How do you know when your Sims are 'settled' in a home?

Well I never move I just buy a lot and keep building a bigger house then making upgrades

It usually comes with lots of time playing with said household in said home. Paintings could be created and hung throughout the house, flowers could be grown, pictures of the family will be put up, I’ll add little things of clutter every so often. It takes time, but the little things like that is what makes my Sims homes feel truly lived in.

I never consider a new house for my sims truly lived in unless I've given them enough amenities and furnishings in their homes that it doesn't feel so...empty. Recently I took a 5 sim household (4 guys and a dog) to move from their cramped appt to a house in Windenburg. It was the Munch's old house and when they died it became unfurnished, and to save money I only brought over a few furnishings and sold whatever was left in their old appt. Since that's a big house and they don't have much to spend on furnishing properly, it's still just has the basics and won't feel "lived in" for awhile until I've filled their house with what I feel they should have.

Once their normal everyday routine has been established. Takes about 2-4 sim days I find.

After a few weeks or so, when I have enough money to fit out the house with decorations beyond the necessities. I'm talking about art, plants, knick-knacks on tables, etc.

Oftentimes when I move into a house (especially a starter) all I have is the basics.

About into almost two sim weeks for me or so is when they get settled. I've decorated their place to what fits them for their own personal space.

I always love filling my sims homes with clutter it always gives their place more personality. (Though in reality clutter sucks in my room and everywhere else. :# ) I like to go and make some family photos and such to help in it feeling more 'homey' for sims.

Knick-knacks like flowers & plants (some homes I don't use those at all though) scattered around along with other knick-knacks like a magazine or a book or a statue on a surface somewhere. A kitchen counter (if possible and only if I have 2 empty counters awailable for cooking) with various appliances (non functional) and other kitchen related knick-knacks. A toiletroll holder next to the toilet, a towel rack and a shelf or counter with toiletries in the bathroom. A desk filled with other things than just a computer. Hobby/career related activity objects like guitar, excersize equipments, etc.

But mostly. My sims are at home when I have managed to furnish and decorate their home by their tastes, hobby, jobs, personalities & quirks (traits) and most importantly, my imagination :wink:

Depends on me. I mean the sims themselves don't mind at all. When Cats&Dogs came out, I build a new mansion for my big family in Brindleton Bay. The previous house I used for 7 generations. I decorated all of it, put all photos and paintings on the wall but... I couldn't get used to it.
So I copied their previous house and plonked it there. I can't seem to get rid of my first big house I've made :lol:

I rarely move my sims out of their starter homes if I'm being honest.. I find it hard to love the large houses so I usually just add a new rectangle to the side of the house everytime the mum has a baby

It feels like home when they have some basic comfort upgrades (beds.. fridge) and then usually skill stuff and some knick-knacks or collectibles that suit their personality. This happens a few days in.

My smart aleck answer is when they have a dungeon..