personality and style to your rental-friendly decor.
Throughout your travel nursing assignments, these small but significant pieces will act as constant companions, providing a sense of stability and familiarity.
Cozy Up the Place
What’s better than cozying up after a long, fulfilling shift?
Creating a cozy atmosphere is essential for turning your travel nurse housing into a warm sanctuary, especially during the holiday season. Start by focusing on rental-friendly decor with soft textures like:
- Plush pillows
- Fluffy blankets
- Soft area rugs
Once you’ve warmed up the place, cozy up with a home-cooked meal and your favorite book, TV show, or movie to unwind.
Try it out with the help of our blog, “4 Best Fall Meal Prep Recipes for Travel Nurses,” this holiday season!
Look for Dual-Purpose Furniture
Your space might be limited, but you can make the most of it by opting for dual-purpose furniture and accessories.
For example:
- A stylish ottoman that doubles as storage.
- Decorate baskets that function as an accent piece and storage solution to keep your space tidy.
By selecting items that serve multiple functions, you’ll maximize the comfort and functionality of your temporary space.
Decorate for the Holidays
Nothing says self-care like decorating! Don’t let the temporary nature of travel nurse housing stop you from getting into the holiday spirit. In fact, embracing rental-friendly decor can help counteract homesickness and create that sense of home you crave while on assignment.
Travel Nurse Housing: Rental-Friendly Decor for the Holidays
Who says holiday spirit can’t follow you from assignment to assignment? Embrace the festive season, wherever your travel nursing career takes you. Grab your tinsel — let’s sprinkle some holiday magic: Rental-friendly decor style.
Bring on the Seasonal Scents
Nothing says “home” quite like walking into a space that smells like the holidays.
Invest in scented diffusers, sprays, or potpourri in fragrances like cinnamon, pine, orange, ginger, apple, or vanilla. These inviting scents can instantly make your space feel even more like home.
Pro Tip: Bake a batch of holiday cookies to really make your space feel as good as it smells.
Try Your Hand at DIY Holiday Crafts
Get creative on your day off and try your hand at some do-it-yourself holiday crafts.
Create personalized ornaments, wreaths, or garlands that match your style and add a unique touch to your travel nurse housing.
Dig in with Festive Table Settings
Make every meal feel special with holiday-themed plates, placemats, and napkins. Keep it simple, only getting as much as you need to avoid taking up too much space.
Invite your new coworkers over for a festive dinner to make the most of your travel nurse housing. Even if you’re celebrating alone, a beautifully set table can create a special ambiance that makes the holidays feel truly magical.
Create an Ambiance with Twinkle Lights
Warm up the place with lighting for a soothing atmosphere.
Incorporate rental-friendly decor like:
- String lights
- Table lamps
- Scented candles (if allowed by your landlord)
- Flameless candles
Pro Tip: Search “holiday fireplace ambiance” on YouTube and cast the video on your laptop or TV for extra cozy vibes.
Bring Life into Your Home with Festive Plants
Adopt a live poinsettia plant to add a dose of holiday cheer to your space!
Pops of red flowers and greenery can help bring life into your space and keep it feeling cozy and festive.
Remember: Keep it Small & Simple
You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars or lug heavy boxes of decor to decorate your travel nurse housing for the holidays. Stick to rental-friendly decor by adapting your furnishings to your lifestyle:
- Consider buying festive pillow covers rather than new pillows during the holidays.
- Invest in mini versions of your favorite holiday decor, whether a small tabletop holiday tree or menorah.
- Purchase rental-friendly decor that subtly incorporates your favorite holiday colors and patterns so you can use them year-round.
Above all, do your best to reach out and make new friends in the area, whether your neighbors or colleagues. Create new connections and stay in touch with your loved ones back home to feel cozy, whatever the season may be.
Find Your Next Holiday Travel Nursing Assignment
Ready to travel during the holidays? Discover your next travel nursing job with destinations nationwide. With 30+ years of experience in the industry, CareerStaff can connect you to travel, per diem, contract, or permanent placement positions that meet your personal and professional goals.
Apply today! Take just a few moments to complete a quick application below and get connected with your recruiter now.